Database migration can be referred to as the process of moving databases in between storage types, formats, or systems. Businesses and corporations might need to move their databases for various reasons, such as server or storage equipment replacements, maintenance or upgrades, application migration, website consolidation and data facility relocation.
Accomplishing this consists of moving all database objects and categories: table definitions, data, indexes, constraints, views, triggers, stored procedures and processes, user accounts, roles and permissions.
Databases could possibly be migrated manually or programmatically through the use of advanced program known as database migration tools. Manual approach usually comprises these steps:
Manual Database Migration Steps
- Export table definitions along with indexes and constraints from the source database in form of SQL
- Convert these statements into the destination format and import to the target database.
- Export data from the source database into an intermediate storage like comma separated values (CSV)
- Transform the data according to the destination format and load it to the target database.
- Extract views, stored procedures/functions and triggers from the original database in form of SQL statements and code.
- Convert these statements and code into the destination format and load into the target database.
There are many free tools and online services to convert table definitions across miscellaneous formats of DBMS. However, the data migration procedure is often connected performance bottle neck caused by strict requirements of acceptable downtime for the source and target databases.
This is the reason why database administrator or another person responsible for the database migration may look for the most efficient solutions in terms of data transfer rate.
Automated Database Migration Using Tools
Many free and paid tools can simplify the migration process. These tools help reduce downtime and enhance performance, ensuring efficient data transfer. Database administrators often seek solutions with the highest data transfer speed to minimize disruptions.
Common Approaches to Data Migration
Most database migration projects use one of the three following approaches to moving data:
- Snapshot. This is quite easy to implement method with main idea of transferring the data as one huge fragment. Obviously, it is very demanding for hardware resources and not suitable for migration of extremely large databases
- Parallel snapshot. This method is similar to the previous one except the data is split into multiple chunk and each of them is migrated in a separate thread.
- Change data capture (CDC). This is the most performance approach as it only processed the data being changed based on the source database changelog analysis.
Immediately after loading to the new program, the finished data needs to be verified so as to figure out if the database was correctly transferred, complete and possesses appropriate supports for programs in the new system.
It can be recommended to run both source and destination database systems concurrently throughout the verification process to determine regions of disparity, and forestall loss of data or corruption.
For big and advanced database migration project, it is best performed programmatically to obtain an automatic process flow, relieving human resources of challenging tasks. It is essential to select the suitable tool to relocate the database in the expected time-frame without loss of data or corruption.
How to Choose the Right Database Migration Tool?
Listed below is the list of primary functions that can be made available with the use of excellent database migration tools:
- All recent versions of source and destination DBMS are supported
- Table definitions, indexes and constraints are converted with all necessary attributes
- Conversion settings must be stored into a profile for next use
- Full Unicode support
- Option to customize types mapping, conversion rules, etc
- Command linesupport
- Comprehensive documentation and 24/7 support service
Recommended Database Migration Tools
Several software companies specialize in automated database migration. One such provider is Intelligent Converters, a company that has been offering database conversion, migration, and synchronization solutions since 2001. Their tools support migration between popular database management systems, including:
- PostgreSQL
- MySQL
- Oracle
- SQL Server
- Azure SQL
- Microsoft Access
- FoxPro
- SQLite
To explore more about Intelligent Converters and their database migration solutions, visit their official website.
Also Check: Asset Management software
Final Thoughts
Database migration is an important process that ensures seamless transitions between systems while maintaining data integrity. By understanding the various migration methods and leveraging the right tools, businesses can efficiently upgrade, consolidate, and optimize their database systems with minimal downtime and risk.
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