Overview
Babelfish extends Aurora PostgreSQL to natively understand Microsoft SQL Server’s T-SQL dialect and its wire protocol. This allows existing SQL Server applications to run on Aurora PostgreSQL with minimal or no application code changes.
How It Works
- Aurora PostgreSQL with Babelfish can accept T-SQL queries and process them directly.
- Applications continue using SQL Server client drivers (e.g.,
ODBC,JDBC,.NETproviders) without changes.
- Babelfish translates T-SQL commands internally into PostgreSQL-compatible operations.
- Aurora can handle both T-SQL and native PL/pgSQL queries in the same database.
Migration Support
- Works seamlessly with AWS SCT (Schema Conversion Tool) for schema translation.
- AWS DMS (Database Migration Service) can replicate data from SQL Server to Aurora PostgreSQL with Babelfish enabled.
- Allows phased migration — both SQL Server and PostgreSQL apps can connect to the same Aurora cluster.
Key Benefits
- Reduced migration effort – Avoids a full code rewrite.
- Dual dialect support – T-SQL and PL/pgSQL run side by side.
- Lower costs – Move off commercial SQL Server licenses.
- Faster adoption – Teams familiar with SQL Server can start using Aurora PostgreSQL immediately.
Example Architecture
- SQL Server-based applications send T-SQL queries via their existing drivers.
- Babelfish intercepts and processes the queries inside Aurora PostgreSQL.
- PostgreSQL-native applications connect directly using PL/pgSQL.
- Both sets of applications operate on the same underlying Aurora PostgreSQL database.