The key question

Oracle on a virtual machine, Oracle as a managed database and Aurora PostgreSQL are not interchangeable hosting choices. The last option also changes the database engine.

What to inventory

  • Capture required Oracle features and operating-system access.
  • Define backup, maintenance and availability requirements.
  • Assess how much application code and database logic can change.

Design the target deliberately

Consider EC2 where deep control over the operating system and database is required and the organisation can own the operating model. RDS for Oracle is managed but has its own constraints. Aurora PostgreSQL additionally requires SQL, PL/SQL and application compatibility work. Choose the path from the objective, not from the service name.

A concrete validation step

One decision, several criteria

Evaluate each option against the same criteria: business compatibility, application change, operating effort, availability, cost and future flexibility.

Evidence required before sign-off

  • Prove critical features on the exact target service.
  • Compare operating tasks and responsibilities.
  • Calculate migration and recurring costs using documented assumptions.
  • Test a representative application flow against the target.

Primary sources & further reading

These recommendations are engineering guidance. Specific options depend on source and target versions, privileges and operating model.