migration Archives

Tech Optimizer

April 21, 2025

Best practices to handle AWS DMS tasks during PostgreSQL upgrades

The AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS) provides a managed solution for migrating and replicating databases to AWS, supporting both homogeneous and heterogeneous migrations. It allows seamless data migration from PostgreSQL databases to any supported target and vice versa. Open-source PostgreSQL regularly releases new versions, and Amazon RDS aims to support these within five months. Upgrading PostgreSQL instances is essential for security and compliance. Minor version upgrades focus on security and bug fixes without adding new functionalities, while major upgrades can change system tables and data formats. AWS DMS tasks require careful management during PostgreSQL upgrades. For minor upgrades, ongoing DMS tasks should be stopped and then resumed post-upgrade. For major upgrades, replication slots must be dropped before the upgrade, which will invalidate ongoing DMS tasks. After the upgrade, a new CDC-only task should be created to resume data migration. Minor version upgrades of the target PostgreSQL database do not affect AWS DMS CDC tasks, but major upgrades require stopping the DMS task, performing the upgrade, and ensuring compatibility with the replication instance before resuming the task.

Winsage

April 18, 2025

Microsoft still has a massive Windows 10 problem – and there’s no easy way out

Microsoft's Windows 10 will reach its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025, after a standard 10-year support lifecycle. Most editions, including Home, Pro, and Enterprise, will stop receiving updates, although PCs running Windows 10 will continue to function without updates. Windows 10 Enterprise Long Term Servicing editions have different end dates, with some extending support until 2029. Current data indicates that approximately 1.6% of Windows 10 PCs are replaced by Windows 11 each month, suggesting that around 35% of the 1.4 billion Windows devices will still be using Windows 10 by the end-of-support date, equating to over 500 million PCs potentially vulnerable to cyber threats. As of April 2025, about 54% of PCs globally are still running Windows 10. Users likely to remain on Windows 10 include those with incompatible hardware, corporate environments that have standardized on Windows 10, and users resistant to upgrading due to dissatisfaction with Windows 11. Microsoft faces challenges related to a significant number of unsupported PCs, and while extended support options exist for enterprise customers, consumer adoption is expected to be low. Users unable or unwilling to upgrade may consider non-Microsoft operating systems or continue using Windows 10 without official support, which poses security risks.

Tech Optimizer

April 16, 2025

Transition a pivot query that includes dynamic columns from SQL Server to PostgreSQL

The text discusses the process of migrating workloads from SQL Server to PostgreSQL, specifically focusing on the implementation of the PIVOT function. It highlights the limitations of using CASE WHEN statements in SQL Server for dynamic reports and introduces the crosstab function from PostgreSQL’s tablefunc extension as a more flexible alternative. The solution involves creating a PostgreSQL function called get_dynamic_pivot_data that utilizes crosstab to dynamically generate columns based on query results. To test the function, users need to provision either Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL or Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL and install a PostgreSQL client tool. For those using C#, .NET SDK 8 and Visual Studio Code must be installed. The text provides detailed steps for creating sample tables and stored procedures in SQL Server, along with the equivalent setup in PostgreSQL, including the use of the crosstab function and cursor management. It emphasizes the need for security measures, such as storing database credentials in AWS Secrets Manager. The author encourages sharing experiences related to implementing PIVOT functionality in PostgreSQL.

Winsage

April 15, 2025

OneDrive clients for Windows, Mac still broken 10 months on

In June 2024, OneDrive users for macOS and Windows reported that shared folders on their local drives had disappeared, replaced by .url files linking to OneDrive's web interface. This issue has persisted for ten months without a concrete solution from Microsoft, which has acknowledged it as a known bug under investigation. Users are frustrated by the lack of offline access and syncing capabilities, with complaints continuing in community forums. The problem is linked to a new "shortcut" model for shared folders, resulting from an ongoing backend migration. Small business users feel particularly abandoned, while enterprise users seem largely unaffected. Various proposed workarounds have had limited success. Microsoft has not provided further clarification beyond initial statements.

Tech Optimizer

April 10, 2025

How Heroku migrated hundreds of thousands of self-managed PostgreSQL databases to Amazon Aurora

Heroku has migrated its multi-tenant PostgreSQL database fleet from a self-managed environment on Amazon EC2 to the Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition, improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction without impacting customers. This transition involved moving over 200,000 databases, utilizing a dual control plane approach and specialized transfer systems for efficient data migration. The new architecture allows Heroku to leverage AWS Cloud services more effectively, alleviating the operational burdens on engineering teams and enabling a focus on customer value. The migration also positions Heroku to introduce advanced features such as AI-enabled database administration and enhanced security measures.

Tech Optimizer

April 10, 2025

PostgreSQL vs. MySQL in 2025: Choosing the Best Database for Your Backend

In 2025, PostgreSQL has a usage rate of 45.55%, while MySQL has a usage rate of 41.09%. PostgreSQL is preferred for applications requiring complex queries and robust data management, while MySQL is favored for speed and efficiency in read-heavy environments. PostgreSQL was named DBMS of the Year 2023 for the fourth time since 2017, with its latest version released in September 2023 featuring performance and replication enhancements. Developer surveys show PostgreSQL adoption has increased from 33% in 2018 to nearly 50%. MySQL is recognized for its rapid performance and ease of implementation, particularly in e-commerce and content management systems. Performance tests indicate PostgreSQL is approximately 1.6 times faster than MySQL in complex query scenarios. PostgreSQL offers built-in row-level security and encryption, while MySQL provides a user-friendly interface and solid security measures. PostgreSQL excels in managing large datasets and complex operations, whereas MySQL uses a distributed systems approach for workload management.

Winsage

April 7, 2025

Five reasons why every business needs Windows 11

Windows 10 will reach its end of support on October 14, 2025, leaving organizations without essential security updates and exposing them to cyber risks. Upgrading to Windows 11 on HP PCs with Intel® Core processors enhances security, improves system stability, reduces IT support strain, boosts employee productivity, and avoids the costs associated with delayed migration. BPC Commercial offers assistance for a smooth transition to Windows 11.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Microsoft’s Free Upgrade Deadline—Millions Of Windows Users Suddenly Move

Microsoft has made significant changes to Windows, including the elimination of passwords and new account access methods, while warning users about risks like data breaches and identity theft. Windows 10 users face an urgent transition as support ends in six months, with a free upgrade to Windows 11 available for eligible PCs. Recent data shows a 4% increase in Windows 10 users switching to Windows 11, with Windows 10's market share dropping to 54% and Windows 11 rising to over 40%. However, security hardware requirements may prevent some users from upgrading, potentially affecting around 240 million PCs. Users can purchase a 12-month extension for home use, while business users may incur higher fees for extended support. After the support deadline, Microsoft will stop providing updates and security fixes for Windows 10, increasing cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Transitioning to Windows 11 is crucial for users to access the latest security features.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

Windows 11 market share grows rapidly with the end of Windows 10 approaching

As of March 2025, Windows 10 has a market share of 54.23%, down 4.43 percentage points from the previous month, while Windows 11's market share has risen to 42.66%, an increase of 4.53 percentage points. Windows 11's adoption has surged by 15.98 percentage points since March 2024, while Windows 10 has declined by 14.84 percentage points during the same period. Regular support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, with only the Extended Security Updates program available for continued security updates. Windows 7 has a market share of 2.22%, Windows XP is at 0.33%, and Windows 8.1 stands at 0.28%.

Winsage

March 25, 2025

The six-step countdown to Windows 10 end of life

The end of Windows 10 support is approaching, prompting IT decision-makers to consider transitioning to Windows 11. This transition allows organizations to modernize hardware, rethink client infrastructure, and adopt advanced management technologies. Continuing to use Windows 10 can lead to high maintenance costs and potential performance issues with M365/Office applications after October 14, 2025. Upgrading to AI-capable PCs can enhance operational efficiencies, while unsupported systems expose organizations to cyber threats and compliance risks. Windows 11 Pro offers improved security features, and upgrading aligns with sustainability goals through practices like Asset Recovery Services. A well-planned transition strategy is essential to avoid rushed decisions and ensure compatibility and training. Delaying the upgrade poses risks, including financial burdens from extended security update fees.