Why Data Modernization is the Key to Boosting Scale & Availability of Existing Applications

The majority of companies are exploring digital transformation initiatives for a competitive edge. Data modernization that revitalizes existing applications is a key aspect of this digital transformation. It enables enterprises to tap the power of the cloud for various operational benefits. Modernization enables scalability, automation and better availability of data and applications. In fact, by 2022, 75% of databases and 90% of new applications will be in the cloud.

Moreover, by the year 2022, 99% of all data in digital universe will be unstructured and the volume of this data is increasing at a rate of 62% YoY.

These massive volumes of unstructured data are driving data modernization projects that impact both data storage and the existing portfolio of applications of companies.

Scalability & Availability with the Cloud

The shift to the cloud has improved both scalability and availability of data and apps. Scalability is the ability to increase capacity as demand spikes. Availability is the ability of the app or system to run continuously with no service interruptions. With cloud-enabled, modernized data and apps, you can easily scale up or scale down – there is a high degree of elasticity.

Many cloud- enabled databases and  services provide high availability, as modernized data platforms provide greater availability of services, storage options and so on. However, applications must be developed so that they can still function when a cloud service is unavailable, which can happen occasionally.

For instance, when the application attempts to write to a database that is undergoing maintenance downtime, will the app collapse with an error message for the end user? Or will it identify this outage and find an alternative way to cope? This type of contingency is something cloud application developers and data modernization experts must plan for, when modernizing existing databases and applications.

Infrastructure can become more complex as you must deploy two of everything for reliable functionality. The upside is that you can build availability in as you go, on your modernization journey. Shifting to a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) makes it much easier to deploy services across regions with several zones. So when you are migrating your database, consider database service offerings that provide both high availability and high scalability. Otherwise, you will have to make an extra effort to ensure high availability of applications in your modernized database and app ecosystem.

The Role of Containerization

Containerization also facilitates a high level of scalability and availability. Containerization can be scaled through orchestration engines like Kubernetes, OpenShift, Docker, Mesos and etc. The Kubernetes container orchestrator in each of these identifies any underlying node failures and restarts such affected containers onto other nodes. This ensures high availability with no service interruptions.

You can also establish rules for auto-scaling that respond fast in order to help applications cope with fluxes in load. Multi-zone clusters augment availability to an even greater degree, and stretch clusters deploy workloads that are business critical over several zones in a particular region.

The Importance of Disaster Recovery & Backups

You need to be prepared for the worst and IT systems must have disaster recovery and backup measures. The cloud is not impervious to disasters, which could occur in a multitude of ways, so users should have well-test plans in order to protect systems that are critical. Cloud services can help ensure continuity in the event of a disaster, if used appropriately.

Ensure strategies for regular backups and testing of restores. It is imperative to protect critical backup files against loss. This can be achieved by storing them in regional or cross-regional Cloud Object Storage buckets. Select a platform that offers services for creating backups and disaster recovery strategies to ensure continued availability of your modernized database and applications.

Automation Can Ensure Availability

Automation is crucial for keeping a cloud application up and running, ensuring availability. DevOps services enable automation of many code release management tasks. So look for a platform that provides this option.

Certain cloud platforms and database platforms that are cloud-enabled provide schematics services that provide tremendous capabilities to automate both infrastructure and service builds. This merely needs a script created or you can select an available template as well as a new environment or machine, to be built as required, with just a few clicks of the mouse. It’s that easy. So take the time to explore solutions that provide services for automation and availability.

Why DataSwitch?

DataSwitch is a trusted partner for cost-effective, accelerated solutions for digital data transformation, migration and modernization through a Modern Database Platform. Our no code and low code solutions along with enhanced automation, cloud data expertise and unique, automated schema generation accelerates time to market.

DataSwitch’s DS Migrate provides Intuitive, Predictive and Self-Serviceable Schema redesign from traditional model to Modern Model with built-in best practices, as well as fully automated data migration & transformation based on redesigned schema and no-touch code conversion from legacy data scripts to a modern equivalent. DataSwitch’s DS Integrate provides self-serviceable, business-user-friendly, metadata based services, providing AI/ML driven data aggregation and integration of Poly Structure data including unstructured data. It consolidates and integrates data for domain specific data applications (PIM, Supply Chain Data Aggregation, etc.). DataSwitch’ s DS Democratize also provides intuitive, no code, self-serviceable, conversational AI Driven “Data as a Service” and is intended for various data and analytics consumption by leveraging next gen technologies like Micro Services, Containers and Kubernetes.

An automated data and application modernization platform minimizes the risks and challenges in your digital transformation. It is faster, highly cost-effective, eliminates error-prone manual effort and completes the project in half the typical time frame. Book a demo to know more.