Sure, database migration is complex, particularly when you’re looking to migrate from a proprietary database to an open source one. But you’re probably confident you and your team can handle it — and you’re probably right!
But just because you can do something doesn’t mean that it’s in your best interest to do so. Database migration is almost always time-consuming, tedious, and full of potential pitfalls. It also has a bit of a learning curve, which isn’t ideal if this is your or your team’s first go-round.
So, before you start migrating on your own, here’s why you should consider a third-party database migration service.
Database migration is complex
Let’s start here. The technicalities involved in migrating a database can be overwhelming. From upholding data integrity to ensuring no data is lost during the transition, there’s a lot to consider.
We covered these complexities in greater detail in our blog post “From Proprietary to Open Source: The Complete Guide to Database Migration,” but, in short, you must consider:
- Pre-migration planning: What are your purposes and objectives? Which software is the best fit for your organization? What is the best path to migrate? Should you consider a phased migration or a full cutover?
- Data preparation: How are you going to backup and cleanse your data?
- Schema, data, and app migration: Do you have the right tools at your disposal? What’s your plan to mitigate or minimize downtime?
- Quality assurance: How do you plan to test? Have you built a testing environment? Have you tuned your environment?
- Deployment and rollout: Will you roll out gradually or all at once? What’s your documentation plan? Do you have monitoring tools in place?
Time and resource constraints
First, you must consider the opportunity costs associated with database migrations. In-house database migration can take up significant time, requiring dedicated staff and resources, often leading to other projects being put on hold. Can your business afford to delay more strategic initiatives for an in-house migration?
Second, what happens when a migration doesn’t go as planned? What are the potential impacts of prolonged downtime, for example? Consider this in face of the fact that estimated downtime costs can exceed $300,000 per hour for small, mid-sized, and large enterprises.
Expertise and experience
As mentioned, database migrations are complex, and every situation is unique. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. This is particularly true when you’re migrating to an open source database that those on your staff may or may not be intimately familiar with. Chances are you will encounter some unforeseen hiccups along the way. The question is whether or not you have the expertise and experience to handle them.
However, while many of these issues may be unforeseen to you and your team, third-party database migration services have almost certainly dealt with them before. Percona, for example, has helped hundreds of companies migrate to open source. Our experts can anticipate potential roadblocks and issues, which is absolutely invaluable when it comes to preventing resource-draining delays and downtime.
Testing made easy
An equally critical aspect of the database migration process is testing the migrated database to ensure everything will function correctly and no data will be lost or corrupted. To achieve this, a substantial commitment is necessary from your team to master effective testing strategies. This entails providing comprehensive training for your staff, equipping them with both foundational and sophisticated testing methodologies. Additionally, it involves the acquisition or development of specialized testing software, which often comes with its own set of training requirements.
Conversely, third-party database migration services provide several advantages when it comes to testing, including:
- Comprehensive testing protocols: Third-party services have a set of standardized testing protocols based on scores of projects. This means they can ensure that every possible scenario is tested, from data integrity checks to performance benchmarks.
- Access to specialized tools: There are many tools available for database testing, but they can be expensive and require training to be used effectively. Third-party services typically already have these tools and the expertise to use them, providing more efficient and accurate testing.
- Experience in complex scenarios: Every database is unique, but over time, third-party services accumulate experience from various sectors, making them adept at foreseeing and handling complex testing scenarios.
- Time efficiency: Testing a database, especially a large one, can be time-consuming. With their expertise, third-party services can streamline the process, getting your migrated database up and running faster.
Avoiding the risks of DIY database migration
We’ve covered some of the following in passing above, but here are some quick-hitting risks you should consider when thinking about migrating on your own.
Potential data loss
In-house teams might not have the expertise to prevent such losses. For example, without comprehensive testing, which includes data integrity checks, there’s a higher risk of losing data. Or there’s the possibility of overlooking the backup of certain databases or parts of databases. The risk of potential data loss during a DIY migration can stem from several factors.
System downtime
Incorrect migration can lead to prolonged system downtimes, affecting your business operations. During a migration, unexpected issues can arise, such as incompatibilities between the old and new systems or unforeseen bugs that weren’t apparent during testing. Additionally, when an in-house team is managing the migration, they’re not managing their usual responsibilities. This reallocation of resources can lead to slowdowns in other areas of the business, compounding the downtime experienced due to the migration itself. Then, of course, there’s the possibility of issues arising post-migration.
Unforeseen costs
DIY migrations can lead to unforeseen expenses. Many third-party migration services operate on a fixed-cost model. This means you know upfront what the service will cost, allowing for precise budgeting without the risk of escalating expenses.
Additionally, every mistake made during a migration can be costly. Whether it’s data that needs to be recovered or systems that need to be debugged, fixing these issues takes time and money. Third-party experts are less likely to make such errors, and if they do, they are typically responsible for rectifying them at their own expense.
Third-party database migration: a success story
Have you ever listened to a podcast? You’ve probably heard of Patreon. The company provides tools to help creators get paid for the content they create. They also chose Percona to ass it with their database migration.
Percona planned and performed Patreon’s database migration, which went smoothly, with little to no disruption to the Patreon application. This move has enabled Patreon to save more than 50% of their infrastructure cost on a monthly basis. The financial savings realized are so dramatic that even after including the costs of a Percona Migration and optional post-migration Support, Patreon spends far less on combined services and infrastructure than they did prior to their migration.
You can read more about Patreon’s success story here.
Planning your database migration
If you’re still considering migrating your database on your own, our free Database Migration Planning Checklist will help you lay out a strategy for success. If, however, you’re considering a third-party migration service, we invite you to learn more about Percona’s migration services.
Learn more about Percona Migrations
FAQs
Is hiring a third-party database migration service expensive?
While there’s an upfront cost, in the long run, considering the risks and potential unforeseen expenses of DIY, it’s often more cost-effective.
How long does the migration process take with a third party?
The duration depends on the complexity of the database. However, third parties, with their expertise and tools, often ensure a quicker transition.
Will there be any downtime during migration?
Professional third-party firms aim to minimize downtime. Any downtime is typically scheduled during off-peak hours to limit disruptions.
How do I choose the right third-party firm for migration?
Look for firms with a proven track record, positive client testimonials, and those that offer scalable solutions.
What if my data gets lost during migration?
Reputed third-party firms have stringent measures in place to prevent data loss. Always ensure you have a backup and discuss safety protocols with the firm before migration.
