Any database migration can prove challenging for business, particularly when large volumes of data are involved. But when done correctly and for the right reasons a MongoDB migration can be transformative and give you more agility, scalability, and modernized operations.
These are just a few of the reasons why switching to non-relational/NoSQL databases may appeal to your organization. But blockers, like organizational inertia, scalability worries, and cost concerns, can stall adoption.
Is your business facing these MongoDB migration challenges?
Let’s take a closer look at how, with the right tools in place, your business can overcome a few of the most common MongoDB migration issues to seamlessly migrate data without costly downtime or loss of progress.
Inertia
Migrating from SQL to MongoDB can create resistance due to worries about a lack of MongoDB expertise within the organization and the complexity of mapping relational data models to a non-relational database. And then there is the potential knock-on effect these changes can have on existing workflows.
But the right tools can simplify and optimize the transition to MongoDB, addressing the blockers head-on.
How to overcome inertia
MongoDB migration is easier with SQL-to-MongoDB tools. These can remove complexity by mapping SQL data models directly to MongoDB and reduce manual effort by automating data type conversions.
User-friendly tools mean that even MongoDB newcomers can schedule and automate data imports, and manage repetitive data transfer processes with ease.
Any member of your team will find themselves able to quickly get up to speed with writing queries more quickly and with fewer errors using auto-completion, syntax highlighting, and the ability to switch between visual query building and the command line.
Scalability
As your business grows you naturally collect more data, meaning scalability is key. To succeed, you need to make sure databases have the capacity to handle extra information and users, and that it’s done without negatively impacting performance.
Thankfully, there are ways to help your organization effectively manage large-scale data migrations, maintain data integrity and swiftly adapt to MongoDB’s schema flexibility while managing evolving data models.
How to overcome scalability challenges
There are two ways to deal with this growth: vertical or horizontal scaling. Vertical scaling tethers you to a single server. As data grows, you increase storage space or upgrade to a more powerful CPU with higher RAM capacity to handle the workload. The downside of this approach is you’re stuck with a server that, in time, becomes inadequate for your current or future use cases.
The second method is horizontal scaling, which spreads the data load over multiple servers instead of relying on a single high-speed, high capacity server.
MongoDB uses a form of horizontal scaling called sharding.This divides the data into shards, with each containing a subset of the data. The good news? When you need more capacity, you can easily add more shards.
Real-time data synchronization is the ideal way to manage the issue of system integrity. To ensure data consistency, put the tools in place to allow for continuous updates from SQL to MongoDB.
Costs
Any migration is likely to involve a cost, but should the perceived cost of the transition be enough to put the brakes on your project completely?
Areas that could be making you think twice include the outlay for new tools and training, the potential downtime during migration and the ongoing need for real-time synchronization and updates (which we’ve touched on above).
How to manage costs
First let’s address concerns around the need for new tools and retraining. Instead of using multiple tools, look for an intuitive, all-in-one tool for MongoDB that allows you to standardize and optimize your dev operations, reduce the learning curve, boost productivity, and cut costs.
Manual migrations have developed a reputation for being error-prone and expensive. Automation features, such as an export wizard and task scheduler, can help to reduce errors and keep downtime to a minimum.
A MongoDB migration can be transformative and give you more agility, scalability, and modernized operations.
Get ready to reap the rewards once migration is complete
With your MongoDB migration complete there are some potentially transformative benefits on offer. We’ve listed a few of them below.
Greater agility
For many the escape from the rigidity of traditional relational or SQL databases, which use tables, columns, and rows to establish relationships across data is one of the primary drivers.
This flexibility to store unstructured or rapidly changing data is one of the most attractive qualities of NoSQL databases (including MongoDB) for companies across many sectors. The ability to view and manage multiple collections at the same time is another advantage. Not only will it make data management easier on a day-to-day basis, it can help you avoid over provisioning and wastage.
Manage complexity and quality
You can greatly simplify handling complex data structures without downtime by visualizing data and evolving schemas. This can allow you to compare datasets for discrepancies to ensure data accuracy and discover missing values, duplicate fields and other data quality issues.
More productivity
Developers may welcome the transition to a NoSQL database too, because they don’t need an upfront schema design, meaning they’re ready to go straight to development. With clunky processes removed, productivity can soar and your teams can focus on high value tasks like building new features. A visual query builder can give efficiency an even bigger boost by allowing users to easily construct queries without having to know the MongoDB query syntax. They can simply drag and drop to gain insights from data with confidence, making it a great choice even for new MongoDB users.
Set up for future success
A migration to MongoDB is an investment in your organization’s future. Once the transition is complete, your business will be better placed to handle modern applications and whatever’s coming next. As well as diverse data types, you’ll also be able to take advantage of analytics, AI and real-time synchronization of data.
As your business expands and you need additional storage space for your data, sharding allows you to scale your database. Of course, it’s always worth staying up to date with new ways to maximize the benefits of MongoDB.
Security and compliance
MongoDB has some great security features, including role-based access control and authentication mechanisms and encryption at rest and in transit. These features can help your database stay secure and contribute towards your compliance needs.
Return on investment
The best way to overcome worries about costs is by looking at the potential for return on investment. A tool that boosts developer productivity, supports modernized workflows, and aligns with business KPIs like customer experience and operational efficiency, will help you get the results your business deserves.
A migration to MongoDB is an investment in your organization’s future.
Ready to make the leap?
MongoDB migrations needn’t be scary. With the right preparation and tools on your side, you can overcome inertia, scale operations efficiently, and manage costs effectively. Not to toot our own horn too much here, but SQL to MongoDB Migration is made significantly easier with Studio 3T, as it allows you to move data around efficiently.
By taking advantage of the benefits you can set your business up for success and encourage innovation and growth.