Sound Familiar?
Five Signs Your Databases Are Ready to Move
Your database team spends its week on patches, backups and disk space. One database runs a version that is out of support, and nobody has tested what happens if its server fails. A cloud database migration moves those databases to managed database services on AWS or Azure, where the cloud provider handles much of the routine upkeep. Signisys, an IT services company in Noida, helps businesses across Delhi NCR and India move databases to AWS and Azure.
Where It Applies
Six Database Migration Problems and What Fixes Them
Find the problem closest to yours, what it puts at risk and what reduces it.
The Risk
Hours of downtime while data copies across.
What Reduces It
Changes kept in sync until a short, planned switch.
The Risk
Missing or changed records found after go-live.
What Reduces It
Record counts and data checks before each switch-over.
The Risk
A restore that fails on the day it is needed.
What Reduces It
Restore and failover tests on the new service.
The Risk
A cloud bill sized for old hardware.
What Reduces It
Databases resized to real load.
The Risk
Too many people able to reach live data.
What Reduces It
Named access and sign-in rules for each database.
The Risk
Applications that run slower on the new service.
What Reduces It
Performance tests and query tuning before go-live.
Why Now
When a Database Move Makes Sense
Four moments when the way you run databases deserves a fresh look.
A License Renewal or Audit Is Due
The renewal is a chance to compare what you pay with a managed option.
The Applications Are Moving
Databases left on site can slow down applications that now run in the cloud.
A Version Reaches End of Support
An upgrade is needed anyway, so the move and the upgrade can happen together.
The Database Server Needs Replacing
New hardware means another long commitment to running the server yourself.
The Outcomes
What Changes After a Well-Run Database Migration
Five changes to look for once your databases run on managed services, and how to check each one.
Our Approach
How We’d Approach Your Cloud Database Migration
We start with your databases, versions and the applications that use them, pick a managed target for each one and move with a planned, tested switch-over.
Assess
Review Databases, Versions and Links We look at each database, its version, size, features in use, licenses and the applications that connect to it.
You receive Every database sorted with a recommended target. The Database Migration Review covers this step.
Plan
Choose the Target and Method We help compare managed options on AWS and Azure, decide whether to keep or change the database engine and agree the switch-over window for each database.
You receive A target, method and switch-over plan your team reviews and owns.
Implement
Copy, Sync and Switch Over We help copy each database, keep changes in sync while the source stays in use, check the data and switch applications over in a planned window.
You receive Databases moved, checked and signed off one by one.
Govern
Set Access, Backup and Recovery Rules We help agree who can reach each database, how long backups are kept and how failover is tested.
You receive Access rules, backup settings and a tested recovery plan in place.
Optimize and Manage
Resize, Tune and Report Where ongoing support is agreed, we resize databases to real load, speed up slow queries (the requests applications send for data) and report on cost and health.
You receive Cost, health and performance reports on an agreed schedule.
Want to understand how we deliver? Explore our Technology Delivery Methodology
Services
Services to Plan, Implement and Support Your Environment
The services behind the approach. Engagements include only what you need.
Not sure where to start?
Tell us about your goals and we will recommend the right mix of services for your business.
How It All Works Together
How a Cloud Database Migration Works
Each database is reviewed, copied to its managed target, kept in sync while in use and switched over once the data checks pass.
One Migration Standard
- Targets, data checks, switch-over windows and rules for moving back if a problem appears, agreed with your database lead and application owners.
- Reviewed before each database moves.
Check Your Database Plans
Databases on Site
Each database, its version and the applications using it.
Copied to
Managed Target
A managed database service on AWS or Azure.
Kept in
Sync and Checked
Changes copied across while the source stays in use.
Switched to
Live on the Cloud
Applications connect to the new database.
Cost, health and performance reports update the migration standard
Data Checks Fail
Record counts or test results do not match the source.
Switch-over paused
Source Stays Live
Applications keep using the source until the issue is fixed.
Works With What You Have
- Applications keep using the source until the planned switch-over.
- Keeps the same database engine where that fits best.
Security and Governance
- Access rules set before data arrives.
- Encryption set for data in transit and at rest.
- Changes to access and settings logged.
What Is Covered
- Table-based business databases and the scheduled jobs around them.
- Moves to managed services on AWS and Azure.
Solutions
Solutions That Support Your Business Objectives
The solutions that address the gaps above.
Technologies
Tools Behind a Well-Run Database Migration
Each part below covers one job in moving and running databases, from the standard to the cost report. If a tool you already pay for covers a part, we use it first.
Your First Step
Start with a Database Migration Review
We look at your databases, versions, sizes, features in use, licenses and the applications that connect to them. Nothing is changed during the review. You get a recommended managed target on AWS or Azure for each database, a method for the move and a view of the switch-over window each one needs. The findings are yours to keep.
Book a Database Migration Review
- We walk you through the findings on a call.
- Then it’s your decision, with no obligation to go further.
Scope
- SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL and PostgreSQL
- Versions, sizes, licenses and dependencies
You Provide
- A list of databases and their applications
- Read-only access to performance data
- Time with your database lead
You Receive
- A recommended target for each database
- License savings where they apply
- A move order with downtime estimates
Cost and Timing
- No charge, with a fixed scope
- Timing depends on the number and size of databases involved, so talk to us
Keep Reading
Explore Insights and Resources
FAQs
Cloud Database Migration: Frequently Asked Questions
What is cloud database migration?
Cloud database migration moves databases from your own servers or data center to a cloud provider. This page covers moves to managed database services on AWS or Azure, where the provider runs the hardware and much of the patching and backup work underneath.
What is a managed cloud database?
A managed cloud database is a database service the cloud provider runs for you, such as Amazon RDS, Amazon Aurora, Azure SQL Database or Azure SQL Managed Instance. You choose the size and settings, and the provider looks after the servers underneath.
What does our team still own after the move?
Your team still owns the data, the database design, access rules, query performance and how backups are kept. The managed service takes on much of the server, storage and patching work.
How long are applications offline when a database moves?
The database is copied across while it stays in use, and changes keep syncing until a planned switch-over. The AWS Database Migration Service guide describes one-time moves and copying ongoing changes to keep the source and target in sync. Microsoft’s Azure Database Migration Service overview lists online moves to Azure SQL Managed Instance and to SQL Server on Azure virtual machines; moves to Azure SQL Database are listed as offline only.
Can we change the database engine during the move?
Yes, where it is worth it. AWS describes DMS Schema Conversion, which assesses and converts the database structure (its tables and their layout) and code for a new engine. Some code still needs rewriting and testing by hand, and the review shows how much.
How do you check that the data moved correctly?
Each database is checked against the source before applications switch over. Row counts, sample comparisons and application tests have to pass, and the source stays live until they do.
Which databases can move to a managed service?
It depends on the version, size and features each database uses. Some features need changes or a different managed option. The review checks each database and recommends a target.
What happens to stored procedures, jobs and reports?
Stored procedures are small programs saved inside the database. They, along with scheduled jobs and reports, are listed during the review and moved, rebuilt or retired with the database. Scheduled jobs may move to a different tool on the managed service, and each one is tested after the move.
Can large databases move this way?
Large databases can be copied in one full first pass and then kept in sync, so the long copy happens while the source stays in use. Network speed and the rate of change set how long the first copy takes.
How are database backups and restores handled on a managed service?
Managed services such as Amazon RDS and Azure SQL Database include automated backups, with settings you can adjust. We help agree how long backups are kept and test a restore after each move, so recovery is checked before it is needed.
How do you keep a managed database available if something fails?
Managed services offer standby options that can take over if the main one fails, and some need to be turned on and cost extra. The review agrees how much downtime and data loss each database can accept, and failover is tested after the move.
How do you size a managed database?
We measure real load on the current server and pick a size that matches it, then adjust after the move. Monthly reports show where a database is too large or too small.
How is our data protected during and after the move?
We set up encryption for data while it moves and while it is stored, where the tools and services support it, and access is limited to named people and applications. Access rules are set before any data arrives.
How long does a cloud database migration take?
It depends on the number of databases, their size, how many applications use them and whether the engine changes. The review sets a timeline and a switch-over window for each database.
How is this different from moving Windows Server and SQL Server?
This page covers moving any database the managed services support, whatever software it runs on. Our Migrate Windows Server and SQL Server to the Cloud use case covers Windows servers and SQL Server licensing choices in more detail.
Is this the same as building a data platform?
No. A database migration moves the databases your applications use day to day. A data platform brings data from many systems together for reporting and analytics. Our Build a Cloud Data Platform use case covers that.
Which platforms do you work with?
We work with AWS and Microsoft as a Technology Partner, moving databases to managed services on AWS and Azure.
What happens in the Database Migration Review, and what does it need?
The Database Migration Review looks at your databases, versions, sizes, features in use, licenses and the applications that connect to them, and recommends a managed target and method for each one. It needs read-only access to database details, a list of the applications that use each database and time with your database lead. We walk you through the findings on a call. Signisys is based in Noida and works with businesses in Delhi NCR and across India; book through this page or call +91 7669 966 966. A Signisys specialist responds within 1 business day, and there is no obligation to go further.
Discuss a Project
Spend Less Time on Databases
A free review matches each database to a managed cloud service and shows the license savings and move order.
What happens next?
- We Get in TouchA technology specialist contacts you within 1 business day.
- We Understand Your NeedsWe arrange a 60-minute discovery session to understand your requirements.
- We Assess Your EnvironmentWe evaluate your needs, identify opportunities and recommend the right approach.
- We Define the Way ForwardWe present a tailored proposal with clear scope, deliverables and expected outcomes.
Existing Clients
Already Working with Signisys?
For questions about an ongoing engagement, contact your Signisys account team, or reach us directly by phone or email.
What happens next?
- We Acknowledge Your RequestYour account team responds within 1 business day.
- We Establish OwnershipWe understand your requirement and connect you with the right team.
- We Work on Your RequestThe relevant specialist coordinates with you to address your requirement.
- We Ensure ClosureWe follow through, confirm resolution and keep you informed.
Call Us
+91 7669 966 966Email Us
connect@signisys.comResponse within 1 business day
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