Migrating relational data to an ODBMS: strategics and lessons from a molecular biology experience
Jon R. Oler, G. Lindstrom, T. Critchlow
Oct 9, 1997
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Key Takeaway Key Takeaway: Migrating relational data to an ODBMS can be successful, but careful consideration of subtle relational implementation aspects is crucial for successful adaptation of legacy application software.
Abstract
The growing maturity of ODBMS technology is causing many enterprises to consider migrating relational databases to ODBMS's. While data remapping is relatively straightforward in most cases, greater challenges lie in economically and non-invasively adapting legacy application software. We report on a genetics laboratory database migration experiment, which was facilitated by both organization of the relational data in object-like form and a C++ framework designed to insulate application code from relational artifacts. Although this experiment was largely successful, we discovered to our surprise that the framework failed to encapsulate three subtle aspects of the relational implementation, thereby "contaminating" application code. We analyze the underlying issues, and offer cautionary guidance to future migrators.