data migration Archives

Tech Optimizer

February 12, 2026

Build a custom solution to migrate SQL Server HierarchyID to PostgreSQL LTREE with AWS DMS

Data migration from SQL Server to Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL or Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition often requires adjustments to the database schema or SQL commands. AWS provides DMS Schema Conversion to aid in converting existing database schemas and AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS) to assist in data migration, featuring enhanced security and minimized downtime. SQL Server uses the HierarchyID data type for managing hierarchical data, while PostgreSQL employs the LTREE extension for similar purposes. The migration process involves preparing both the source SQL Server and target PostgreSQL environments, creating tables, installing the LTREE extension, and converting schemas using AWS DMS Schema Conversion. The migration steps include creating sample tables in SQL Server with HierarchyID columns, enabling change data capture (CDC), creating the LTREE extension in PostgreSQL, and preparing the target table structure. AWS DMS endpoints are created for both source and target databases, followed by the creation and execution of an AWS DMS migration task. Post-migration, the original HierarchyID column is replaced with the LTREE column, and the IDENTITY column behavior is reverted to its original state. The migration process is verified by inserting rows in PostgreSQL and ensuring they are in the correct LTREE format. Common functions from SQL Server's HierarchyID are mapped to their PostgreSQL LTREE equivalents, facilitating the transition between the two systems.

Winsage

January 5, 2026

New laptop? How to wipe your old Windows PC clean before getting rid of it

Many individuals and businesses upgrade their PCs as the new year approaches and face decisions about their old devices. Options include passing it down, reallocating it, donating, or selling. Essential steps for transitioning include migrating applications and files, securely erasing personal data, and resetting the operating system. To migrate apps and files, use the Windows Backup app to back up settings and installed apps, and transfer personal folders to OneDrive. For legacy software, ensure you have activation codes and installation files. Back up important files using cloud storage or create a full image backup to a removable hard drive. To wipe old data, enable BitLocker Disk Encryption on Windows 11 Pro or delete sensitive files and wipe disk space on Windows 11 Home using the command cipher /w:c:. To prepare the old PC for a new owner, options for installing a fresh copy of Windows 11 include resetting the PC, reinstalling a factory image, or performing a clean install using bootable media. Resetting involves navigating to Settings > System > Recovery and selecting "Remove everything." Reimaging uses a manufacturer-provided recovery image, while a clean install requires bootable media created with the Media Creation Tool.

Winsage

December 23, 2025

The (slow) end for Windows 10

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft retired Windows 10, ending its support for security updates, bug patches, and technical assistance. Users can still operate Windows 10, but the lack of updates raises security concerns, making outdated systems targets for cybercriminals. Businesses using Windows 10 may face compliance risks and reliability issues as new applications and hardware become incompatible. Users with compatible hardware can upgrade to Windows 11, while those unable to upgrade can access Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for a fee, except in the EU where ESUs are free. Alternatives include migrating to Windows 365 Business or installing ChromeOS Flex or Linux on older PCs. Investing in new machines with Windows 11 is recommended for better security and performance.

Tech Optimizer

December 2, 2025

AWS Transform announces full-stack Windows modernization capabilities

AWS launched AWS Transform for .NET in May, aimed at modernizing .NET applications. In response to user feedback, AWS introduced AWS Transform for full-stack Windows modernization, which streamlines modernization tasks across the Windows application stack. This service enhances modernization efficiency by up to five times and supports migration from .NET Framework to cross-platform .NET and SQL Server to Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition. It includes features for validating and testing applications, customizable deployment configurations, and modernizing ASP.NET Web Forms UI to Blazor. AWS Transform connects to source code repositories and database servers to analyze dependencies and create modernization waves. Users can configure database connectors for SQL Server and source code repositories, leading to a wave-based transformation plan. The service generates a SQL Modernization Assessment Report detailing the proposed modernization strategy. The transformation process involves converting SQL Server schema to PostgreSQL, migrating data, transforming .NET application code, and deploying applications for testing. AWS Transform exclusively supports codebases in .NET 6 or later. It also facilitates UI modernization from ASP.NET Web Forms to Blazor, managing the conversion of various project files. Additional features include support for porting to .NET 10 and .NET Standard, an editable transformation report, real-time tracking of transformation progress, and a markdown file outlining remaining tasks post-transformation. AWS Transform for full-stack Windows modernization is available in the US East (N. Virginia) Region, with no additional charges for the features beyond standard resource usage. It supports SQL Server versions from 2008 R2 to 2022 and Entity Framework versions 6.3 to 8.0.

Winsage

November 25, 2025

Are people still using Windows XP and Windows 7? Yes, and here’s why

Windows 10 reached the end of its support, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11 or staying with their current operating system. Windows 7 has a market share of approximately 2.5%, and Windows XP holds 0.22%, translating to around 25 million machines running Windows 7 and 2.2 million on Windows XP. The primary reason users remain on these older systems is app compatibility, as many legacy applications do not run on newer operating systems. Upgrading involves significant costs and challenges, including data migration from legacy software. The decline in Windows 7 and XP usage is slow; in January 2023, Windows 7 had 9.55% market share, dropping to 3.05% by January 2024. Users often prioritize convenience and reliability, with many systems operating in isolation from the internet, reducing their vulnerability to threats.

Winsage

October 15, 2025

EaseUS Unveils Windows OS Migration Case Study Report 2025 Q3: Data Analysis and Insights

EaseUS has released its Q3 2025 Windows OS Migration Case Study Report, analyzing data from 69,984 users and 132,117 migration operations. Key findings include: - Migration paths: - SSD to USB: 32.23% (for backups or portability) - SSD to SSD: 28.09% (for upgrades) - HDD to USB: 13.59% (for data extraction or backup) - HDD to SSD: 10.56% (for performance upgrades) - System drive capacity trends show a shift towards larger drives, with 500GB to 1TB as the new standard and an increase in drives nearing 2TB. - Windows version adoption: - Windows 11: 58.06% - Windows 10: 40.31% - Windows 7/8: 1.39%

Tech Optimizer

October 1, 2025

Mooncake acquisition boosts Databricks database capabilities

Databricks has acquired Mooncake Labs, a database startup, to enhance its Lakebase platform. The financial details of the acquisition are undisclosed. This follows Databricks' earlier acquisition of Neon, a PostgreSQL-based cloud database platform, which has expanded its capabilities in open-source databases. Mooncake's technology allows for real-time mirroring of changes from PostgreSQL to the lakehouse, eliminating the need for complex ETL processes. Databricks has raised nearly billion in funding, including 0 million in December 2024, and has made several strategic acquisitions to strengthen its AI development environment. Founders Zhou Sun, Cheng Chen, and Pranav Aurora from Mooncake have joined Databricks as part of the acquisition.

Winsage

August 23, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows 10 support extension – lifeline or stay of execution?

Microsoft has extended security updates for Windows 10, allowing businesses more time to plan and manage migration without immediate disruptions. This extension helps IT teams mitigate short-term risks but may lead to complacency and delays in necessary upgrades. Organizations risk accumulating technical debt, becoming dependent on costly external partners, and missing out on innovations if they postpone migration. Maintaining outdated infrastructure can become more expensive than upgrading, and reliance on unsupported systems increases the risk of vendor lock-in. Continuous modernization is essential, and businesses should adopt strategies for migrating unsupported applications while ensuring operational continuity. The extension should be seen as a temporary measure rather than a permanent solution, emphasizing the need for ongoing modernization efforts.

Winsage

August 21, 2025

Microsoft quietly updated Windows 10 — here’s what’s new in 2025

Microsoft has continued to enhance Windows 10 with cumulative updates since the release of version 22H2 in October 2022. Notable updates include: 1. A redesigned "About" page in the Settings app that displays key technical specifications and includes a FAQ section. 2. Introduction of a System Components page that consolidates essential OS components. 3. Relocation of the Optional features page for better accessibility. 4. A new Manage devices feature that enhances connectivity with mobile devices. 5. Updates to the Taskbar Calendar, including the display of seconds and expanded calendar views. 6. Enhancements to the Windows Backup app that allow file transfer to a new PC during setup. 7. Updates to the File Explorer context menu, including an Ask Copilot option. 8. Redesign of icons on the Settings home page to feature solid colors. 9. Improvements to Windows Search for European users, allowing changes to the default web search provider. 10. Changes to the default browser configuration process for European users, allowing broader link types and the option to uninstall Microsoft Edge. Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, with an option for users to enroll in the Extended Security Update program until October 2026.

Tech Optimizer

August 15, 2025

How to Create a Foreign Data Wrapper in PostgreSQL and Aurora PostgreSQL on AWS RDS

Foreign data wrappers (FDWs) in PostgreSQL and Aurora PostgreSQL allow users to access and manipulate data from external sources without data migration. To set up a foreign data wrapper, the following steps are required: 1. **Install the Foreign Data Wrapper**: Use the command `CREATE EXTENSION postgres_fdw;` to install the FDW. 2. **Set Up Foreign Data Wrapper Access**: Grant usage permissions using `GRANT USAGE ON FOREIGN SERVER foreign_server_name TO PUBLIC;` or for specific users. 3. **Create a Foreign Server**: Use the command `CREATE SERVER foreign_server_name FOREIGN DATA WRAPPER postgres_fdw OPTIONS (host 'hostname', dbname 'dbname', port '5432');`. 4. **Create User Mapping**: Establish authentication details with `CREATE USER MAPPING FOR local_username SERVER foreign_server_name OPTIONS (user 'remote_username', password 'remote_password');`. 5. **Create Foreign Tables**: Reference remote tables using `CREATE FOREIGN TABLE remote_table ( id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY, data VARCHAR(50) ) SERVER foreign_server_name OPTIONS (table_name 'remote_table');`. An example use case is an online retailer using a PostgreSQL database for operations and an external SQL database for customer feedback, allowing real-time insights into customer satisfaction.