Database migration is described as the transfer of databases between different storage types, versions, or DBMS. Organizations may demand to migrate their databases for various reasons, such as replacement of server or storage equipment, application migration, system upgrade caused by growth of the business. Database migration consists of moving all related 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 converters. Manual approach usually comprises these steps:
- extract definitions of table, indexes, constraints and views from the source database in form of SQL statements; transform those statements into the destination format and import to the target database
- export the source data into CSV files, transform it according to the destination format and load it to the target database
- extract stored procedures/functions and triggers from the original database in form of SQL code; convert it into the destination format and load into the target database
The most important step after loading into the new database management system, the migrated entries must be verified to figure out if the database was correctly transferred, complete and possesses appropriate supports for programs in the new system. The recommended approach to the validation routine is 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 sophisticated database migration projects, the best approach is 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.
The list of primary functions that can be made available with the use of excellent database migration tools includes:
- Source and destination DBMS are supported in the most recent versions
- Database migration covers table definitions, data, indexes and constraints
- Conversion settings are stored into a profile for next session
- Unicode must be fully supported
- Customization of types mapping, conversion rules, destination schemas are required
- Command line support
- Comprehensive documentation and 24/7 support service
There are plenty of software companies that offer devoted resources to automate database migration. Being among those organizations, Intelligent Converters is working in the field of database migration and synchronization since 2001. They create a wide range of database converters for all well-known database management systems like PostgreSQL, MySQL (including such forks as MariaDB and Percona), Oracle, SQL Server, Azure SQL, Microsoft Access, FoxPro and SQLite.