AWS Aurora Support
Migrate RDS MySQL or PostgreSQL to Aurora.
Moving to Aurora can improve failover and read scaling, but it is a real migration with compatibility checks and a cutover. For RDS MySQL and PostgreSQL there are several paths with different downtime. We choose the one that fits your data size and tolerance, and test before the switch.
When You Need This
The situations where this work pays for itself.
Signs it is time
- You want faster failover and easier read scaling than standard RDS
- Your RDS instance is hitting storage or replica limits
- Leadership wants a cost and performance comparison before moving
- A database must move with only minutes of downtime
- You are consolidating several RDS databases
What you get
- Compatibility and cost assessment
- Chosen migration method with a timed runbook
- Aurora cluster in infrastructure as code with parameter groups
- Post-migration performance review
How we do it
A clear, safe process you can follow along with.
1. Check compatibility
We confirm the source engine version maps to a supported Aurora version, and review extensions, parameters, stored code and any features that behave differently on Aurora.
2. Estimate cost and sizing
Aurora bills instances, storage and I/O (or the I/O-Optimized configuration). We model both configurations from your IOPS and storage data before committing.
3. Choose the migration path
For small or tolerant systems, restoring a snapshot into Aurora works. For low downtime we create an Aurora read replica of the RDS instance and promote it. For other cases we use AWS DMS or native replication.
4. Build and test the target
We build the Aurora cluster with the right parameter groups, subnet group, security groups and encryption, then test application queries, performance and failover on a copy.
5. Rehearse the cutover
We time each step: stop writes, wait for lag to reach zero, promote the replica, update endpoints, and run smoke tests.
6. Cut over and keep a fallback
We switch application endpoints and keep the source instance intact and read-only for a defined period, so rollback is possible.
7. Tune after migration
We review parameters, add readers, set up alarms and later remove the old instance and snapshots we no longer need.
Mistakes we help you avoid
Common ways this goes wrong, and what we do instead.
Assuming Aurora is always cheaper
I/O-heavy or small workloads may cost more. We model first.
Skipping application testing
Behavior differences and driver settings can surface only under real queries.
Deleting the source too soon
Keep it until the new system has proven itself through a full business cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I migrate RDS to Aurora with minimal downtime?
Create an Aurora read replica of the RDS instance, let it catch up, then promote it during a short write freeze and repoint the application.
Does Aurora support all RDS MySQL and PostgreSQL features?
Most, but not all. Versions, extensions and some parameters differ, so check compatibility for your exact version before planning.
Can I roll back from Aurora to RDS?
Not automatically. Keep the source instance during a fallback period, or plan reverse replication using native tools or DMS if rollback matters.
Want Help With Migrate RDS MySQL or PostgreSQL to Aurora?
Schedule an appointment. Tell us about your environment and we will outline the safest, highest-value approach.
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