On-Prem to Cloud Database Migration – MySQL Database Migration Methods Database Migration

Migrating a MySQL database from on-premises to the cloud can be implemented using different methods depending on database size, downtime tolerance, and business criticality. This discussion focuses on practical MySQL migration methods used by DevOps teams in real production environments.

MySQL Database Migration – Implementation Methods

Method 1: Logical Dump & Restore

(Simple & Small Databases)

This method uses logical backups to export data from on-prem and restore it in the cloud.

Implementation approach:

• Take a logical dump of the on-prem MySQL database
• Create a managed MySQL instance in the cloud
• Restore the dump into the cloud database
• Update application connection strings

Best suited for:

• Small to medium databases
• Non-critical workloads
• Environments that allow downtime

Method 2: Backup & Restore with Minimal Downtime

(Medium Databases)

This approach minimizes downtime by preparing the target database in advance.

Implementation approach:

• Take a full backup from on-prem MySQL
• Restore backup into cloud MySQL instance
• Freeze writes on source database
• Perform a final incremental sync
• Switch application traffic to cloud DB

Best suited for:

• Medium-sized production databases
• Controlled maintenance windows

Method 3: Replication-Based Migration

(Low Downtime Migration)

This method uses MySQL replication to continuously sync data.

Implementation approach:

• Configure on-prem MySQL as primary
• Configure cloud MySQL as replica
• Allow replication to catch up
• Perform application cutover
• Promote cloud DB to primary

Best suited for:

• Business-critical databases
• Near-zero downtime requirements

Method 4: Continuous Data Replication (CDC)

(Enterprise & Zero Downtime)

CDC tracks database changes in real time and applies them to the cloud database.

Implementation approach:

• Perform initial full data load
• Enable CDC for ongoing changes
• Validate data consistency
• Perform short cutover window
• Disable CDC after migration

Best suited for:

• Large databases
• 24/7 applications
• Enterprise workloads

Method 5: Blue-Green Migration Strategy

(Safest Production Cutover)

Two environments are maintained to ensure safe rollback.

Implementation approach:

• Keep on-prem DB (Blue) active
• Sync data to cloud DB (Green)
• Test application against Green DB
• Switch traffic during cutover
• Roll back instantly if issues occur

Best suited for:

• Mission-critical systems
• Applications requiring rollback safety

Common Implementation Challenges

• Data inconsistency due to charset or collation mismatch
• Long replication lag during peak write traffic
• Foreign key and constraint conflicts
• Application connection timeouts after cutover

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right MySQL migration method depends on:

• Database size
• Downtime tolerance
• Application criticality
• Operational complexity

There is no single best method—successful migrations usually combine replication, validation, and controlled cutover.