Should You Migrate from MongoDB to AWS DocumentDB?

The open-source MongoDB distributed document database has much to offer for cloud users. Available as a service, it has achieved widespread adoption due to its myriad benefits, including minimal costs (it’s free), control of data locations in support for data sovereignty requirements, load balancing, high availability via replica sets and failover, and the ability to trigger serverless functions in response to data changes.

Stay With MongoDB or Migrate to AWS DocumentDB?

When a corporate decision is made to move applications to an AWS environment, organizations who have been running MongoDB for some time may struggle to determine where existing document data should be maintained. They may have significant data volumes as well as in-house skills to support Mongo-based applications. In such cases, decision-makers must weigh their options carefully. Is it better to maintain data in MongoDB or would migrating from MongoDB to AWS DocumentDB be a better approach?

AWS DocumentDB is MongoDB Compatible

Amazon DocumentDB is a document database service that supports MongoDB workloads and provides virtually unlimited storage with real-time scalability. Functionality and capabilities that enable Amazon DocumentDB to deliver MongoDB level performance include:

• Apache 2.0 open source MongoDB 3.6 API lets you use existing MongoDB drivers and tools with Amazon DocumentDB to facilitate a smooth transition.
• Decoupled storage and compute, allowing independent scaling to meet dynamic workload demands.
• Ability to add as many as 15 low-latency read replicas to handle millions of requests per second.
• Guaranteed 99.99% availability by replicating six copies of data across three AWS Availability Zones.
• Rapid (less than 30 seconds) automatic failover to a read replica in the event of failure.

Amazon DocumentDB integrates deeply with AWS services, and when combined with these services, offers advantages that provide compelling reasons to migrate from MongoDB to AWS DocumentDB:

• Multiple levels of database security: network isolation using Amazon VPC, encryption at rest via AWS Key Management Service (KMS), auditing, TLS for encryption-in-transit, encrypted automated backups, snapshots, and replicas.
• Automated monitoring and backups to Amazon S3 that allow point-in-time recovery.
• Compliance with industry standards like PCI DSS, ISO 9001, 27001, 27017, and 27018, as well as SOC 1, 2, and SOC 3, and HIPAA.

AWS DocumentDB Reduces Operational Overhead

AWS makes it easy to establish secure, scalable MongoDB-compatible databases without the need to manually set up and secure database clusters, run cluster management software, configure backups, or monitor production workloads. Reduced operational overhead can also be a significant motivator in deciding to migrate from MongoDB to AWS DocumentDB. To further entice business to migrate, AWS offers a free data Database Migration Service (DMS).

Tap the Expertise of an AWS Consulting Partner to Ensure Migration Success

However, every migration is unique and typically encounters unexpected problems. Businesses can reduce migration time and accomplish the migration at the lowest possible cost by working with an experienced AWS Consulting Partner. An AWS Consulting Partner who has successfully planned and implemented numerous migrations takes a holistic approach to the process and will:

• Advise on infrastructure using the AWS Well-Architected Review, determine instance sizing, and recommend any additional AWS services or tools to ensure a successful migration.
• Point out any potential compatibility issues associated with software versions, attributes, or document indexes, and provide alternative solutions to circumvent them.
• Apply best practices methodology gained from many years of AWS migration planning, implementation, and management.
• Assess your current data usage and lifecycle to assess which data are essential for a production workload, advise on the appropriate data archival strategy, and determine if shared storage is a viable option.
• Employ a replication/synchronization strategy for a quick cutover (minimized downtime) to the AWS DocumentDB.

For businesses new to the AWS environment, working with an experienced AWS Consulting Partner can be the most cost-effective strategy to migrate MongoDB to AWS DocumentDB. You’ll avoid potential problems, accomplish the migration in less time, and ensure a successful migration from MongoDB to AWS DocumentDB.

AWS DocumentDB is an Attractive Alternative to MongoDB

Amazon DocumentDB provides an attractive alternative to MongoDB. In addition to providing capabilities and functionality on par with MongoDB, many other AWS services integrate with or complement Amazon DocumentDB to reduce management overhead, enhance performance, and ensure reliability. Work with an AWS-certified expert to streamline the cloud migration process and optimize the transition from MongoDB to DocumentDB.

FAQ

1. What are the performance differences between MongoDB and AWS DocumentDB for real-time applications?

MongoDB's performance versus AWS DocumentDB's can vary significantly depending on the specific use case, especially for real-time applications. AWS DocumentDB is optimized for speed and scalability within AWS's ecosystem, potentially offering improved performance for workloads tightly integrated with other AWS services.

1. How do data migration tools ensure data integrity during the transition from MongoDB to AWS DocumentDB?

Data migration tools designed for transitioning from MongoDB to AWS DocumentDB typically incorporate mechanisms to ensure data integrity, such as checksums and data validation processes. These tools aim to provide a seamless migration experience by minimizing data loss and inconsistency.