Informatica Migration for Big Data Workflows

Informatica, a leading data integration platform, has been a cornerstone for our client’s big data workflows.

Project Description

Informatica, a leading data integration platform, has been a cornerstone for our client’s big data workflows. These workflows encompass a multitude of tasks, from data acquisition across diverse sources to intricate transformations and processing, all aligned with specific business objectives. However, with the decision to phase out Informatica, our requirement was to replicate the existing workflows using .NET, ensuring seamless continuity in essential data operations.

Informatica, founded in 1993, has evolved into a comprehensive data management solution, empowering organizations to streamline their data integration processes. It offers a range of features, including data quality management, master data management, and data governance, making it a popular choice for enterprises worldwide. For our client, Informatica served as a management platform that handled complex workflows, retrieving and transforming datasets from different business areas to achieve crucial tasks.

Challenge

Problem

Navigating the complexities of Informatica presented a challenge for our team, primarily due to our limited familiarity with the platform. As Informatica was not within our usual technical stack, understanding its intricate workflows and data processing mechanisms required a significant effort.

Project Goals

Understanding Informatica: Our primary objective was to gain a comprehensive understanding of Informatica’s features, functionalities, and data processing capabilities. This involved delving into various Informatica components, such as PowerCenter for data integration and Workflow Manager for workflow automation.

Documentation: To ensure a smooth transition to .NET, we prioritized the documentation of existing Informatica workflows. This documentation served as a blueprint for future migrations, providing detailed insights into workflow structure, data transformations, and business logic.

Reverse Engineering: Reverse engineering Informatica workflows were crucial for replicating them in the .NET environment. By dissecting each workflow component and deciphering its underlying logic, we aimed to replicate the same functionality using .NET technologies.

Batch Job Creation: A key aspect of the migration involved the development of batch jobs in .NET to replace Informatica workflows. These batch jobs would replicate the same business logic and data processing steps, ensuring continuity in data operations post-migration.

Solution

Our implementation strategy comprised several iterative steps aimed at gaining a comprehensive understanding of Informatica workflows and replicating them in the .NET environment.

We started by engaging with Informatica subject matter experts to gain insights into the platform’s intricacies. These experts provided valuable guidance on Informatica’s architecture, data flow mechanisms, and best practices for workflow design.

Once equipped with a foundational understanding of Informatica, we wanted to have detailed, meticulous documentation. This involved cataloging each workflow task, delineating its purpose, input/output requirements, and dependencies. Additionally, we documented the underlying data transformations and business rules applied within each task, providing a holistic view of the workflow’s functionality.

With comprehensive documentation in hand, we proceeded to reverse engineer Informatica workflows, dissecting each task to understand its underlying logic and data processing steps. This involved scrutinizing Informatica mappings, transformations, and workflow dependencies to identify corresponding .NET components and logic.

To validate our understanding and ensure fidelity in the migration process, we conducted extensive testing in lower environments. By executing Informatica workflows in controlled environments and comparing the results with our .NET implementations, we could verify the accuracy and integrity of the migration.

Once confident in our .NET implementations, we transitioned to the final phase of the migration, wherein we developed batch jobs using .NET technologies. Leveraging frameworks such as .NET Core and Control-M for job scheduling, we replicated the business logic and data processing steps of Informatica workflows in the .NET environment.

Technical Stack

· .NET Core

· Control-M

· Informatica Power Designer

· Informatica Workflow Manager

· SQL Server

Process

Our migration process adhered to agile principles, with a focus on collaboration, iteration, and continuous improvement.

We initiated the migration effort with a “Spike” story, dedicated to gaining a deeper understanding of Informatica. Unlike traditional user stories with tangible deliverables, the objective of the Spike story was knowledge acquisition through research, experimentation, and documentation. This initial phase provided crucial insights that informed subsequent migration efforts.

Following the Spike story, we adopted a user story-based approach, wherein migration tasks were encapsulated within two-week sprints. During sprint planning sessions, we groomed the stories, estimating their complexity and prioritizing tasks based on business value and technical feasibility.

Throughout the migration process, collaboration was paramount, with cross-functional teams comprising Quality Engineers, Product Owners, and Solution Architects working in tandem to ensure the success of the project. Quality Engineers conducted rigorous testing to validate migration outcomes, while Product Owners provided stakeholder feedback and prioritized feature enhancements. Solution Architects played a pivotal role in guiding technical decisions and ensuring alignment with architectural best practices.

Results

By migrating from Informatica and building on its existing .NET technologies, our client stands to benefit from reduced licensing costs, enhanced flexibility, and improved control over data workflows. The migration enables greater visibility and transparency, allowing our product owners to make informed decisions and adapt rapidly to evolving business requirements.

Furthermore, the migration underscores our commitment to delivering value to our clients through technology modernization initiatives. By leveraging proven methodologies, collaborative approaches, and technical expertise, we have demonstrated our ability to navigate complex migration projects and drive tangible outcomes for our clients.

Looking ahead, we remain poised to support our client’s evolving needs, whether through further technology migrations, process optimizations, or innovation initiatives. Our experience in Informatica migration equips us with valuable insights and best practices that will inform future migration endeavors, ensuring seamless transitions and continued success for our clients.

For expert assistance in migrating your workflows and modernizing your technology stack, partner with Xorbix Technologies today. Contact us to discuss your project requirements and explore how we can help you achieve your goals. Get a free quote now!