Moving a database is one of the riskiest jobs in software. Your application, reports, and integrations all depend on it. A migration that loses records, breaks a stored procedure, or takes the app offline longer than planned can cost far more than the license or hosting savings that motivated the move.
Our database migration services make the move predictable. We assess what you have, choose the right migration strategy, convert schemas and code, move the data with minimal downtime, and prove — with automated validation — that everything arrived intact before you switch over.
Whether you're moving from Oracle to PostgreSQL, SQL Server to the cloud, MySQL to Aurora, or between NoSQL platforms, the process is the same: plan carefully, test thoroughly, and keep a way back until the new system is proven.
What are database migration services? Database migration services move data, schemas, and database code from one database system or environment to another — for example, from on-premise Oracle to Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL. A migration provider assesses compatibility, converts schemas, stored procedures, and queries, transfers and synchronizes data (often with change data capture for minimal downtime), validates completeness and accuracy, and manages cutover and rollback.
Database Migration at a Glance
Question | Answer |
|---|---|
What it is | Moving databases between engines, versions, servers, or clouds without data loss or long downtime |
Core deliverables | Migration assessment, schema and code conversion, data migration, ongoing sync, validation reports, cutover and rollback plan |
Common routes | Oracle → PostgreSQL, SQL Server → PostgreSQL or Azure SQL, MySQL → Aurora, on-premise → AWS RDS, Azure SQL, or Cloud SQL, MongoDB → Atlas |
Tools | AWS DMS, Azure Database Migration Service, Google Database Migration Service, pgloader, ora2pg, Debezium, native dump and restore |
Downtime options | Planned window, phased migration, or near-zero downtime with continuous replication |
Engagement models | Migration assessment, migration project, post-migration optimization |
Why Companies Migrate Databases
License costs. Moving from commercial engines such as Oracle or SQL Server to PostgreSQL or MySQL can remove large license bills.
End of support. Older database versions stop receiving security updates.
Moving to the cloud. Managed services reduce maintenance, backups, and patching work.
Performance and scale. The current system can't keep up with growth.
Consolidation. Several databases are merged after an acquisition or platform cleanup.
Modern features. Teams need JSON support, better replication, or easier integration with modern tools.
Types of Database Migration
Type | What it means | Example |
|---|---|---|
Homogeneous | Same engine, different location or version | PostgreSQL 11 on-premise → PostgreSQL 16 on AWS RDS |
Heterogeneous | Different database engines | Oracle → PostgreSQL, SQL Server → MySQL |
On-premise to cloud | Moving from your own servers to a managed cloud database | SQL Server → Azure SQL Database |
Cloud to cloud | Moving between cloud providers | AWS RDS → Google Cloud SQL |
SQL to NoSQL or NoSQL to SQL | Changing the data model as well as the engine | MongoDB → PostgreSQL with JSONB |
Heterogeneous migrations need the most care, because data types, functions, stored procedures, and SQL behavior differ between engines.
Our Database Migration Services
Migration assessment
We inventory schemas, data volumes, stored procedures, triggers, jobs, users, and every application and report that connects to the database, then estimate effort and risk.
Schema conversion
We convert tables, data types, indexes, constraints, and sequences to the target engine, handling differences in types and behavior carefully.
Code conversion
We convert stored procedures, functions, triggers, views, and application SQL, and test that business logic produces identical results.
Data migration
We transfer data in bulk, then keep source and target in sync with change data capture until cutover, so the final switch takes minutes rather than hours.
Validation and testing
We compare row counts, checksums, and sample records for every table, run application and report tests, and test performance under realistic load.
Cutover and rollback
We plan and rehearse cutover, keep the old system available until the new one is proven, and agree clear rollback triggers.
Post-migration optimization
We tune indexes, queries, and configuration on the new database, and fix any performance differences. See our SQL query services for ongoing query work.
Migration Strategies Compared
Strategy | How it works | Downtime | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
Big bang | Stop the app, move everything, switch over | Hours, during a planned window | Smaller databases with acceptable maintenance windows |
Phased | Move parts of the data or application in stages | Short windows per phase | Large systems that can be split by module or customer |
Near-zero downtime | Bulk load plus continuous replication, then a quick switch | Minutes | Business-critical systems that must stay online |
Parallel run | Old and new systems run side by side and are compared | None until cutover | High-risk migrations needing extra proof |
How It Works
Step 1: Assess
We review the source database, dependencies, and goals, and produce a migration plan with effort and risk estimates.
Step 2: Prepare the target
We set up the target database with the right size, configuration, security, and backups.
Step 3: Convert
We convert schemas and code, then test them against copies of your data.
Step 4: Migrate and sync
We load data and keep it in sync with the source until cutover.
Step 5: Validate
We run automated checks and application tests, and share a validation report.
Step 6: Cut over
We switch applications to the new database during an agreed window, with rollback ready.
Step 7: Optimize and decommission
We tune the new system, monitor it closely, and help retire the old database when you're confident.
What You Get
A migration plan with strategy, timeline, risks, and rollback triggers
Converted schemas and code tested on your data
Migrated, synchronized data
Validation reports showing counts and checksums match
A rehearsed cutover with minimal downtime
Post-migration tuning and documentation
Who This Is For
Companies leaving commercial databases | Teams moving to the cloud | Businesses on unsupported versions | Companies consolidating systems |
|---|---|---|---|
Want to cut license costs with PostgreSQL or MySQL | Want managed databases on AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud | Need to upgrade before security support ends | Need to merge databases after growth or acquisition |
Why Work With Codersarts
Most migration failures come from what wasn't found during assessment — a forgotten integration, a stored procedure with hidden logic, or a report that depends on old behavior. We spend real effort on discovery, automate validation, and keep a rollback path until the new system is proven. Our team also handles database design, so we can improve the structure during the move rather than copying old problems across.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is database migration?
Database migration is moving data, schemas, and database code from one database system, version, server, or cloud to another while keeping data complete and applications working.
How long does a database migration take?
Small, homogeneous migrations can take days. Heterogeneous migrations with many stored procedures and applications usually take several weeks, including conversion, testing, and rehearsal.
Can you migrate with zero downtime?
Near-zero downtime is possible for most systems by bulk-loading data, keeping it synchronized with change data capture, and switching over in a short window. Exact downtime depends on your application and is agreed during planning.
How much do database migration services cost?
An assessment is a fixed-scope engagement. Migration cost depends on data volume, engine differences, the amount of stored procedure and application code, and downtime requirements.
How do you make sure no data is lost?
We compare row counts and checksums for every table, check sample records, run application tests, and keep the source system available until validation passes.
Can you migrate Oracle to PostgreSQL?
Yes. It's one of the most common routes. We convert schemas, PL/SQL procedures, and data types, and test business logic carefully because behavior differs between the two engines.
What happens to applications that use the database?
We list every connected application and report during assessment, update connection details and incompatible SQL, and test them against the new database before cutover.
Do you migrate NoSQL databases?
Yes, including MongoDB, DynamoDB, and Cassandra, and migrations between SQL and NoSQL where the data model also changes.
Related Data Services
Cloud Data Migration — move wider data estates to AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
Data Modernization — modernize the whole data stack, not just one database
Data Engineering — pipelines and integrations around your new database
Data Warehouse Consulting — move reporting off your operational database
Ready to Move Your Database Safely?
Tell us your current database, where you want to move it, and how much downtime you can accept. We'll recommend a strategy and show you what it would take.
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