Assess before you move
We inventory schemas, dependencies, features in use, data volumes and performance baselines, and flag anything that will not translate cleanly.
Database Migration & Modernization
Move to the cloud, to a new engine or to a new version without a weekend of downtime. We plan, rehearse and run database migrations so the cutover is the least exciting part.
A migration path with no surprises
Five stages, each with a clear exit criterion.
Assess
Inventory, compatibility and performance baseline.
Design
Target architecture, sizing and conversion plan.
Replicate
Initial load plus continuous change data capture.
Cut over
Rehearsed switch with a tested rollback.
Optimize
Tune on the new platform, then retire the old one.
Who it's for
Teams usually come to us in one of these situations.
Leaving commercial licences
Teams moving from SQL Server or Oracle to open-source engines.
Moving to the cloud
On-premises databases heading to RDS, Aurora, Azure SQL or Cloud SQL.
End-of-life versions
Databases running versions that are out of support.
Migrations we run
On-premises to cloud
Move self-hosted databases to RDS, Aurora, Azure SQL or Cloud SQL.
Engine modernization
Commercial to open source, for example SQL Server to PostgreSQL.
Version upgrades
Major upgrades with compatibility testing and plan checks.
Consolidation
Merge sprawling instances into a smaller, cheaper estate.
Rehearsed until it is boring
We run the cutover end to end in a rehearsal environment first, timing every step, so the real switch is predictable.
Common situations we solve
Real problems we are asked to fix, what we do about them and the result to expect.
The situation
SQL Server or Oracle licences dominate the IT budget
We assess which databases can move to PostgreSQL or MySQL, convert schemas and code, and plan a phased move with tests at each stage.
Licence savings without a risky big bang
The situation
An on-premises database must move to the cloud
We replicate continuously into RDS, Aurora, Azure SQL or Cloud SQL and cut over in a short, rehearsed window.
Cloud migration with minutes of downtime
The situation
The database version goes out of support next year
We plan the upgrade path, test applications on the new version and complete the move well ahead of the deadline.
Supported, patched and secure again
The situation
A previous migration attempt failed
We review what went wrong, add data verification and rollback steps, and rehearse the full cutover before touching production.
A migration plan you can trust
What you get
Minimal downtime
Replication-based cutovers measured in minutes.
Verified data
Row counts, checksums and application tests before switching.
Lower running cost
Licence savings and right-sized infrastructure after the move.
What makes migrations safe
Replicate, then cut over
Continuous replication and change data capture keep the target in sync while applications are tested against it. The final switch takes minutes, not hours.
Validate and tune
Row counts, checksums and application tests confirm the data, and performance is tuned on the new platform before the old one is retired.
Schema and code conversion
Engine changes involve more than data: we convert schemas, stored procedures, functions and queries, and test them with your application before cutover.
After the migration
We tune performance on the new platform, set up monitoring and backups, and keep the old system available until everyone is confident.
Frequently asked questions
How much downtime should we expect?
With replication-based migrations, the cutover window is usually minutes. The exact window depends on the engines, data volume and application behaviour, and is agreed in the plan.
Can you migrate between different engines?
Yes, for example SQL Server to PostgreSQL or MySQL to Aurora. Engine changes need schema and query conversion, which we scope and test carefully.
What happens if something goes wrong?
Every cutover has a rehearsed rollback plan, and the source stays available until the new platform is validated.
How long does a migration take?
Simple version upgrades can take days; engine changes for large systems take weeks. The plan includes timings from a full rehearsal.
Will our application need changes?
Moving engine versions rarely needs changes; moving between engines usually does. We identify every change during assessment.
Can you migrate MongoDB or ClickHouse?
Yes, including moves between self-hosted and managed services such as MongoDB Atlas and ClickHouse Cloud.
Talk to us about Migration & Modernization.
Request a scoped cloud assessment, or start with a free DevOps and SRE consultation. Talk to us about services, AI solutions or enterprise development.