Simplifying Data Warehouse Migration: Overcoming Legacy Challenges with Snowflake's Enhanced SnowConvert
Migrating data from legacy data warehouses like Oracle, Teradata, or SQL Server to Snowflake’s enterprise-grade cloud platform might sound like a complex and time-consuming process, fraught with potential pitfalls that can take months and months to resolve. Transitioning large volumes of data and intricate codebases can indeed be challenging, but Snowflake has equipped developers with powerful tools to absolutely Daft Punk the migration — making it faster, better, stronger! One standout tool is SnowConvert, which has been designed to ease and streamline these migrations for developers so we can deliver high quality migrations faster and with much less hassle than ever before.
Put simply, SnowConvert is a sophisticated source code conversion tool built exclusively for migrating to Snowflake. Unlike basic tools that rely on find-and-replace methods, SnowConvert goes deeper—it builds a comprehensive model of the source code language, alongside a symbol table, which enables a precise and structured transformation of code into Snowflake’s environment. This approach ensures code is not only converted but optimised for Snowflake, preserving functionality and enhancing performance.
SnowConvert also comes equipped with assessment functionality that your engineers (like the ones at Precision Data Partners) can use to prepare for the next steps of the migration. This includes an extensive list of reports that provide insights on potential complexities of the source code, detailed reporting on what SnowConvert has auto-converted, what code may need additional review to confirm a correct conversion and what it cannot convert.
The engineers at Precision Data Partners have achieved proficiencies in using Snowflake’s code conversion tools, learning how best to address any error resolutions, fine-tuning configurations and navigating post-migration procedures to ensure a seamless deployment onto the Snowflake platform. So there’s no excuse to not move your data warehouse into the cloud!
The latest version of SnowConvert introduces a suite of new features that simplify migration, provide transparency into the process, and reduce the risk of errors. Some of the key enhancements include:
Free Table Conversion and Assessment: SnowConvert now enables free table conversions, allowing organisations to evaluate their existing codebase without initial costs. This feature helps teams gauge the complexity of the migration project upfront, empowering them to plan more effectively.
New Code Completeness Score: This new metric provides a clear, quantitative measure of how much of the existing codebase can be automatically converted. With this insight, developers can identify any areas requiring manual intervention, making resource planning and project scoping far more accurate.
Code Unit Methodology: By breaking down code into manageable units, SnowConvert structures the migration in a way that allows each component to be systematically assessed and converted. This organised approach minimises errors and optimises the migration flow.
Enhanced Messaging – Functional Difference Messages (FDMs) and Performance Reviews (PRFs): FDMs pinpoint functionality differences between the source and target systems, while PRFs provide insights on performance considerations for converted code. These messages support developers in making informed decisions, improving accuracy and performance during the migration.
Improved Reporting and Code Comparison: The updated SnowConvert version includes enhanced reports that deliver detailed insights into the migration process. The new code comparison feature lets developers view original and converted code side by side, enabling thorough validation and ensuring a quality migration.
With these advancements, SnowConvert for Developers doesn’t just simplify the migration process; it provides a comprehensive understanding of the codebase, making Snowflake migrations smoother and more predictable. By leveraging these tools, organisations can ensure a seamless transition to Snowflake’s cloud platform, avoiding risks and optimising resources in the process.
