Amazon Web Services (AWS) has unveiled a new database offering specifically designed to attract users of Microsoft SQL Server and streamline their move to the AWS cloud platform. This new service, known as Babelfish for Aurora PostgreSQL, aims to offer a more affordable alternative for those currently paying for SQL Server licenses. AWS CEO Andy Jassy emphasized this benefit during his presentation at the recent re:Invent event, stating, “Stop paying for SQL Server licenses you don’t need.” Demonstrating a strong commitment to this initiative, AWS is also making the tool’s source code publicly available.

Babelfish functions as a compatibility layer, translating SQL Server’s unique SQL language (T-SQL) and communication methods, allowing organizations to transition to AWS’ Aurora relational database with greater ease (although data migration will still be necessary). This translation extends to the language itself, as well as SQL commands, cursors, catalog views, data types, triggers, stored procedures, and functions.

The key advantage is that businesses should be able to avoid the need to update their database drivers or revise and test their database queries during the transition.

According to AWS’s Matt Asay, “Babelfish differentiates itself by not being simply another migration tool, although those are valuable. Babelfish allows PostgreSQL to interpret database requests—both the command and the protocol—from applications originally developed for Microsoft SQL Server without requiring changes to libraries, database structure, or SQL statements.” This translates to quicker transitions with reduced development effort. Furthermore, the service prioritizes “correctness,” ensuring that applications designed for SQL Server will function identically on PostgreSQL.

AWS highlights that PostgreSQL is a widely adopted open-source database solution. Many organizations are looking to migrate to it—or integrate it with their current database systems. This new service is intended to significantly simplify that process.

The Babelfish project will be released as open-source in 2021 and will be hosted on GitHub under the Apache 2.0 license.

“The vast majority of relational databases continue to be hosted on-premises,” noted AWS CEO Andy Jassy. “Customers are frustrated with and dissatisfied by established vendors.” While also addressing Oracle during his re:Invent keynote, Jassy made it clear that Microsoft is the primary focus of the database-related products AWS is currently launching.