Key Pointers for a Successful Teradata Migration
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In today’s modern era, data management is shifting to being built and centered around the cloud. Research indicates that by 2022, 75% of databases and 90% of new applications will be cloud-based. Moreover, the digital data generated by businesses grows by 55% each year. Since working remotely has become all the more important off late an increasing number of companies are taking the necessary steps towards making the switch to cloud-based solutions from outdated systems such as Teradata. This is a decision that ought to be taken with due deliberation since the chances of failure are high.
Teradata is a large, complex system riddled with distinctive SQL syntax that came into being before standardization was the norm. The migration of terabytes of data, numerous tables and views, specialized code and data types as well as additional patented elements cannot be accomplished in a day. With all of these complications and hurdles that operators have to work around it comes as no surprise that Teradata migrations are often subject to fail.
This is often due to the fact that business executives in charge of calling the shots often forget the reason behind their proposed migration. The first one that comes to mind is how Teradata itself is an obsolete system that failed to evolve with the times and as such is still built on clunky processing that fails to meet the needs of today’s business users.
In addition to this it is a costly affair to continue using with cloud-based platforms offering pay-as-you-go scalability bypassing the need to make large sums of payments in advance without fully knowing your data requirements. In order to increase your chances of a successful Teradata migration you could observe the following commonplace mistakes.
- Mistaking Every Cloud Database to be Equal
The key to choosing the right cloud-based data management platform is keeping in mind the fact that you want to preserve the benefits of your Teradata implementation. Losing out on what you appreciated the most in an attempt to upgrade can diminish the entire process of migration. For example, every single cloud data warehouse is not equipped to function as a fully managed service. Despite the seemingly inexpensive nature of the cloud-based database it is also important to consider the cost of running full production workloads since these are the ones expected to dent your projected migration budget.
- Getting Backed into a Corner
Accurately assessing the needs of your business prior to migrating from Teradata is crucial since it helps you better judge the flexibility and capabilities of your new cloud database. This will also enable you to segment your migration into multiple phases, so you’re better equipped to make the change. If your business must adhere to stringent regulatory compliance you may choose to have some data maintained on-premises. Holding onto the option of choice is imperative when conducting a data migration because flexibility can play a critical role in its failure or success.
- Haphazard Business Evaluation
Ascertaining which data should be carried along during the migration is an important assessment that should be conducted. Over the years your business might have amassed significant dead weight data that may no longer be relevant. Tables, queries and workloads are likely to have accumulated and all comprise elements that should be left behind during the migration. Migration risk can be eliminated to a great degree by implementing an automated tool to thoroughly understand the extant environment, so your business is taking only the needful.
- Mismanagement of Proprietary Components
Business applications often come with complex logic and are the most challenging components to work with in a data migration venture. Typically, customers would have curated parts of the logic with stored procedures or user-defined functions which are the least portable means of constructing an application. In a situation where complex code has been utilized there is a strong warehouse requirement for adherence to SQL, Spark, JDBC/ODBC and alternate open standards.
- Conducting the Migration in a Single Stroke
Usually when there is some form of financial pressure involved, migrations can also find themselves under the pressure of stringent time constraints. In circumstances like these looking back at previous modernization projects can help relay the enormous risks involved in hurrying processes such as an entire database migration. Incremental approaches are the best way to tackle a Teradata to cloud transition starting with high priority workloads.
DataSwitch provides Intuitive, Predictive and Self-Serviceable Schema redesign from 3NF to Document Model, as well as fully automated data migration & transformation based on redesigned schema and no-touch code conversion from legacy data scripts to modern, MongoDB APIs.
In case you’re considering a Teradata migration and require assistance, our team at DataSwitch would be happy to help. You can count on DataSwitch for cost-effective, accelerated solutions for digital data transformation and modernization through MongoDB. Our no code and low code solutions along with enhanced automation, cloud data expertise and unique schema generation accelerates time to market. Get your enterprise’s cloud-driven data modernization journey running at light speed with business continuity ensured. Book a demo to know more.
