Database migration Archives - Metaorange Digital

Strategies To Run Old &
New Systems Simultaneously
Using The Same Database

Posted on July 24, 2023February 19, 2024 by MetaorangeMarketing

Running old and new systems simultaneously while sharing the same database can be a complex task. However, with careful planning and implementation of the following strategies, organizations can achieve a smooth coexistence of the systems. This comprehensive guide provides valuable insights and best practices to ensure smooth coexistence of both systems. Learn how careful planning and implementation can optimize data synchronization, enabling organizations to boost efficiency and productivity in their operations.

Strategies for Simultaneously Running Old and New Systems with a Shared Database

Data Separation

Create clear boundaries between the old and new systems within the shared database. This can be done by implementing proper data segregation techniques, such as using different database schemas, tables, or prefixes for each system. Ensure that there are no conflicts or overlaps in the data structure or naming conventions.

Database API or Service Layer

Introduce an API or service layer that acts as an abstraction between the old and new systems and the shared database.

This layer handles the communication and data retrieval between the systems and the database. It allows for controlled access and ensures data consistency and integrity.

Database Versioning and Compatibility

Maintain proper versioning and compatibility mechanisms to handle any differences between the old and new systems.

This includes managing data schema changes, maintaining backward compatibility, and implementing data migration strategies when necessary. The API or service layer can help in handling these versioning complexities.

Data Synchronization

A data synchronization mechanism is established between the old and new systems to ensure that changes made in one system are reflected in the other.

This can be achieved through real-time data replication or scheduled batch updates. Implement conflict resolution strategies to handle conflicts that may arise when both systems modify the same data simultaneously.

Feature Flags or Configuration of Database

Use feature flags or configuration settings to control the visibility and functionality of specific features or modules within each system.

This allows for gradual rollout of new features or selective access to different parts of the system based on user roles or permissions. Feature flags can be managed centrally or through configuration files.

Testing and Validation

Thoroughly test and validate the interaction between the old and new systems and the shared database. Conduct integration testing to ensure that data synchronization, compatibility, and functionality work as expected.

Implement automated testing frameworks to detect any issues early on and ensure a reliable coexistence of the systems.

Monitoring and Troubleshooting

Implement robust monitoring and logging mechanisms to track system behavior, identify anomalies, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise during the simultaneous operation of the old and new systems.

Monitor database performance, data consistency, and system interactions to proactively address any potential problems.

Gradual Migration and Decommissioning

As the new system gains stability and the old system becomes less critical, gradually migrate functionality from the old system to the new system.

This phased approach allows for a controlled transition and minimizes disruption. Once the migration is complete and the old system is no longer needed, it can be decommissioned, and the shared database can be fully utilized by the new system.

Conclusion

By implementing these strategies, organizations can effectively run old and new systems simultaneously using the same database.

This approach enables a smooth transition, minimizes risks, and allows for the gradual adoption of the new system while maintaining data integrity and minimizing disruptions to ongoing operations.

Cloud Migration Process Made
Simple: A Step-by-Step Framework
for Success

Posted on July 10, 2023February 19, 2024 by MetaorangeMarketing

Migrating an organically grown system to the cloud requires a well-defined framework to ensure a smooth and successful transition. Here is a Cloud Migration Process, step-by-step framework that organizations can follow:

A Step-by-Step Cloud Migration Framework for Organically Grown Systems

Assess Current System

Begin by conducting a comprehensive assessment of the existing system. Understand its architecture, components, dependencies, and performance characteristics. Identify any limitations or challenges that might arise during the migration process.

Define Objectives and Requirements

Clearly define the objectives and expected outcomes of the migration. Determine the specific requirements of the cloud environment, such as scalability, availability, security, and compliance. This will help guide the migration strategy and decision-making process.

Choose the Right Cloud Model

Evaluate different cloud models (public, private, hybrid) and choose the one that best suits the organization’s needs. Consider factors such as data sensitivity, compliance requirements, cost, and scalability. Select a cloud service provider that aligns with the chosen model and offers the necessary services and capabilities.

Plan the Cloud Migration Process Strategy

Develop a detailed migration strategy that outlines the sequence of steps, timelines, and resources required. Consider whether to adopt a lift-and-shift approach (rehosting), rearchitect the application (refactoring), or rebuild it from scratch. Determine the order of migration for different components, considering dependencies and criticality.

Data Migration and Integration

Develop a robust data migration plan to transfer data from the existing system to the cloud. Ensure data integrity, consistency, and security during the transfer process. Plan for data synchronization between the on-premises system and the cloud to minimize downtime and ensure a smooth transition.

Cloud Migration Process Refactor and Optimize

If rearchitecting or refactoring the application is part of the migration strategy, focus on optimizing the system for the cloud environment. This may involve breaking monolithic applications into microservices, leveraging cloud-native services, and optimizing performance and scalability. Use automation tools and frameworks to streamline the refactoring process.

Ensure Security and Compliance

Implement security measures to protect data and applications in the cloud. This includes encryption, access controls, and monitoring. Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards, such as GDPR or HIPAA. Conduct thorough security testing and audits to identify and address any vulnerabilities.

Cloud Migration Process Test and Validate

Perform comprehensive testing at each stage of the migration process. Test functionality, performance, scalability, and integration to ensure that the migrated system meets the defined requirements. Conduct user acceptance testing (UAT) to validate the system’s usability and reliability.

Implement Governance and Monitoring

Establish governance policies and procedures for managing the migrated system in the cloud. Define roles and responsibilities, access controls, and monitoring mechanisms. Implement cloud-native monitoring and alerting tools to ensure the ongoing performance, availability, and cost optimization of the system.

Train and Educate Staff

Provide training and educational resources to the IT team and end-users to familiarize them with the new cloud environment. Ensure that they understand the benefits, features, and best practices for operating and managing the migrated system. Foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Execute the Migration Plan

Execute the migration plan in a phased manner, closely monitoring progress and addressing any issues or roadblocks that arise. Maintain clear communication channels with stakeholders and end-users throughout the process to manage expectations and address concerns.

Post- Cloud Migration Process Optimization

Once the cloud migration process is complete then continuously optimize the system. Additionally, it is optimized for better performance, scalability, and cost-efficiency. Leverage cloud-native services and tools to automate processes, monitor resource utilization, and make data-driven decisions for ongoing improvements.

Conclusion

By following this framework, organizations can successfully migrate their organically grown systems to the cloud. Moreover unlocking the benefits of scalability, agility, cost savings, and enhanced performance in the modern cloud environment.

Zero Downtime with Microservices

Posted on August 8, 2022August 3, 2023 by metaorange

While certain programs can withstand planned downtime, most consumer-facing systems with a global audience must be available 24/7. Zero Downtime is unavoidable with a single backend server. Multiple servers help avoid downtime. Small businesses can use the strategies described here since cloud providers provide tools for zero-downtime installations. It helps to grasp the basic concepts, how easy it is to implement, and the repercussions once the vast size is reached.

“When you want to deploy or upgrade your microservices. Don’t wait to upgrade- with Zero Downtime Deployment; you may reconfigure on the fly.

A new year means a new set of goals, and the essential one for this year is to use microservices to reduce development costs and accelerate time to market. There are numerous frameworks and technologies available today for developers that want to build microservices quickly.

Next, you must make sure that the frequent microservice deployments do not affect the microservice’s availability.

Here comes Zero Downtime Deployment (ZDD), which allows you to update your microservice without disrupting its functioning.

When we talk about zero-downtime deployment, what exactly are we referring to?

Zero-downtime deployment, the optimal deployment situation from both the users’ and the company’s perspectives because new features and defects may be incorporated and eradicated without a service interruption.

Three typical deployment techniques that guarantee minimal downtime

Rolling deployment — In a rolling deployment, existing instances are gradually taken off of service. In contrast, new ones are brought online, ensuring that you retain a minimal percentage of capacity during deployment.

Canaries — You test the dependability of version N+1 by deploying a single new instance before continuing with a full-scale rollout. This pattern adds an extra layer of security over and above a standard rolling deployment.

Use of blue-green deployments — You put up a set of services (the green set) that execute a new version of the code while gradually shifting requests away from the old version (the blue set). This may be preferable to canaries in situations where service users are extremely concerned about error rates and will not tolerate the possibility of a sick canary.

So, what’s the most efficient method?

There are other approaches, but one is as simple as:

Implement your service’s first iteration.
Your database should be upgraded to the latest version
Concurrently roll out the v2 and v1 of your service

Once you’ve verified that version 2 is flawless, simply deactivate version 1 and move on.

That’s all there is to it!

Isn’t that simple?

Let’s have a look at the blue-green deployment procedure right now.

Blue-green deployment is something you may not be familiar with. However, it’s a breeze to use Cloud Foundry to accomplish this.

To summarize, to deploy blue and green is as simple as the following:

keep two backups of your production environment (blue and green)
Map production URLs to the blue environment to direct all traffic there;
Any application updates should be deployed and tested in a green environment
Turn on the switch by mapping URLs to green and turning them off by mapping them to blue.

A blue-green deployment strategy makes it easy to introduce new features without worrying about something going wrong in the field because you can quickly “flip the switch” to revert your router to a previous setting, even if that happens.

Maintaining two copies of the same environment doubles the amount of work necessary to support it; therefore, they have a lot in common. Another option is to utilize the same database for the web and domain layers and then toggle them using blue-green switches. However, if you need to alter the schema to support a new software version, databases can be a real pain to work with.

What if the database change isn’t backward compatible anymore?

Isn’t it possible that my first application may go up in flames?

The truth is…

Despite the enormous advantages of zero-downtime / blue-green app deployment, enterprises prefer to launch their apps using a less risky method:

Put together a new application package using the current version.
Put an end to the currently running program
The database migration scripts should be executed
Install and use the latest version of the software

When implementing Microservices, why is it critical to have zero downtime?

Uptime is critical for many major web applications. A service interruption can frustrate customers or provide a chance for them to switch to a competitor. In addition, for a site with e-commerce capabilities, this can result in actual revenue being lost.

A website with zero downtime is free of service interruptions. Redundancy becomes a must at every level of your infrastructure if you want to attain these lofty ambitions. Are you redundant to other availability zones and geographies if you use cloud hosting? Using globally dispersed load balancing, do you use it? Do you have many load-balanced web servers and multiple clustered databases on the backend?

Uptime can be increased by meeting these conditions, but it may not be possible to achieve near-zero interruptions. You’ll need to conduct extensive testing to be able to do that. The idea is to demonstrate that parts of your infrastructure collapse rapidly without a significant outage by triggering them. The real test will be when the power goes off.

Zero Downtime Deployment has several advantages.

More dependable releases will be made in the future.
Process of releasing software that is easier to repeat.
There will be no deployments during odd hours of the day or night.
Upgrades to the software are completely unknown among end-users.

Conclusion:

The pursuit of Zero Downtime Deployment is worthwhile. However, supporting agile development more quickly doesn’t compromise on the end-user experience. Platforms for container management make it simple to do so.

Learn More: DevOps Services of Metaorange Digital

Tag: Database migration