22-25 April 2026 
Optimizing Database Migration Costs with Amazon FSx for NetApp ONTAP
Proposed session for SQLBits 2026TL; DR
In this session, we’ll break down the most common cost drivers behind spiraling database spend—focusing on how traditional compute–storage coupling limits scalability and flexibility.
You’ll get an inside look at Amazon FSx for NetApp ONTAP and how decoupling storage from compute enables independent scaling of IOPS and EC2 instances, unlocking more efficient architectures for SQL workloads. We’ll walk through a real customer migration scenario, showing concrete cost-optimization outcomes and lessons learned.
The session includes a step-by-step TCO and cost comparison for SQL workloads, followed by a live demo of the SQL Migration Advisor in BlueXP Workload Factory, illustrating how to assess on-prem SQL environments and identify optimization opportunities before migrating.
We’ll close with clear guidance on when (and when not) to position FSx for ONTAP, including ideal workload profiles and migration triggers—so you leave with practical, field-ready insights you can apply immediately
Session Details
1. Why Database Costs Spiral in the Cloud
We’ll start by unpacking the real reasons database migrations exceed budget—covering the most common and often overlooked cost drivers in SQL workloads. This section focuses on how compute–storage coupling, instance sizing constraints, and IOPS overprovisioning quietly inflate cloud spend after migration.
2. Inside FSx for ONTAP: A Storage Architecture Built for Databases
A technical walkthrough of Amazon FSx for NetApp ONTAP, explaining how decoupling storage from compute changes the economics of database workloads. Attendees will learn how independent scaling of IOPS, throughput, and EC2 instance choice enables more predictable performance and cost control for SQL Server.
3. Real-World Migration Scenario: From On-Prem to Optimized
A practical customer example that walks through an end-to-end SQL database migration. We’ll examine architectural decisions, trade-offs made during the migration, and the resulting performance and cost outcomes—highlighting what worked, what didn’t, and why.
4. TCO Breakdown & Cost Comparison for SQL Workloads
A step-by-step total cost of ownership analysis comparing traditional cloud architectures with FSx for ONTAP–based designs. This section breaks down compute, storage, licensing, and operational costs to show where savings are realized—and where they aren’t.
5. Live Demo: SQL Migration Advisor in BlueXP Workload Factory
A live demonstration of the SQL Migration Advisor, showing how to assess on-prem SQL environments, identify migration blockers, and uncover optimization opportunities before moving workloads to the cloud.
6. Key Takeaways: When FSx for ONTAP Is (and Isn’t) the Right Fit
Clear, experience-based guidance on ideal workload profiles, migration triggers, and decision criteria. Attendees will leave with a practical framework for knowing when FSx for ONTAP makes sense for SQL workloads—and when alternative approaches are a better fit.
We’ll start by unpacking the real reasons database migrations exceed budget—covering the most common and often overlooked cost drivers in SQL workloads. This section focuses on how compute–storage coupling, instance sizing constraints, and IOPS overprovisioning quietly inflate cloud spend after migration.
2. Inside FSx for ONTAP: A Storage Architecture Built for Databases
A technical walkthrough of Amazon FSx for NetApp ONTAP, explaining how decoupling storage from compute changes the economics of database workloads. Attendees will learn how independent scaling of IOPS, throughput, and EC2 instance choice enables more predictable performance and cost control for SQL Server.
3. Real-World Migration Scenario: From On-Prem to Optimized
A practical customer example that walks through an end-to-end SQL database migration. We’ll examine architectural decisions, trade-offs made during the migration, and the resulting performance and cost outcomes—highlighting what worked, what didn’t, and why.
4. TCO Breakdown & Cost Comparison for SQL Workloads
A step-by-step total cost of ownership analysis comparing traditional cloud architectures with FSx for ONTAP–based designs. This section breaks down compute, storage, licensing, and operational costs to show where savings are realized—and where they aren’t.
5. Live Demo: SQL Migration Advisor in BlueXP Workload Factory
A live demonstration of the SQL Migration Advisor, showing how to assess on-prem SQL environments, identify migration blockers, and uncover optimization opportunities before moving workloads to the cloud.
6. Key Takeaways: When FSx for ONTAP Is (and Isn’t) the Right Fit
Clear, experience-based guidance on ideal workload profiles, migration triggers, and decision criteria. Attendees will leave with a practical framework for knowing when FSx for ONTAP makes sense for SQL workloads—and when alternative approaches are a better fit.
3 things you'll get out of this session
• Understand why database costs spike after cloud migrations — and how compute–storage coupling directly impacts SQL performance and spend.
• Learn how decoupled storage architectures change SQL design choices, enabling independent scaling, smarter instance selection, and predictable IOPS.
• Leave with a practical framework to assess, migrate, and optimize SQL workloads, including real-world cost comparisons and tooling you can apply immediately.
Speakers
Semion Mazor's other proposed sessions for 2026
Instant Database Cloning at Scale with FSx for ONTAP - 2026