DB Pro Services implements migration and modernization projects in both operational (OLTP) and analytical (OLAP) environments. The goal of these projects is not only to transfer systems to a new environment, but also to improve their functionality and cost-effectiveness. When implemented correctly, migration and modernization have brought our customers significant cost savings and created a foundation for modern data and analytics solutions, including the use of artificial intelligence as part of business operations.

Our practical experience with these projects has shown that successful change requires more than just a technical solution or a single project. Migration and modernization are always comprehensive processes that combine business objectives, everyday needs, and technical constraints. In the following, we will examine what migration and modernization mean in practice, how they differ from each other, and when a simple transfer is sufficient—and when a truly broader reform is needed.

Marketing and communication channels repeatedly highlight the growing importance of new technologies and artificial intelligence in business. We are in a constant stream of messages and marketing, where new features and solutions are constantly being talked about.

Amidst this flood of messages, however, it is easy to forget that real change does not happen in headlines or campaigns, but in the everyday life of an organization. New technologies and promises are only the starting point—the real question is how to translate them into practical actions, effective solutions, and sustainable operating models that genuinely drive business forward.

Towards change – migration and modernization 

In the midst of everyday life, it is often difficult to keep up with the pace of change and development. At the same time, the question arises as to how we should respond to this change. Many people wonder whether the chosen direction is the right one, whether new solutions genuinely support future needs, which developments are worth investing in, and how quickly change can be put into practice.

As part of the change, it is also worth pausing to critically assess the current situation: what activities can be eliminated, what can be simplified, and what can be done better. Not everything needs to be carried forward as it is.  

Migration and modernization projects can be very complex. A successful outcome strengthens teamwork, clarifies responsibilities, reduces costs, and ensures that systems operate efficiently and produce reliable results. On the other hand, in unsuccessful projects, different parts of the systems do not support each other, performance suffers, and in the worst case, daily work slows down or business operations are significantly disrupted.

What does a successful project require? 

Before the actual transfer, the most important things are planning, mapping the current situation, and making choices about the future. It is important for the team involved in the project to understand how and why the change is being made, as well as to be able to speak the same language figuratively and share a common view of the whole.

Successful migration or modernization is a step-by-step process. Typically, it requires:

  • Assessment of the current situation, understanding what is in use, what it is used for, and what the risks are 
  • Planning and prioritization, where decisions are made about what to move to, why, when, and how 
  • Preparation, such as setting up environments, optimization, and careful preparation of transfers 
  • The actual transfer, which, especially in large environments, is a step-by-step process and requires trial runs 
  • Testing and verification to ensure data accuracy and system functionality after transfer to production 
  • Operational support to ensure the continued functionality of the platform and its effective use even after the transfer 

Migration – technical transition 

Migration is primarily a technical transition in which data, systems, or an entire information platform are transferred from the current environment to a new one. In practice, this can mean transferring individual systems to a new platform, moving operations to a new operating environment, or transferring the entire data set to a more modern infrastructure.

The focus of migration is on safe and controlled transfer, which ensures business continuity during and after the change. The core of migration is often that the same solution is transferred to a new location—the operating model remains largely unchanged. 

 Modernization – broader development 

Modernization is a broader and more strategic concept than mere migration. It focuses not only on where the systems are located, but also on how they are used and how the whole entity is structured. 

Modernization can mean consolidating fragmented data, eliminating overlapping solutions, and moving toward a clearer and more unified operating model. At the same time, the cost structure is critically reviewed to ensure that the data also supports future use cases. At the heart of modernization is the idea that the same thing can be done better—more efficiently, more clearly, and in a way that genuinely supports business operations.

Why are migrations and modernizations carried out?

Companies typically embark on migration and modernization projects when the current solution: 

  • is expensive to maintain 
  • is technically obsolete 
  • does not scale with business operations 
  • does not support new needs 
  • causes performance or usability issues 

Migration is a means of ensuring continuity. Modernization is a means of improving operations. 

Why is transfer alone not always enough? 

Developing databases and analytics platforms is often a laborious and lengthy process. The goal is not only to transfer data to a new environment, but also to improve performance, cost efficiency, scalability, and readiness for future needs.

If the change is implemented as a straightforward transfer without critical review, old structural problems, operating practices, and code debt will easily be carried forward unchanged. This approach is often justified by urgency or the assumption that the transfer will be quick and simple. At the same time, it is easy to overlook the fact that during the change, both the old and new environments must be maintained in parallel, which increases the workload and costs.

Without careful planning and an understanding of the big picture, simply moving to a new system rarely produces the benefits that the change is intended to achieve. 

The outcome of a successful change 

Successful migration or modernization is reflected in improvements over the initial situation and brings measurable value to business operations. The end result is a more cost-effective environment where capacity matches actual needs, systems operate more reliably, and performance improves.

At the same time, the organization becomes better prepared for the future: new use cases can be implemented flexibly without constant major changes or additional investments. 

Cooperation and an overall view as the basis for change 

Successful migration and modernization are based on close cooperation and a shared understanding of the starting point. The work always begins with an assessment of the current state of the business and platforms: what information is produced, how and where it is used, and what challenges the current solutions pose in everyday life. Based on this, we can define a comprehensive solution that supports the company’s goals and creates a sustainable foundation for migration and modernization.

The future is at the heart of solution design. Change must support new ways of working and opportunities, not lock the organization into old operating models. That is why every choice is made from a long-term perspective. 

In our work, we leverage our extensive experience in designing, building, and managing large and demanding information platforms in a variety of environments. We have seen in practice how reviewing performance, capacity, and licensing as a whole brings significant cost benefits. We provide comprehensive assistance to companies in developing their information architecture and implementing new solutions in a controlled manner, so that the change generates value in both the short and long term.

Robin Aro, robin.aro@dbproservices.fi