What are the differences between DBMS migration and upgrade, and how do you choose which one to pursue?

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If you work with databases, you know that keeping them up to date and compatible with your applications is a crucial task. However, you may not always be clear about the differences between DBMS migration and upgrade, and how to choose which one to pursue. In this article, you will learn about the definitions, benefits, challenges, and best practices of both options, and how to make an informed decision based on your needs and goals.

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1 DBMS migration

DBMS migration is the process of moving your data and applications from one database platform to another, such as from Oracle to SQL Server, or from MySQL to PostgreSQL. This can be done for various reasons, such as reducing costs, improving performance, enhancing security, or meeting compliance requirements. However, DBMS migration also involves significant risks, such as data loss, compatibility issues, downtime, and increased complexity. Therefore, you should carefully plan and test your migration strategy, and use tools and methods that minimize the impact on your operations and users.

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Marcin Badtke
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Changing database platform should be thoroughly tested. Platforms differ not only in SQL compatibility level but more importantly in transactions implementation. For instance MVCC implementation, default isolation level or how they deal with NULLs. Very important is also availability of online schema changes. E.g. is it possible to change table online? Or is possible to create/recreate index online? It is very shallow to choose database engine based only on number of transactions/sec. 99% performance issues are caused by not optimal database schema and not optimal SQL. Not by engine itself. Schema and SQL should be inline with engine features.

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2 DBMS upgrade

DBMS upgrade is the process of installing a newer version of your existing database platform, such as from SQL Server 2012 to SQL Server 2019, or from Oracle 11g to Oracle 19c. This can be done to take advantage of new features, fix bugs, improve security, or extend support. However, DBMS upgrade also involves some challenges, such as compatibility testing, backup and recovery, performance tuning, and user training. Therefore, you should evaluate the benefits and costs of upgrading, and follow the best practices and guidelines provided by your vendor.

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Jesse MacNett

Owner/operator at Rosewin Technologies LLC
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This can talk all it wants about "evaluating benefits and costs", but realistically, no one is going to use a vendor running a back end that's out of support. The question is not "if", it's "when". Many companies end up jumping on upgrades earlier due to one compliance regulation or another; more specialized or smaller shops are more prone to let things linger as-is. And sure, your systems "just work". Until there's a data breach, or an audit from a client, or the operating system reaches end-of-life and the next version doesn't support your antiquated platform. It's much easier to get ahead of this and test than playing catchup. Upgrade your stuff, folks.

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3 Comparison factors

When deciding whether to migrate or upgrade your DBMS, you should consider several factors such as your business objectives and requirements, technical feasibility and readiness, and financial and operational impacts. Your business objectives should align with your strategic vision and goals. Additionally, you should evaluate how compatible your data and applications are with the target platform or version. The change may require a significant amount of effort and resources, so you need to ensure data quality and integrity. You also need to consider the financial costs of licenses, hardware, software, services, and maintenance. Finally, you must think about how the change will affect availability, performance, security, and scalability.

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Marcin Badtke
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It is worth to mention that very important factor is database architects and developers knowledge and experience. Developers who know that particular engine and are able to write good SQL code without ORM are worth their weight in gold. Ones who can analyze access paths and execution plans are worth twice that much.

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4 Decision matrix

To help you choose between DBMS migration and upgrade, you can use a decision matrix that compares the options based on the factors above. A decision matrix is a tool that assigns weights and scores to each option and factor, and calculates the total score for each option. The option with the highest score is the preferred one. You can use a simple spreadsheet or an online tool to create your decision matrix. Here is an example of how it might look:

|---------------|--------|-----------------|---------------|

| Business objectives | 0.4 | 8 | 6 |

| Technical feasibility | 0.3 | 6 | 7 |

| Financial impacts | 0.2 | 7 | 8 |

| Operational impacts | 0.1 | 5 | 6 |

| Total score | 1.0 | 6.8 | 6.9 |

In this example, the upgrade option has a slightly higher score than the migration option, so it might be the better choice. However, you should also consider other factors, such as your preferences, risks, and opportunities, that may not be captured by the matrix.

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5 Best practices

Regardless of whether you choose to migrate or upgrade your DBMS, you should follow some best practices to ensure a successful and smooth transition. It is essential to define your scope and objectives clearly and communicate them to your team and stakeholders. Additionally, you should assess both your current and target environments to identify any gaps or issues that need to be resolved. It is also important to plan and execute a comprehensive backup and recovery strategy to protect your data and minimize downtime. Furthermore, reliable and proven tools and methods should be used to perform the migration or upgrade, and tested thoroughly before going live. Finally, it is necessary to monitor and evaluate the results and performance of the change, addressing any problems or feedback promptly. DBMS migration and upgrade are both important and complex tasks that require careful planning and execution. By understanding the differences, benefits, challenges, and best practices of both options, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs and goals.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Marcin Badtke
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In my opinion some focus too much on technology and too little on people's competences. The trend I can see is: ORM solves all developers' inabilities with relational model. Document databases make data and database architects obsolete. JavaScript adopted by some database engines is new holly graal. Narrative is: adopt cloud and AI and make your business flourish. Is it really? Please remember that cloud providers earn money when your company uses their resources. The more CPU and RAM your code consumes the more cloud provider earns. This is clear conflict of interests.

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What are the differences between DBMS migration and upgrade, and how do you choose which one to pursue?

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1 DBMS migration

2 DBMS upgrade

3 Comparison factors

4 Decision matrix

5 Best practices

6 Here’s what else to consider

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