A step-by-step migration from IBM DB2 to MySQL

The database migration process can sometimes seem overwhelming, making companies delay this step. When company management realizes the potential risks and formidable time required for database transition, they face a dilemma—migrate and take all the risks or do nothing until the system kicks the bucket.

This article focuses on the migration from IBM DB2 to MySQL. We will examine the main facets of migrating from one database to another and observe the tools for optimizing such a transition. We’ll answer the following questions: What pitfalls complicate this transition? How can the migration process be optimized to save time? Why move away from DB2 to open-source MySQL?

What is IBM DB2?

DB2 today is a powerful suite of tools and services initially designed for their platform. Since 1990, the company has been working on a Universal Database DB2 Server that can run on any major operating system, including Linux, UNIX, and Windows. DB2 is a relational database for transactional workloads with comprehensive Data Management and Analytics features. There are several versions of DB2, including DB2 LUW, DB2 as400, and DB2 z/OS(os/390), but we will focus mainly on DB2 LUW in this article. These databases are designed to ensure high performance, actionable insights, data availability, and dependability.

The IBM DB2 database software (IBM pureScale) includes in-memory technology (IBM BLU Acceleration), powerful administration and development tools, storage optimization, workload management, actionable compression, and continuous data availability.

What is MySQL?

MySQL was developed by MySQL AB (which was later acquired by Sun Microsystems). MySQL is an open-source relational database management system that was first released in 1995 and is used to store, retrieve, update, and administer databases. Several MySQL editions are in the market today, including Enterprise, Classic, Standard, and others. Linux, Mac OS, Windows, Free BSD, Solaris, and more systems are all supported. MySQL is mostly based on C and C++.

MySQL RDBMS became popular because it was easy to use in web applications. It is frequently used in Linux distributions with Apache and PHP Web Server.

Migration from DB2 to MySQL

Before we dive into the challenges commonly associated with migration, let's first comprehend its primary stages:

• Database assessment. The foundation of any migration endeavor lies in thoroughly assessing the existing database. This initial stage involves a comprehensive current state analysis to identify key elements shaping subsequent decisions.
• Database schema migration. Once armed with a clear understanding of the initial setup, the focus shifts to migrating the database schema. This step demands precision, as the structure forms the backbone of the database and influences its performance in the new environment. At Ispirer, this step is streamlined as SQLWays automates the entire database migration, including schema conversion. The equation is simple here: the higher the automation rate, the faster the migration project is. Configuring SQLWays makes it possible to provide 100% automation so that the projects can be finished up to 5 times sooner than manual migration.
• Testing data migration. Paying close attention to detail is crucial to avoid discrepancies in data, and a strong plan guarantees a successful transition without jeopardizing the integrity of the data. This is an essential step that includes configuring data types mapping, changing settings in source and target databases if the data migration speed is not sufficient. How is it usually implemented? A part of data is migrated to a MySQL database and if necessary the user changes the tool settings to ensure the ultimate data migration quality.
• Functional testing. Schema conversion can occasionally lead to errors or inconsistencies that affect the database's operation. The purpose of testing is to detect all issues arising from the conversion.
• Testing database performance. An often underestimated yet critical phase involves assessing the performance of the migrated database in its new setting. Thorough testing is conducted to guarantee optimal efficiency and reliability and address any performance bottlenecks that may arise.
• Production data migration. This step includes migrating the data from IBM DB2 to MySQL databases.
• Cutover. The final and decisive moment arrives with the cutover phase. Careful planning is essential to minimize disruptions as the new system takes operational control. This marks the culmination of the migration process, and effective cutover strategies are key to a seamless transition.

Now, let’s focus on the process of migrating IBM DB2 LUW to MySQL in detail.

DB2 to MySQL: A How-to Migrate Guide

As you may have already understood, migration from DB2 LUW to MySQL is too long and complicated without the automated converter. One prominent example of such a tool is SQLWays. This tool is designed for heterogeneous database migration. The solution enables automating the entire database migration, including migrating SQL objects and data. Its intelligent core allows users to easily customize the tool to achieve the best possible automation rate and save migration time and customer resources.

Since the topic of our article is migrating the DB2 database to MySQL, we will examine SQLWays' capabilities and then describe in detail the migration process using this tool.

As mentioned above, SQLWays is designed for database migration. Based on an intelligent core that reserves thousands of conversion rules, the tool can migrate databases with up to 100% automation.

Its smart core helps automate the migration of a DB2 schema, including tables, stored procedures, functions, triggers, and views, to MySQL. It contains a vast number of conversion options that make migration directions between legacy and modern relational database management systems (RDBMS) as smooth as possible. The solution supports more than 40 different databases and can convert DB2 to MySQL.

One of SQLWays' hallmarks is its flexible approach to customizing the tool, which offers hundreds of options for any kind of migration project. Next, we will walk through the process of migrating the database using SQLWays, assuming the tool has already been installed.

Step 1. Select a proper directory
Specify a project directory once the tool is installed and registered with a valid license. SQLWays will create a project file in this folder that holds data about the ongoing migration process. Additionally, on this page, you should define the Export Directory. The tool puts all the generated files to this directory, such as SQL files with converted SQL objects and Txt files with data. Bat or sh files with commands are used to import all the files to the target database. To proceed, press "Next".

Step 2. Choose a source database
Choose or establish a matching ODBC Data Source Name (DSN) to link to the database targeted for migration. You should also provide the username and password for the connection, which will be verified upon clicking the "Next >" button.

Step 3. Specify a target database
On this page, you must provide details for the MySQL database, including the server and database name, along with the username and password. Additionally, you should establish a route to the Bin Directory, which houses the native utilities of the target database.

Step 4. Select objects
Drag and drop all the objects that require conversion from the left tree to the right one. SQLWays seamlessly converts all kinds of SQL objects, such as tables, triggers, functions, views, stored procedures, sequences, etc.

Step 5. Specify conversion options
At this step, you can modify the conversion options of DDL and Data and define various settings that can enhance the conversion process. Within the objects tree, elements (database objects) of varying levels and categories possess distinct available settings (for instance, mappings for data types and column names, formats, files, schemas, various kinds of database objects, and so on).

Step 6. Review the summary page
Review all the SQLWays settings specified for the current migration.

Step 7. Run the migration
SQLWays executes the migration process in two steps: Conversion and Import. In the conversion stage, the utility pulls out details about the objects selected for this migration, transforms them, and produces the corresponding file set. In the import stage, the utility attempts to establish all the transformed objects and data in the destination database.
SQLWays has an option to start importing automatically. This can be useful for your conversion projects if you see that it may take a long time due to the large number of objects and their complexity. To enable the option, click the checkbox “Start Import Automatically”.
Press “Start conversion” to run the conversion process. You can find the details regarding the conversion procedure in the "Conversion output" text box. Once the conversion process is complete, you can begin the import process to create the converted items in the target database. To start this, click on the "Start Import" button. If you want to view information about the import results, please go to the "Import output" tab.
Additionally, you can launch the AI assistant here, which will help you fix errors in the generated code or provide suggestions for improvement.
Use a ready-made prompt to talk to SQLWays AI assistant.
You can view all the generated files in the export directory by clicking the “Export Directory” button. This button will open a folder with all conversion results and log files: sqlways.log and sqlways_imp.log. The sqlways.log file stores detailed information about the conversion phase, and the sqlways_imp.log file stores information about the import phase. If you provide corresponding feedback, these log files can help the Ispirer support team understand the reasons for some issues you may face during the migration.
Additionally, you can view the migration report by clicking the “Open Report…” button.

Step 8. Migration reports

On the final page of the SQLWays, you can check out the Conversion and Import reports and statistics on the relevant tabs. Once you hit the "Finish" button, the migration setup will be stored for subsequent uses, and the tool will shut down.
This step allows users to review the reports, analyze conversion errors (if any), configure the tool, and start conversion again. If you have any issues at this point, you can get assistance from the Ispirer support team or choose SQLWays customization, which ensures up to 100% automated migration from DB2 LUW to MySQL.

As you explore the tool's complexity, you'll discover its user-friendliness, with a wide range of settings that accommodate both straightforward and complex projects. This remarkable blend of simplicity and flexibility makes the tool a powerful answer to database migration issues, transforming a formidable task into a well-coordinated process and a complicated operation into a smooth, pleasant experience.

Why migrate DB2 to MySQL

Let's examine some typical situations in which switching from IBM DB2 LUW to MySQL would be beneficial.

• Cost efficiency. According to some estimates, MySQL's Total Cost of Ownership is 90% cheaper than that of other most popular commercial databases.
• Easy to use. MySQL is famous for its user-friendliness. It is easy to manage and ensures simple setup, management, and maintenance compared to DB2 LUW.
• Data Science and Machine Learning. MySQL allows users to create machine learning models for their database data. Users can also apply ML to the data for predictive analytics, customer segmentation, and more.
• Web Integration. MySQL is popular for being easily integrated with web applications. It ensures high performance handling web-based data transactions, making it a perfect database for web apps.
• Scalability. MySQL can handle large volumes of data without affecting performance, providing a perfect solution for growing businesses.

Conclusion

In summary, transitioning from DB2 z/os (os/390) to MySQL database is a complex yet beneficial process requiring meticulous planning, accurate implementation, and a comprehensive knowledge of both database systems. The secret to a successful migration lies in detailed analysis, strategic tool selection, and wise utilization of automation. Although obstacles will inevitably occur, the correct strategy can help overcome them.

MySQL, a robust, open-source system with advanced capabilities, offers an appealing option for companies looking for cost-effectiveness, scalability, and flexibility in their data management systems. This shift is not merely a technical modification. It's a strategic step towards innovation, productivity, and ensuring your data infrastructure is future-ready.

Book a demo with our experts to discuss migration details from DB2 to MySQL using SQLWays.