--- title: "Migrating AWS RDS MSSQL to Snowflake: 2 Effective Methods" description: "Easily move your data from AWS RDS MSSQL to Snowflake to enhance your analytics capabilities. With Hevo’s intuitive pipeline setup, data flows in real-time—check out our 1-minute demo below to see the seamless integration in action! Your organization may choose Microsoft SQL Server (MSSQL) on AWS RD" canonical_url: https://hevodata.com/learn/migrate-data-from-aws-rds-mssql-to-snowflake/ published_at: 2024-04-26T22:48:27+05:30 updated_at: 2026-03-24T12:38:33+05:30 author: "Sony Saji" tags: [] categories: ["AWS", "Data Integration", "Snowflake"] word_count: 1851 content_type: post --- # Migrating AWS RDS MSSQL to Snowflake: 2 Effective Methods > Easily move your data from AWS RDS MSSQL to Snowflake to enhance your analytics capabilities. With Hevo’s intuitive pipeline setup, data flows in real-time—check out our 1-minute demo below to see the seamless integration in action! Your organization may choose Microsoft SQL Server (MSSQL) on AWS RD Easily move your data from **AWS RDS MSSQL to Snowflake**to enhance your analytics capabilities. With Hevo’s intuitive pipeline setup, data flows in real-time—**check out our 1-minute demo** below to see the seamless integration in action! Your organization may choose **Microsoft SQL Server (MSSQL) on AWS RDS**to store its operational data because there are no upfront investments. With AWS RDS MSSQL, you only need to pay for what your organization utilizes.** ** In today's dynamic business world, achieving the maximum value from your data is crucial. To do so, you must load all the data to an analytics platform without affecting the AWS RDS MSSQL performance.  One of the best options is to **move your data** from AWS RDS MSSQL to a **robust analytical platform like Snowflake**. This migration ensures that **transactional workloads** on the AWS RDS MSSQL do not disrupt **analytical queries** on Snowflake.  This article provides two methods of **AWS RDS MSSQL to Snowflake** migration for **efficient**, **real-time big data analysis**. ## Why integrate AWS RDS for Microsoft SQL Server with Snowflake? **AWS RDS MSSQL**offers only**16 TB of storage capacity** for each DB instance, while **Snowflake** provides **unlimited storage capacity**. When you integrate AWS RDS MSSQL with Snowflake, you do not have to worry about the storage limit issue.  When new data is added to the Snowflake warehouse, its architecture rearranges it into **internal compressed and columnar formats**. Then, this **optimized data** is loaded into cloud storage, which can be accessed through SQL Queries using SnowSQL CLI. This efficient storage utilization ensures **elastic scaling** to uncover valuable insights from data in real-time without human intervention.   **Unlock New Data Horizons—Migrate from AWS RDS MSSQL to Snowflake with Hevo!** Transform your data journey by migrating from **AWS RDS MSSQL** to **Snowflake**—the modern cloud data platform designed for scalability, performance, and advanced analytics. If you’re seeking enhanced insights and agility, now’s the perfect time to make the switch with Hevo! Hevo’s **no-code platform** empowers teams to: - Easily **migrate different data types** like CSV, JSON, etc., with the****[**auto-mapping feature. **](https://docs.hevodata.com/pipelines/schema-mapper/auto-mapping-event-types/) - Integrate data from **150+ sources(**[**60+ free sources**](https://hevodata.com/integrations/pipeline/)**)**. - Simplify data mapping and transformations using features like[**drag-and-drop**](https://docs.hevodata.com/pipelines/transformations/drag-drop-trnsfm/). Experience the simplicity of data integration with Hevo and see how Hevo helped fuel [**Cure.Fit's**](https://hevodata.com/success-stories/curefit/) drive for accurate analytics and unified data. ## What is AWS RDS Microsoft SQL Server? **AWS RDS Microsoft SQL Server (MSSQL)** is an **Amazon RDS** **version** compatible with Microsoft SQL Server. It allows you to quickly configure, operate, and scale **SQL Server** **deployments** in AWS Cloud on demand.  With its **cost-effectiveness** and **flexible computing capacity**, Amazon RDS MSSQL lets you deploy various SQL Server editions within minutes. It also eliminates the need to purchase separate MSSQL Server licenses by offering a **“License Included” licensing model**.  During Amazon RDS MSSQL DB configuration, you can choose between **Standard**and **Provisioned IOPS storage**and pay hourly without upfront costs or long-term contracts.  ## What is Snowflake? Snowflake is a **data warehouse-as-a-service** that allows you to create virtual data warehouses and databases to **store and analyze** large datasets.  It is compatible with cloud-based providers, including AWS, Azure, and GCP, which enables faster data storage, processing, and analysis at a low cost. Snowflake is known for its **instant, elastic, and infinite data scaling** across public clouds. Its unique platform allows for the efficient execution of the **most critical data workloads** using cloud-based hardware and software.  To improve data privacy and security, Snowflake complies with **HIPAA** and **PCI DSS** and is **FedRAMP-authorized**. Curious about Snowflake pricing? Try our **[Snowflake Pricing Calculator](https://snowflake-pricing-calculator.onrender.com/)** now! ## Methods for Data Migration from AWS RDS MSSQL to Snowflake You can smoothly convert AWS RDS MSSQL to Snowflake using **Hevo Data** or a method utilizing **Amazon RDS console, Amazon S3, and SnowSQL CLI.** ### Method 1: Migrate Data from AWS RDS MSSQL to Snowflake Using Hevo Data [Hevo Data](https://hevodata.com/) is a **no-code**, **real-time ELT platform** that helps you create automated data pipelines at a **low cost** based on your needs. With [150+ pre-built connectors](https://hevodata.com/integrations/pipeline/), Hevo Data allows you to export data, transfer it to destinations, and transform it for in-depth analysis. #### Step 1: Configuring AWS RDS MSSQL as Your Source Connector Make sure you have the following **prerequisites**before starting the configuration. - MS SQL Server Version 2008 or above. - [Enable Change Tracking](https://docs.hevodata.com/sources/dbfs/databases/mssql/amazon-rds-mssql/#enable-change-tracking) at the database and table levels. To know more about this step, refer to [Change Tracking for a Database](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/relational-databases/track-changes/enable-and-disable-change-tracking-sql-server?view=sql-server-ver15#enable-change-tracking-for-a-database) and [Change Tracking for a Table](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/relational-databases/track-changes/enable-and-disable-change-tracking-sql-server?view=sql-server-ver15#enable-change-tracking-for-a-table)_._ - [Whitelisted Hevo’s IP addresses. ](https://docs.hevodata.com/sources/dbfs/databases/mssql/amazon-rds-mssql/#whitelist-hevos-ip-addresses) - [Create a Database User](https://docs.hevodata.com/sources/dbfs/databases/mssql/amazon-rds-mssql/#1-create-a-user-optional) and [Grant SELECT and VIEW Change Tracking privileges](https://docs.hevodata.com/sources/dbfs/databases/mssql/amazon-rds-mssql/#2-grant-privileges-to-the-user). - You must have a [Pipeline Administrator](https://docs.hevodata.com/getting-started/creating-your-hevo-account/roles-workspace/#administrator), [Team Administrator](https://docs.hevodata.com/getting-started/creating-your-hevo-account/roles-workspace/#administrator), or [Team Collaborator](https://docs.hevodata.com/getting-started/creating-your-hevo-account/roles-workspace/#collaborator) role to create the Hevo pipeline. 1. ![Configuring Amazon RDS SQL Server Source Page ](https://res.cloudinary.com/hevo/image/upload/v1713873901/Configuring_Amazon_RDS_SQL_Server_Source_Page_ad28jc.png) 1. For more information about source configuration, read the [AWS RDS SQL Server](https://docs.hevodata.com/sources/dbfs/databases/mssql/amazon-rds-mssql/) documentation.  #### Step 2: Configuring Snowflake as Your Destination Connector Before you get started, make sure you have these **prerequisites**in place: - An active [Snowflake account](https://app.snowflake.com/) or [create one](https://docs.hevodata.com/destinations/data-warehouses/snowflake/#optional-creating-a-snowflake-account). - Create and configure a new role for Hevo in your Snowflake Destination using [Hevo’s ready-to-use script](https://docs.hevodata.com/destinations/data-warehouses/snowflake/#create-and-configure-your-snowflake-warehouse). - You must have either a [Team Collaborator](https://docs.hevodata.com/getting-started/creating-your-hevo-account/roles-workspace/#collaborator) or an administrator role in Hevo, excluding the [Billing Administrator](https://docs.hevodata.com/getting-started/creating-your-hevo-account/roles-workspace/#administrator) role. - Obtain the [URL of your Snowflake account](https://docs.hevodata.com/destinations/data-warehouses/snowflake/#obtain-your-snowflake-account-url). ![ Configuring your Snowflake Destination ](https://res.cloudinary.com/hevo/image/upload/v1713873901/Configuring_your_Snowflake_Destination_qtrclh.png) 1. For more information about destination configuration, read [Snowflake Destination Configuration in Hevo](https://docs.hevodata.com/destinations/data-warehouses/snowflake/).  ### Method 2: Migrate Data from AWS RDS MSSQL to Snowflake Using Amazon S3 and SnowSQL CLI To export data from AWS RDS MSSQL to Snowflake file, you must export the data from Amazon RDS DB instances to the Amazon S3 bucket. Then, the data will be loaded into Snowflake using the **SnowSQL CLI**command. Ensure the following **prerequisites**are met before you get started: - An active [Snowflake account](https://app.snowflake.com/) or [set up a new one](https://docs.hevodata.com/destinations/data-warehouses/snowflake/#optional-creating-a-snowflake-account). - A [new user](https://docs.snowflake.com/en/sql-reference/sql/create-user) for the Snowflake cluster - An active AWS account or [create a new one](https://portal.aws.amazon.com/billing/signup#/start/email). - [Set up Amazon RDS DB Instance for Microsoft SQL Server.](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonRDS/latest/UserGuide/USER_CreateDBInstance.html#USER_CreateDBInstance.Creating) - [Connect and Load Data using SQL Server Management Studio.](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonRDS/latest/UserGuide/USER_ConnectToMicrosoftSQLServerInstance.html) - [An Amazon S3 Bucket](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonS3/latest/userguide/creating-bucket.html) Let’s see how to insert AWS RDS MSSQL data into Snowflake table with the following steps: #### Step 1: Take a Snapshot of your AWS RDS - From the [Amazon RDS console](https://eu-north-1.console.aws.amazon.com/rds/?region=eu-north-1#), choose your RDS instances. - Click on the **Actions > Take snapshot**and provide a name for your snapshot. - Click the **Take snapshot** button. Read [create RDS DB snapshot](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonRDS/latest/UserGuide/USER_CreateSnapshot.html) for more information. #### Step 2: Enable Access to S3 Buckets - Create an **IAM role** and assign a policy to allow AWS RDS to access your S3 buckets. Read [allowing access to S3 Buckets](https://www.propeldata.com/blog/how-to-get-your-data-from-an-aws-rds-database-into-snowflake) to perform this step. Solve your data replication problems with Hevo’s reliable, no-code, automated pipelines with 150+ connectors. [Get your free trial right away!](/signup/?step=email) ![](https://res.cloudinary.com/hevo/image/upload/v1670564244/hevo-blog/mini-flash-note/Abstarct-left_vqud9s.png)![](https://res.cloudinary.com/hevo/image/upload/v1670564233/hevo-blog/mini-flash-note/abstract-right_skcs5j.png) #### Step 3: Export the RDS Snapshot to S3 - Navigate to the **RDS > Snapshots** and choose the snapshot you wish to export. - Click the **Actions > Export to Amazon S3**option. For more information, read [exporting RDS DB snapshot to S3](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonRDS/latest/UserGuide/USER_ExportSnapshot.html).  - When redirected to the **Export to Amazon S3 page**, specify the necessary configurations. ![AWS RDS MSSQL to Snowflake: Configuring Export to Amazon S3 Page ](https://res.cloudinary.com/hevo/image/upload/v1713873900/Configuring_Export_to_Amazon_S3_Page_mbkphs.png) *[AWS RDS MSSQL to Snowflake: Configuring Export to Amazon S3 Page](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonRDS/latest/UserGuide/USER_ExportSnapshot.html)* - Under **Encryption**, choose a **KMS key** or **ARN** to encrypt the snapshot. You cannot export the snapshot without a KMS key. [If you do not have one, create one and configure it](https://www.propeldata.com/blog/how-to-get-your-data-from-an-aws-rds-database-into-snowflake). - Navigate to the **RDS console** and paste the **ARN** or **KMS key**. - Finally, click the **Export to Amazon S3** button, and the data from AWS RDS MSSQL will be exported to the Amazon S3 bucket in **Parquet file format**.  #### Step 4: Loading the Data into the Snowflake Table - Log in to your Snowflake account using the **SnowSQL CLI**or [install it](https://docs.snowflake.com/en/user-guide/snowsql-install-config). - Create a database where you wish to import the data using the following command: ``` create or replace DATABASE sample_database; ``` - Convert the Snowflake file format to Parquet format using the following command: ``` create or replace file format parquet_format type = ‘parquet’;  ``` - Create a destination table in Snowflake to import the data from the snapshot using the following command: ``` create or replace table (sales_raw variant); ``` - Load the data into the Snowflake destination table using the following SnowSQL CLI command: ``` copy into   from s3://snowflakebucket/data/sample_database credentials=(aws_key_id=’$KEY_ID’ aws_secret_key=’$SECRET_KEY’) file_format = (type =’parquet’) header = true; ``` #### Limitations of AWS RDS MSSQL to Snowflake Migration Using S3 and SnowSQL CLI - **Extensive Knowledge:** For a smooth AWS RDS MSSQL to Snowflake integration, you need **extensive familiarity** with the AWS RDS console, Amazon S3 console, and SnowSQL CLI commands. Any issues arising during configuration will cause delays until they are resolved. - **Additional Coding:** You have to **write additional code** to clean, prepare, and standardize the data before loading it to Snowflake. ## Use Cases of AWS RDS MSSQL to Snowflake Migration - **Improved Business Workflow:**Snowflake’s**OLAP cube structure** helps organize **multiple data dimensions**that you can analyze to solve a business problem. This scalable OLAP cube allows your organization to easily analyze data from different perspectives, enabling you to **derive deeper insights quickly**.    - **Enhanced Data Analytics & BI**: Migrating from **AWS RDS MSSQL** to **Snowflake** enables businesses to leverage Snowflake’s advanced analytical capabilities and scalability, driving better insights for data-driven decision-making. - **Scalability for Growing Data Needs**: As data volumes grow, Snowflake’s elastic scalability allows seamless expansion, eliminating performance bottlenecks that may occur with MSSQL on AWS RDS. - **Separation of Storage and Compute**: Snowflake separates storage from compute resources, offering flexibility to optimize costs and performance—ideal for companies with fluctuating workloads or seasonal data surges. #### You can also read more about: - [AWS RDS MSL to Redshift](https://hevodata.com/learn/integrate-aws-rds-mssql-to-redshift/) - [SQL Server to Snowflake](https://hevodata.com/learn/how-to-load-data-from-sql-server-to-snowflake/) - [Java Connect to SQL Server](https://hevodata.com/learn/java-connect-to-microsoft-sql-server/) - [MySQL to SQL Server](https://hevodata.com/learn/ms-access-to-sql-server/) ## Conclusion Organizations utilize **AWS RDS MSSQL’s speed and flexibility** and **Snowflake’s** **real-time analytics** tools to manage large datasets effectively. In this article, you have learned how to connect AWS RDS MSSQL to Snowflake using Hevo Data or manually through Amazon S3 and SnowSQL CLI.  Integrating AWS RDS MSSQL with Snowflake via Amazon S3 and SnowSQL CLI requires manual file updates on both platforms, leading to slower **real-time data synchronization**. **Hevo Data eliminates this drawback** because of its no-code, real-time automated data pipeline, which helps with **quick configuration** and loads updated data into the Snowflake file in real-time. To learn more about importing data into Snowflake, read [4 Methods to Load Data into Snowflake.](https://hevodata.com/learn/loading-data-to-snowflake/#2)  Want to take Hevo for a spin? **[Sign up for a 14-day free trial](https://hevodata.com/signup/?step=email)** and experience the feature-rich Hevo suite firsthand. Also checkout our unbeatable [pricing](https://hevodata.com/pricing/pipeline/) to choose the best plan for your organization. ## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ### 1. How do I move an SQL Server database to a Snowflake? Export the data from SQL Server to **CSV** files, then use **Snowflake's COPY INTO** command to load the files. Alternatively, use ETL tools like **Fivetran** or **AWS Glue** for automated migration. ### 2. How do I load RDS to Snowflake? Export data from **Amazon RDS** to **S3**, then load it into Snowflake using the **COPY INTO** command. ETL tools like **AWS Glue** can also automate this process. ### 3. Can you connect SQL Server to Snowflake? Yes, you can connect SQL Server to Snowflake via **ETL tools** (e.g., **Fivetran**, **Matillion**) or by exporting SQL Server data to CSV and loading it into Snowflake.