IKEA

IKEA, the global leader in home furnishings, embarked on a large-scale database migration project to modernize its infrastructure across its worldwide network of stores. The challenge involved converting over 600 Rdb SQLMOD files, which were originally running on local VMS machines, to modern database systems. Sector7 was engaged to handle the conversion process, initially targeting Oracle 19 and later shifting to PostgreSQL 14 when IKEA changed its database strategy mid-project.

Sector7 developed custom tools to facilitate the migration, first converting the SQLMOD files into PRO*C for Oracle 19. When the decision was made to switch to PostgreSQL, Sector7 adapted its toolset to generate ECPG (Embedded SQL in C) code for PostgreSQL 14. This flexibility allowed for a smooth transition from the original Rdb database to PostgreSQL, ensuring that all IKEA stores around the world could access the new database on a Linux server without any disruption to their operations.

The project was highly complex, not only because of the sheer volume of code that had to be converted but also due to the need to ensure seamless integration with IKEA’s global operations. Each store's local system had been reliant on Rdb running on VMS, and the migration had to guarantee that the new PostgreSQL databases on Linux would provide the same level of performance, reliability, and data integrity.

• Conversion of over 600 Rdb SQLMOD files to PRO*C and later to ECPG for PostgreSQL.
• Migration from VMS to Linux, ensuring global store database accessibility.
• Adjustment of tools to switch from Oracle 19 to PostgreSQL 14 mid-project.
• Seamless integration of PostgreSQL databases with IKEA's worldwide operations, maintaining performance and reliability.

The successful completion of this project not only ensured that IKEA's database infrastructure was modernized, but it also provided a scalable and efficient solution for future growth. The ability to adapt mid-project to changing requirements highlights Sector7’s agility and technical expertise in handling large-scale database migrations.