Database migration: Five potential pitfalls

The requirements for current IT infrastructures are clearly defined: they must be fast, agile, scalable and highly available. Legacy systems, such as relational database management systems (RDBMS), are overwhelmed by this due to their structures. They are too rigid and limited to provide the required data and information for modern, distributed applications in hybrid IT and multi-cloud scenarios. The migration to a flexible database platform that masters the advantages of RDBMS, NoSQL and cloud with edge computing therefore seems logical and compelling. However, behind this are sub-aspects that require great attention in order to make such a timely change as cleanly and with as little risk as possible. According to Couchbase, a provider of a modern data management platform, there are five pitfalls that lurk during a database migration:

1. The migration of data. It is fatal to adopt the data model of the old relational database management system 1:1 when switching to a new database (such as NoSQL). To properly exploit the advantages of modern databases and support new use cases and SLAs (Service Level Agreements), a new data model is required - just as a sports car needs adequate tires to develop its full potential.
2. The migration of the app framework. The same applies to the application logic. The programming framework must be adapted to the capabilities of the new database. This concerns, for example, the adaptation of the programming libraries (SDKs) to the new database. If this is not sufficient because the framework in the legacy system is no longer up to date (for example, Cobol), the entire framework must be replaced.
3. The migration of the apps. A common mistake is the big-bang approach. Just as it makes little sense to immediately want to chase times on the Nürburgring with a freshly acquired sports car, the migration risk should also be minimized through a successive approach. A step-by-step migration with a bi-directional Data Connector between the old and new worlds takes away the time pressure and ensures that regular operations can continue undisturbed from the user's point of view.
4. The importance of migration partners. Pure in-house solutions are often regarded as a supposed proof of qualification, but are usually illusory. Involving external consulting with valuable knowledge of best practices and typical sources of errors can protect against missteps, shorten the migration process, and ultimately help keep costs under control. This experience can be contributed by IT system partners or the database manufacturer.
5. The organizational changes. The technical migration of the database system alone is usually not enough to achieve the intended support of the company's goals. This also requires internal operational changes, such as a more DevOps-driven organization. This also changes the classic role of database administrators, who become more involved in app development with microservices and CI/CD automation.

"Database migration is part of a comprehensive modernization process of IT infrastructures," explains Steffen Schneider, Head of Solutions Engineering Central Europe at Couchbase. "Companies should see this as an opportunity to reposition themselves technically and organizationally, but also in terms of mindset, and thus secure their competitiveness."

Source and further information: Couchbase