When comparing SQL Server Migration Assistant vs SymmetricDS, the Slant community recommends SymmetricDS for most people. In the question“What are the best relational database migration tools?” SymmetricDS is ranked 10th while SQL Server Migration Assistant is ranked 12th. The most important reason people chose SymmetricDS is:
Can also duplicate entire file systems.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Free
Pro File systems
Can also duplicate entire file systems.
Pro Multi database
Support for Oracle, MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, MS SQL Server (including Azure), IBM DB2 (UDB, iSeries, and zSeries), H2, HSQLDB, Derby, Firebird, Interbase, Informix, Greenplum, SQLite, Sybase ASE, Sybase ASA (SQL Anywhere), Amazon Redshift, MongoDB, and VoltDB.
Cons
Con Limited scope
Only migrations to Microsoft databases are supported.
Con No Postgres support
Con Installs triggers
SymmetricDS does install database triggers.
Con Limited free version
The free version does not have a GUI and can only be used from the command line, see comparison.
There is an open source GUI dashboard available however: DRD Replicator.