Compare schemas of several databases without restoring

Jay_Kay

I have a need to compare 20+ database schemas. However, these databases are all on their own secured client database servers and we have no access to their backups. Even if we could access the backups, there isn't enough disk space on our development server where I intend to do the comparisons, so I am looking for any solutions to this problem. The ultimate aim is to standardize all the databases onto one schema. We have the Redgate SQL Toolbelt licence.

Dan_J

Hi @Jay_Kay

Following our conversation within the support ticket regarding this, I just wanted to update your forum post also should it be useful to anyone else with a similar question.

If there is no access to the backup files (the source and targets for the comparisons), then SQL Compare won't be able to run a comparison on those data sources. 
 
Also, as per https://documentation.red-gate.com/sdc/troubleshooting/unexpected-behavior-technical-questions/how-much-free-hard-disk-space-is-required, SQL Compare requires sufficient free disk space (we advise 3-4 times the size of the database) in order to run the comparison. If this disk space is not available unfortunately SQL Compare won't be able to complete the comparison process.