AWS News Blog: AWS Database Migration Service now automates time-intensive schema conversion tasks using generative AI

Source URL: https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/aws/aws-data-migration-service-improves-database-schema-conversion-with-generative-ai/
Source: AWS News Blog
Title: AWS Database Migration Service now automates time-intensive schema conversion tasks using generative AI

Feedly Summary: AWS DMS Schema Conversion converts up to 90% of your schema to accelerate your database migrations and reduce manual effort with the power of generative AI.

AI Summary and Description: Yes

Summary: AWS has introduced a new generative AI capability in its Database Migration Service Schema Conversion (DMS SC) that enhances the schema conversion process by automating up to 90% of schema object transformations from commercial databases to PostgreSQL. This innovation, powered by large language models, aims to reduce migration costs and timelines while allowing users to focus on post-migration optimization.

Detailed Description:
The recent update to AWS Database Migration Service Schema Conversion (DMS SC) represents a significant advancement in database migration technology through the integration of generative AI. Here are the major points related to this new capability:

– **Automation of Schema Conversion**: The new generative AI feature in DMS SC can automate the conversion of up to 90% of schema objects, which historically have required manual intervention, thus streamlining the migration process from commercial databases to PostgreSQL.

– **Challenges of Manual Intervention**: While automation enhances efficiency, it is emphasized that complex database code elements still necessitate manual adjustments. This includes proprietary system functions and intricate data type conversions that lack direct equivalents in PostgreSQL, potentially leading to extended migration timelines and additional costs.

– **Utilization of LLMs**: The generative AI capabilities leverage large language models (LLMs) hosted on Amazon Bedrock to overcome the limitations of traditional rule-based techniques, enabling the conversion of previously unsupported code snippets.

– **Reduced Costs and Accelerated Timelines**: Customers reported achieving significant cost savings and faster project completions due to this new technology, allowing teams to redirect focus from resolving conversion gaps to enhancing application performance post-migration.

– **User Experience**: Users can easily navigate the process via the AWS Management Console, which includes steps for defining the migration project and assessing complexity. It involves generating reports summarizing migration feasibility, complexity, and statistics on convertible objects.

– **Opt-in Feature**: The generative AI capability is not enabled by default, maintaining compliance requirements for customers with strict policies against generative AI. Users can choose to opt-in and activate this feature for their specific migration projects.

– **Availability**: The new capability is rolled out across select AWS regions, including various locations in the United States and Europe, signaling AWS’s commitment to enhancing user experiences in cloud migration.

Implications for Security and Compliance Professionals:
– Professionals should be aware of the compliance implications when integrating generative AI features into their migration strategies. The ability to switch between automated and traditional methods can help align with company policies regarding AI usage.
– As migrations become quicker and more cost-effective with AI, organizations can explore accelerated cloud transitions while ensuring that security and compliance remain a priority throughout the migration lifecycle.
– Understanding the operational nuances of this tool will be critical in determining how it aligns with existing governance structures and security protocols during database migrations.