With digital transformation on the rise and cloud migration becoming more prevalent, many organizations are moving their legacy applications to database management systems. While there are many platforms to choose from, Enterprise DB Postgres provides end-to-end solutions for cloud migration and comprehensive data management.
So, what are the benefits of Postgres over other database solutions, and how can you facilitate an effective transition to the system?
When selecting a database management system, Oracle remains top of mind for many businesses due to its best-in-class workload and data monitoring capabilities. Postgres provides most of the same functions; yet the system is free and open-source, whereas Oracle is a proprietary database with restrictions surrounding data usage and transfer.
So, how does this fundamental difference impact each database’s features?
One of the leading goals in digital transformation is database compatibility, which is often facilitated by cloud migration. Oracle automates this process, but its licensed cloud infrastructure limits operations to a single environment, hindering migration from legacy systems. Conversely, Postgres offers portability to accommodate your legacy system in any cloud environment. As a result, Stacy Scoggins, Field CTO at Enterprise DB, says that Postgres has “20 to 25% better performance than the options that come from the other [systems].”
While Postgres is compatible with some legacy systems, others contain unsuitable data sets, which presents migration challenges. Case in point, one company attempted to execute a migration to Postgres from an outdated application on a Db2 database stack. This migration failed halfway through the process since the application was only compatible with the database stack. The company recognized that a successful migration would require restructuring the entire application and transferring it to a cloud-based environment. However, this presented logistical challenges surrounding integration and scalability.
What should you consider before migrating to Postgres?
Before initiating migration efforts, Karkavel Jegadeesan, Chief Technology Officer at Platform 3 Solutions, says to “start by analyzing the application. Spend the time…knowing what your services are, how your database is used, [understand] your stored procedures, and the usage of those procedures.” Evaluating each database component allows you to develop an informed strategy to streamline the migration process.
To ensure your legacy database is appropriate for Postgres’ capabilities, it’s essential to validate your database. This is integral to a successful Postgres migration and must occur before the start of the transition. There are several methodologies you can leverage to measure your database’s validity. First, you can compare your current database with Postgres by conducting application tests and analyzing the results for consistency. A similar test is data hashing, which involves compiling algorithms to assess your components’ functionality and compare data sets.
Whichever method you choose, it’s beneficial to facilitate the process using automation.
