Google Database Migration Service is a Google service that supports users who want to migrate data to Google Cloud. Read more about it here.
Companies often find it challenging to migrate away from legacy databases for a variety of reasons, including restrictive contracts, costly upgrades, and the risk of extended downtime. However, being stuck with an outdated database means organizations can’t introduce new functionality or modernize their systems to build cost-effective applications.
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Database migrations can be very complex and require code conversion to a new database engine and switchover applications. Fortunately, there is a solution in the form of data and database migration services. In many cases, data migration services enable seamless migration from MySQL or PostgreSQL to Cloud SQL or AlloyDB for PostgreSQL.
Google Database Migration Services makes it easy to migrate databases and datasets to Google Cloud and provides guidance every step of the way. This guide will help you learn more about Google DMS’s main features and alternatives for database migration.
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What is Google DMS?
Google Database Migration Service is a cloud-based data migration tool for migrating and replicating databases and other resources to the Google Cloud Platform from on-premises systems, physical services, cloud platforms, and virtual machines. This tool is used to simplify data migration through an integrated migration experience.
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MySQL, SQL Server and PostgreSQL databases can be moved to Cloud SQL or AlloyDB using Google DMS. Google DMS tools can also be used for databases running on any cloud platform or on-premises system.
Benefits of using Google DMS
Google DMS allows users to minimize downtime as this tool provides continuous data replication from the source to the target destination. In addition, the Google DMS service is serverless, so there is no need to access migration-specific hardware resources or monitor instances. Another key benefit of Google DMS is that the database has native replication to maximize reliability and fidelity during data migration.
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There is no charge for lift-and-shift migrations through Google DMS. However, network charges may apply for data migration. To access Google DMS, go to Database Migration in the Google Cloud console navigation. The migration can be initiated by creating source and target connection profiles.
Main features of Google DMS
Safe by design
Google DMS offers private and secure connectivity methods to protect data during migration. In addition, all data is encrypted by default, making the data unreadable during transport.
Google DMS offers multiple layers of security, so users can rest assured that their data is safe during the data migration process. When the data reaches the endpoint, it is decrypted and verified.
Serverless
Google DMS’s serverless features eliminate several data migration hurdles, including the need to provision hardware, such as migration servers, that are often required for data migration processes.
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Google DMS also has auto-scaling features to ensure uninterrupted data replication and high-performance data transfer. The serverless design eliminates the need to hire or allocate additional resources for the data migration project. This tool also reduces the risk of budget overruns or unexpected delays during the data migration process.
Easy to use
New users can enjoy a guided migration experience. Users can also set up multiple network connectivity, custom resource configuration, and built-in scripts for quick and easy execution. The setup, configuration, and flow of the data migration are validated to ensure that the data migration process is set up to succeed.
The Google DMS dashboard can be used to maintain lists of migration jobs and track any migration delays. The data transfer migrations can be observed through the API and user interface. The connection to databases is individually specified, allowing users to quickly re-enter configuration values during different phases of data migration, such as testing and running.
Support from Google Professional Services
Google Professional Services experts can enable successful database migrations for DMS users. This includes everything from guiding you through migration planning to setting up turnkey data migration solutions.
The combination of Google DMS and partner services ensures that the entire data migration process runs smoothly.
Google DMS Alternatives
AWS database migration service
AWS Database Migration Service is a managed data migration service that supports migration between 20+ database engines for the AWS cloud, including Microsoft SQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and Amazon Aurora.
This service supports homogeneous migrations, such as Microsoft to Microsoft, and heterogeneous migrations, such as data migration between Amazon Aurora and Oracle. With AWS DMS, the source database remains fully functional to minimize downtime. However, some users have reported issues with cross-cloud support and documentation.
Oracle GoldenGate
The rich functionality and flexibility offered by Oracle GoldenGate make it one of the leading database migration/replication tools and a major competitor to Google DMS. Key features of Oracle GoldenGate include zero downtime migration, application upgrades, and extensive cross-platform support.
Organizations can use Oracle GoldenGate to improve business insights through real time data warehousing and report unloading. All major heterogeneous data migrations are supported by GoldenGate, including MySQL. GoldenGate’s active-active data replication allows source and destination systems to run concurrently.
Read more: Top tools for cloud and application migration (TechRepublic)
