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The Importance of Database Modernization for Cloud Adoption

Author: Dan Russell | | April 1, 2021

Getting the most out of cloud technology involves far more than simply adopting cloud-based infrastructure. Older databases shifted into the cloud may not serve the needs of modern applications. As your users have more complex use cases, with a growing amount of data and data sources, real-time feature requests, and rapid scaling requirements, your database technology needs to change too.

 

Database modernization is spread throughout multiple stages, as your organization goes through testing, evaluation, and pilot projects to determine which areas benefit the most from upgrading the database.

In our recent cloud adoption survey, 46 percent of respondents planned on using or are considering modern data platforms, 34 percent are remaining on their current solution, 22 percent are considering a move in the future, 19 percent are evaluating and planning their migration, 15 percent are in the process of migration, and 10 percent are building new applications on new platforms and keeping legacy applications on old platforms.

As you can see, the way that organizations go about database modernization comes in many forms.

Benefits of Database Modernization

Gaining Purpose-built Databases
Databases are not a one-size-fits-all technology, but some organizations opt for the same technology no matter what application it’s for. By matching purpose-built databases to specific use cases, you can improve performance, expand functionality, and get the data structures that make sense for the project.

Reducing Costs
Modernizing your databases can also lead to lower expenses. Since they’re fine-tuned for a specific purpose, you get access to the features you need without paying for those that are not useful. These database platforms often require less time spent on maintenance, security, and optimization, so your database administrators and system administrators have more time in their workdays.

Better Reliability
Modern database platforms are filled with features that help your systems stay online and meet SLAs, including high availability, distributed processing, and robust disaster recovery options. If you’re using cloud-native database solutions, you also have the advantage of using technology specifically designed to get the most out of the cloud.

Fast Provisioning
You drastically reduce the amount of time it takes to spin up a new database instance and often enjoy a streamlined process. For some database platforms, all you need to do is click a button. Scaling is also simple, with many solutions offering automated control over the resources you’re using.

Signs That You Should Modernize Your Databases

  • Difficulty in keeping up with growing usage: Your users and workloads are rapidly increasing, and the system is starting to strain under the pressure. Performance issues abound and make it difficult to achieve peak productivity.
  • Inability to work with new data sources and structures: As new data sources and structures develop, older databases may not support these formats. You could lose out on valuable insights or end up with a major opportunity cost in the long run.
  • Increased demands on the IT team to keep the system running: Frequent downtime, crashes, errors, and other issues add up fast with older databases. You also have to worry about security exploits and other vulnerabilities occurring with databases that are past their prime or end of life.
  • Struggles meeting SLAs: You fail to meet your SLAs due to issues with the system, whether it becomes inaccessible or has extremely slow performance.
  • Database costs rising uncontrollably: Propping up older technology can become expensive in many ways, from the resources required to keep it operational to sourcing specialists of less popular databases.

Moving to Modern Databases in the Cloud with Datavail

As a leading cloud partner with AWS, Microsoft, Oracle and MongoDB we can help with your database modernization and cloud migration. We have more than 15 years of experience and over 800 data architects and database administrators ready to move your applications to cutting-edge databases. Learn more about the cloud adoption journey and see the results from the rest of the survey in our latest paper. Contact us to get started.

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