DEV Community: Alexander Kirpichny

Top 5 database migration tools in 2023

Alexander Kirpichny — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 14:03:49 +0000

Database migration remains an ever-present phenomenon, as organizations routinely turn to this practice for a multitude of reasons. Yet, the question persists: What precisely is database migration? Among the array of database migration tools available, which excel in this task? What unique features and benefits do they offer?

This article will address all the basic queries on database migration along with the Top Database Migration Tools that are available in the market. We will be discussing the key features of these best database migration tools in detail for a deeper understanding of the topic.

What is database migration?

Database migration refers to the process of transferring data and other components from one version or type of a database system to another. It is commonly done to upgrade the database system, move to a different platform, or make structural changes to the database schema. Database migrations are a crucial part of maintaining and evolving database systems while minimizing downtime and ensuring data integrity.

Here are some common scenarios where database migration might occur:

Database modernization. Legacy databases often pose a number of issues. Database modernization offers a promising solution to alleviate the challenges posed by legacy databases within organizations. The streamlined maintenance and support of modern systems, coupled with a larger pool of experts, lead to reduced downtime and more efficient issue resolution. In essence, database modernization empowers organizations with the agility, security, scalability, and analytical prowess required to thrive in today's data-driven landscape.
Schema Migration. This type of migration involves changes to the structure of the database. It includes modifying tables, adding or removing columns, changing data types, altering indexes, and adjusting constraints. Schema migration is often necessary when upgrading to a new version of the database management system or when optimizing the database structure.
Data Migration. Data migration focuses on moving data from one database to another. This can include transferring data from an old system to a new one, consolidating data from multiple sources, or migrating data to a different storage format. Data migration requires careful planning to ensure that data is accurately transferred and transformed while maintaining data integrity. Apart from the tools designed specifically for data migration, most of the database migration tools can handle data migration as well. The best ones will be reviewed later in the article.
Platform Change. Organizations may migrate databases from one platform to another, such as from on-premises servers to cloud-based services or from one cloud provider to another.
Application Migration. When an application is moved from one environment to another, such as from development to production, the database associated with that application might need to be migrated to reflect the changes.
Database Consolidation. In cases when organizations have multiple databases serving different purposes, they might decide to consolidate these databases into a single system to improve efficiency and management.

In the context of applications, the term "database migration" typically encompasses one of three distinct scenarios:

Migration between source and target databases, characterized by the same Database Management System (DBMS) and structural configuration. This migration may occur either as a singular event or on a recurring basis.
Migration within an unchanged DBMS environment, albeit with substantial disparities in the schema. Such migrations are generally conducted on a one-time basis.
Transition to an alternative DBMS while preserving the structure. Migrations of this nature are typically carried out on a one-time basis.

What are database migration tools?

Database migration tools are software solutions designed to facilitate the process of transferring data, schema, and other database components from one system to another. These tools aim to simplify the complex task of migrating databases while ensuring data integrity, minimizing downtime, and reducing the risk of errors. Database migration tools come in various forms, and offer a range of features to assist in different migration scenarios.
It’s not a secret that database migration is a multifaceted process that involves moving data and schema from one environment to another, often to accommodate system upgrades, adopt new technologies, or improve performance. However, this seemingly straightforward task is riddled with complexities that can challenge even the most seasoned IT professionals. Mismatched data types, varying database structures, data loss risks, and the need for minimal downtime are just a few of the hurdles migration projects face. To navigate these challenges effectively, choosing the right database migration tool is paramount. A plethora of database conversion tools exists, each tailored to specific migration scenarios, database types, and user expertise levels. In the following list, we explore some of the standout database migration tools that provide migration between different relational database management systems and that have earned their stripes in ensuring seamless transitions.

5 best database migration tools

Ispirer Toolkit Ispirer Toolkit is a software that enables you to migrate your database from an outdated RDBMS to a modern one. With this toolkit you can migrate the entire database schema, business logic, and data to a modern platform. The best part of this database migration tool is that it automates the migration project, achieving up to 95% of automating SQL code conversion. With more than 25 supported dbs, including popular databases like Oracle, SQL Server, and PostgreSQL, the Toolkit provides the flexibility needed for diverse migration projects. A 30-day free trial is available.

Key features:

Migration of database schema
Customizable Conversion Rules
SQL and Procedural Code Conversion
Migration of stored procedures, triggers, tables, indexes, functions, views, SQL scripts, queries from one RDBMS to another
Using queries to migrate data
Support of LOB data type
Migration to Cloud (GCP, AWS, Azure, etc.)
Resolving conflicts of reserved words and identifiers
Global data type mapping
Local data type mapping
Object name mapping
Possibility to test query in the tool
Selective Migration
Multiple concurrent migration processes
Graphical User Interface and Command-Line Interface

When it comes to the intricate task of database conversion, the Ispirer Toolkit stands as a beacon of efficiency and precision. Let's explore the pros of this tool:

Automation. Ispirer Toolkit boasts robust automation capabilities, drastically reducing the need for manual intervention. This ensures speedier and more accurate database migration, saving valuable time and resources. For example, the database migration speed reaches 97 GB/h for some destinations.
Customization at its core. Offering a customizable approach to data transformation, Ispirer Toolkit empowers users to tailor the conversion process to their specific requirements. This flexibility is crucial when adapting data structures and business logic to the new environment.
Data integrity assurance. Ensuring the accuracy and security of migrated data is a priority, and Ispirer Toolkit delivers on this front. Its data validation features work diligently to maintain the integrity of data throughout the migration journey.
User-friendly interface. The Toolkit's intuitive user interface streamlines the database conversion workflow. Its simplicity encourages collaboration among team members, enhancing overall productivity.
Migration to cloud. Ispirer Toolkit automates the entire cloud migration process, while transferring to Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure, AWS Cloud.

Cons:

A free demo license is only available for certain migration directions.
Multiple concurrent migration process are available only for certain databases.

Pricing
Ispirer Toolkit is available under a project-based license. You'll only pay for what you need for your migration project, based on its size and complexity. Unlike fixed prices in other database migration tools, this approach saves your budget. With Ispirer Toolkit, you'll get a cost-effective and flexible solution that fits your requirements perfectly. The pricing starts at $295.

2.Flyway is an open-source database migration tool that simplifies the process of managing and executing changes in database schemas. It ensures a structured, version-controlled approach to migrations, making it easier to track, apply, and collaborate on database changes.

Key features:

CLI interface
22 supported databases
Supports Java + JVM
Database GitOps
Docker support
Detailed logging
SQL code conversion
Sync schema
Manual Rollback

Pros:

Version Control. Flyway enforces a structured approach to database migrations, assigning unique version numbers to each migration script. This ensures changes are applied in the correct order, preventing conflicts and inconsistencies.
Ease of Use. With a straightforward command-line interface and minimal configuration, Flyway is user-friendly and easy to integrate into existing workflows.
Flexibility in Scripting. Flyway supports multiple scripting languages, including SQL, JavaScript, and Groovy. This flexibility allows developers to use their preferred language for migration scripts.
Database Agnostic. The tool is compatible with a wide range of databases, making it suitable for projects that involve different database technologies.
Configuration Management. Flyway's configuration files enable easy customization of migration settings, making it adaptable to various project requirements

Cons:
Limited GUI. Flyway primarily relies on the command-line interface, which might be a drawback for users who prefer graphical user interfaces (GUIs).

Pricing
Along with the open-source plan, Flyway provides two more options for enterprises and teams with extended functions.

3.AWS Schema Conversion Tool is a powerful utility designed to facilitate database migration from one database engine to another, particularly when transitioning to Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud-based solutions. This database migration tool streamlines the migration process by automating the conversion of database schemas, code, and data, allowing organizations to modernize their infrastructure while maintaining data integrity and minimizing downtime. Schema conversion tool supports migrations between various database engines, including Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and MariaDB.
It allows you to migrate on-premises databases to AWS cloud-based services, such as Amazon RDS (Relational Database Service) or Amazon Aurora.
Here is an overview of the tool's key features:

Automatically converts schema definitions, data types, constraints, and indexes
Converts SQL code, including stored procedures, functions, and triggers, to the syntax compatible with the target database engine
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Batch Processing
Cloud integration
Logging and reporting
Customization

Pros:

Comprehensive Databases Support. It supports migration between various database engines, making it suitable for a range of migration scenarios.
Assessment and Recommendations. This database conversion tool provides an assessment of the source database and offers recommendations for addressing potential migration challenges.
Cloud Integration. AWS Schema Conversion tool seamlessly integrates with AWS services like Amazon RDS and Amazon Aurora, simplifying the deployment of migrated databases in the cloud.
Graphical User Interface (GUI). The user-friendly GUI makes it easier to manage migration projects, track progress, and execute tasks.

Cons:

Manual adjustments. The migration process, especially for complex databases or applications, might require additional manual intervention beyond automated conversion.
Unsupported Features. Some features of the source database might not have direct equivalents in the target database engine, requiring manual adjustments.
Version Dependencies. Compatibility with the latest database engine versions or new features might not be immediate, requiring updates to the tool.
Data Transformation. Complex data transformations might need manual verification and handling to ensure accuracy.
Support. Considering the fact that AWS SCT is the biggest tools

Pricing
AWS Schema Conversion Tool is an open-source tool.

4.Full Convert is a comprehensive and user-friendly database migration tool designed to simplify the process of migrating data between different database systems. It provides a graphical interface that allows users to easily configure and perform database migrations while ensuring data integrity and accuracy. Full Convert supports a wide range of source and target databases, making it suitable for various migration scenarios.

Features:

Conversion of tables, indexes, foreign keys
Data migration
Data Mapping
Schema Customization
Automated Mapping
Data Validation
Logging and Reporting
Batch Conversion

Pros of Full Convert:

Multi-Platform Support. Full Convert supports a wide range of database platforms and works for different migration scenarios.
Ease of Use. This database conversion tool offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies the migration process, allowing users to navigate tasks with minimal technical expertise.
Data Synchronization. Full Convert can perform bidirectional data synchronization between source and target databases, ensuring data consistency.
Customizable Mapping. It provides the ability to customize data type mappings and transformations, accommodating specific needs during migration.
Selective Migration. Full Convert allows you to choose specific tables, columns, and data subsets for migration, optimizing the migration process.
Automation. The database migration tool supports command-line execution and can be integrated into batch processes, automating repetitive migration tasks.
Data Preview. Users can preview data transformations before performing the migration, ensuring accuracy and reducing potential errors.

Cons:

Complex Projects. For highly complex databases with intricate relationships or customized code, considerable manual intervention may be considerable after migration.
Lack of Cloud Integration. Full Convert might lack direct integration with cloud-based databases or services, requiring additional steps for cloud migrations.

Pricing
Full Convert pricing ranges from $99 to $10k.

5.SQLines SQL Converter is a high performance database conversion tool that supports major enterprise databases, including Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, and others. The tool provides a command-line interface to help you automate and customize data transfer tasks.

Key features:

Migration of database schema (DDL)
Migration of views, stored procedures, triggers, packages, functions, DML statements
Capability to use SQLines Data in ETL processes as a data extract-load tool
Migration of SQL queries, SQL scripts

Pros:

Diverse Database Support. This database conversion tool supports a wide range of database systems and SQL dialects, making it suitable for projects involving different database technologies.
Batch Conversion. SQLines supports batch processing, enabling the conversion of multiple scripts or files in one go, which can be a time-saver for larger projects.

Cons:

Data migration requires purchasing another tool.
Limited Handling of Complex Queries. SQL conversion can be complex, especially when dealing with advanced SQL features or complex queries. The tool might not handle all scenarios perfectly, leading to manual intervention and adjustments after the conversion.
Manual Review and Adjustments. While SQL conversion tools aim to automate the process, there's often a need for manual review and adjustments to ensure the converted code is correct, efficient, and aligned with the target database's requirements.
Lack of Customization. This database conversion tool's default conversion rules might not cover all the specific requirements of your migration project. If the tool lacks customization options, you might need to work around its limitations.

Pricing
There are several pricing plans for SQLines. The licensing starts with $295. Package of SQLines SQL Converter tool and SQLines Data License is $495.

Closing word

In conclusion, database migration is essential for any organization looking to upgrade or replace its systems, consolidate multiple systems, move to the cloud, meet regulatory requirements, and improve data security and access.
In this blog, we've discussed the best database conversion tools list of 2023, including Ispirer Toolkit, Flyway, AWS SCT, Full Convert, and SQLines. Each tool offers unique features and capabilities, and it's essential for businesses to research and compare them to find the best one for their specific needs. Some of them are free database migration tools, some of them are commercial products, however it is up to each customer to choose between cost savings or conversion quality. Database migration can be challenging, but organizations can make the process as smooth and efficient as possible with the right tools and strategies. We hope this blog helps you make the correct decision and simplify your database migrations with the right tool.

What is application modernization?

Alexander Kirpichny — Mon, 29 May 2023 14:58:43 +0000

In our fast paced world one thing remains unchanged - technology evolves fast. In the last 20 years, the digital industry has experienced an explosion of new developments, which further urges companies to stay on top of modern trends. Modernization of applications remains one of the pressing issues on their agenda.
Application modernization is a process of updating outdated software. It usually involves adopting newer programming languages, frameworks, computing methodologies and more. Modernizing an app is pretty much the same as renovating a house of your grandma. Despite the building's fine condition, it definitely needs repair to ensure a safe and comfortable living environment. Similarly the modernization of applications is aimed at making the application more efficient and secure.
In this article we’ll cover common modernization patterns and some proven strategies that can be implemented on a small or large scale based on your needs. The information in this article will be especially helpful to enterprises and app owners who are seeking ways to modernize their apps efficiently and easily.

Why modernize legacy applications?

The issue of upgrading enterprise applications for internal use is particularly acute for many companies. Generally, applications are defined by their age, but we should not forget about the relationship it creates to the business. By default, applications help the business operate in the most efficient way, which creates a kind of symbiosis between the business and the application itself. It is possible, however, for the idyll in the family to be gradually replaced by toxic relationships. Over time legacy applications may require special expertise, increasing technical debt. Consequently, legacy applications require specialized skills for maintenance, development teams grow, and all this begins to cost a fortune.
Continuing to utilize legacy applications may be a necessity to business processes, and in such a case it is necessary to be prepared for all the risks and consequences which soon will cost a lot. Common difficulties typical for legacy apps are coming from noncompliance, failing to deliver new features and functionality demanded by employees. Basically, in such a situation companies have two scenarios to get a modern app: develop an application from scratch or modernize the legacy one. The first option can cost an arm and a leg, which makes IT leaders postpone this idea. Modernizing from an outdated technology to a modern one is often the most feasible decision a company can make.
Even though it will be a challenge to modernize, it is worthwhile to start making a modernization plan and preparing for the necessary changes as soon as possible.

Application modernization patterns

Basically there are 2 most popular application modernization patterns:

From monolith to microservices. The replacement of outdated systems with more adaptable, lightweight, and networked services is one of the most popular methods of modernizing applications. Instead of working with large, unstable applications, organizations can replace them with a series of modular new applications — often united by one or more APIs.
Workflows may be sped up, and flexibility can be increased, by tearing down large, monolithic services into smaller ones. These more flexible applications, referred to as composable applications, use microservices architecture to increase their portability and flexibility.
From on-premises to the cloud. Since they are less likely to be incorporated into wider application environments, on-premises apps often have a limited feature set and less flexibility. Businesses may improve the flexibility and scalability of their infrastructure with cloud migration or replacing an app with a cloud-native alternative. Migrating legacy apps always requires in-depth analysis of the current application state and includes key challenges that depend on such factors as languages, APIs, frameworks, etc. Replacing might entail purchasing software-as-a-service (SaaS) products that are native to the cloud. Alternatively, it is also possible to migrate and host already-existing applications there.

Both patterns are impossible or extremely difficult to implement if your application uses outdated technologies such as COBOL, Delphi, Informix 4GL. In this case, the solution may be to switch to modern C#, Java, JavaScript, Python. The process of moving your application to a new technology stack may be greatly simplified if you automate the entire transition. A helping hand in this complicated journey may become a tool for automated application migration. An example of such a tool is NglFly Wizard, which is designed for automated migration of application source code to a new technology, including migration to the cloud. It easily implements conversion of legacy applications to modern programming languages. The tool is able to analyze data types, relationships between objects, and reserved words and even code structures that do not have any equivalents in a new technology. With such a clever approach, code adjustments are reduced to a minimum and automation levels are maximized. This tool helps our team to skyrocket the process of app modernization up to 2 times while realizing the full potential of your application in the modern technology and/or in the cloud.

What are the benefits of application modernization?

Enterprise application modernization provides multiple benefits for enterprises empowering them to unlock the true potential of their software assets and stay ahead in a competitive marketplace. The main benefits of application modernization include:

Streamlined innovation. Over time, outdated applications for internal use lead to increasing costs of maintaining them in an operational state, which negatively affects a business as a whole. When companies are relieved of the burden of extensive legacy apps and infrastructure maintenance, they gain the freedom to dedicate more resources and time to fostering innovation. Newly modernized applications require less spendings on their development and maintenance.
Security and reliability. Enhancing security stands as a paramount priority in the process of modernizing legacy platform infrastructure. Legacy systems often cannot properly operate with modern versions of operating systems and other applications, which makes them vulnerable to potential data breaches and malicious attacks, posing significant risks to organizations. The process of modernization, however, equips businesses with improved security measures and safeguards critical transactions from potential threats.
Compatibility and agility. Legacy application modernization allows our clients to eliminate compatibility issues, ensure smooth data exchange, mitigate system conflicts, and foster interoperability with other systems and services. This seamless integration paves the way for streamlined operations and optimized performance. For example, web architecture increases accessibility, containers enable organizations to build tremendously scalable environments. This empowers businesses to promptly respond to market demands, meet evolving customer expectations, and stay ahead of competitors. The resulting agility not only helps organizations maintain a competitive edge but also fuels innovation, driving their continuous growth and success.

Application modernization strategies

In fact, once you’ve decided to modernize your application, it’s time to choose the perfect modernization strategy that fits your long-term motivations, and current state environment. Some of the most popular strategies for modernizing apps are:

Rehosting or Lift and Shift. This approach entails shifting applications to a more up-to-date infrastructure without making major modifications to the application itself, such as switching from on-premises servers to the cloud. There are several benefits that can be derived from this approach, including increased scalability, decreased maintenance, and cost savings. However, this application modernization strategy also has certain drawbacks. Since this strategy means basically a copy-paste process, keep in mind that all the drawbacks of your software will be successfully migrated to a new platform, which is hardly a way to considerably improve the efficiency.
Refactoring. This method involves the process of reorganizing and optimizing existing code. It allows to get rid of outdated code, reduce significant technical debt, and improve non-functional attributes such as performance, security, and usability. Furthermore, by refactoring, you can also adapt to changing requirements since cloud-native, and microservice architectures make it possible for applications to add new features or modify existing ones right away. However, this strategy is a half-measure in certain cases. If the source technology is not outdated, refactoring is a proper preventive measure. On the other hand, if the application is written in ancient COBOL, for example, such a measure is definitely insufficient and it is worth considering other modernization strategies.
Rearchitecting. In a situation when an application is not compatible with the mobile, web or cloud architecture, rearchitecting is an optimal way out. Most often rearchitecting involves dividing applications into smaller, more manageable pieces, so that they can be adjusted and developed individually. It can also involve migrating the application to a serverless architecture. Besides all the advantages of changing the architecture that include more flexibility, scalability and control, this strategy requires intelligent automation and analysis tools. Otherwise, rearchitecting will take a great deal of time, effort and will be more expensive than other alternatives.
Rebuilding. This strategy focuses on identifying the key legacy components that need to be modernized and built again without changing the application scope. It could be, for example, a specific feature or a set of elements driving the user experience. This process is relatively quick, however, it requires substantial time and budget, as well as considerable expertise.
Replace. This may be the simplest method for modernizing an application. Instead of rehosting, refactoring, rearchitecting, and rebuilding enterprises may just replace an application with a SaaS. When existing SaaS applications can provide you with all the necessary functionalities, replacement is an excellent option if you are looking to save costs related to software development. But replacement may pose a number of challenges including interruptions to business processes and limitations to future modernization initiatives.

When weighing up all pros and cons of each strategy, it is essential to remember that some of them may sometimes require additional optimization of the application to ensure stable, secure and efficient results of the modernization project. If you need to transform your application and add new features to it, in such a situation it may be worth contacting a service company for professional application modernization services. In the case of an application written in outdated Delphi, for example, it is absolutely worthwhile to seek out a skilled team with in-depth migration expertise, solutions, and methodologies that can ensure a seamless transition.

Application modernization steps

The process of modernizing corporate apps can be broadly defined by three steps.

Infrastructure Audit. The very first step in the app modernization process is to assess your existing IT infrastructure, including all of the following:
- Current hardware and software in use at your organization
- Any existing integration issues between apps
- Platform compatibility problems you’re experiencing
- All outdated features that simply would not work as expected.

The roadmap prepared based on such an analysis, should be able to cover what’s working and what needs to be improved. Without a clear sense of the challenges you face, it’s impossible to create an efficient modernization strategy.

Design a modernization plan. Designing an optimal modernization plan entails a thorough examination of your requirements, defining the desired outcomes, and making decisions on resource allocation within the constraints of your budget and timeline. This thoughtful approach enables effective planning and execution of modernization initiatives, ensuring efficient utilization of available resources while maximizing the overall impact on the application landscape.
Implementation. This stage implies bringing the chosen modernization approach to life and keeping up with the created roadmap. At this point it’s also important to keep an eye on the KPIs in order to meet the expectations of the organization and the objectives determined at the design stage.

Key technologies for application modernization

Cloud. While public cloud is a critical part of any modernization strategy, private cloud, hybrid cloud and multicloud strategies are also critically important for security, latency and architectural considerations. For any number of reasons, an organization might not be ready to go straight from the data center to the public cloud. That is no show-stopper as the other cloud models can help solve the workload issues in full compliance with the corporate security policies.
Containers and Kubernetes. Containers and Kubernetes have become significant players in the cloud computing landscape, not only challenging the dominance of virtual machines (VMs) but also playing a pivotal role in hybrid cloud and application modernization strategies. Containerization allows applications to run consistently across various environments, including desktops, cloud platforms, and on-premises infrastructure. It empowers organizations to navigate their cloud journey with ease, enabling seamless portability and efficient utilization of resources. Furthermore, Kubernetes, an orchestration platform for containers, provides advanced management and scaling capabilities. It simplifies the deployment and management of containerized applications, ensuring scalability, resilience, and efficient resource allocation.

Automated App Modernization

It goes without saying that one of the most valuable assets every business has is time. With the right time management in place, businesses can maximize their profits and minimize their losses. Even the most appropriate modernization strategy can be time-consuming if implemented manually. That’s the time when machines come to help. There are various tools available that automate this complicated process. Such modernization approach implies several benefits:

Automation saves time. Automated tools majorly facilitate the conversion, reducing the manual work to the minimum. With the help of a smart migration core they can automatically analyze data types, and complex code structures which greatly simplifies the developers’ work.
Cost Optimization. Automated application modernization can result in cost savings for organizations. By reducing manual effort, automating repetitive tasks, and minimizing errors, companies can minimize the overall modernization expenses.
Risk Mitigation. Generally, modernization of large enterprise applications brings a number of risks that hold back companies from the legacy modernization project. A big project increases the likelihood that something will go wrong which would result in additional costs and delays. But automation eliminates the risks associated with the human factor, and also makes the project timeframe more acceptable. Automation allows to detect and address most of the issues early in the modernization process and mitigate risks associated with data breaches, system failures, or non-compliance.

To conclude, application modernization is a hackneyed subject today. And for a good reason. All systems have to be compatible with the latest software and a wide variety of tools to ensure operational capacity and adaptability. And let’s not forget about security. With new security threats emerging daily, applications should be updated with the latest security measures and monitored carefully. That is why no one would argue if we claim that app modernization is a ‘must’ today.

If you plan your app modernization journey, consider utilizing automated tools, like the one provided by Ispirer. An application modernization process can become simpler and quicker handled by professionals utilizing automation and following best practices.