Seamless Data Modernization: A Leading Retailer’s Data Migration from IBM to SingleStore

Introduction 

A leading Dubai-based retail conglomerate with 90+ stores sought to modernize its analytics platform. Faced with scalability and performance limitations on IBM Netezza, they partnered with Systech for a seamless migration to SingleStore — paired with enhanced reporting on IBM Cognos. 

Business Needs 

As the retail industry evolved, data-driven decision-making was essential for growth. The key challenges included: 

• Optimizing cost for growth: Migrating from IBM Netezza to a cost-effective platform ensures long-term scalability. 

• Enhancing Scalability:  Future-proofing data architecture for enterprise growth.  

• Boosting Performance: Integrating a high-performance framework to accelerate query execution and operational efficiency. 

• Advanced Analytics & Reporting – Enhancing analytics and reporting for quicker and more strategic decision-making. 

Systech Delivery 

Systech, in collaboration with Gulf Business Machines, executed a structured waterfall-based data modernization approach. The migration from IBM Pure Data for Analytics to SingleStore followed a phase-by-phase execution, ensuring clear milestones, minimal disruption, and continuous data availability. This method provided a predictable, well-documented process to modernize data engineering and enhance reporting analytics.  

Key Components: 

• Automated Data Capture: Deployed IBM Change Data Capture to automate synchronization and eliminate manual effort. 

• Performance Optimization: Optimized query execution to reduce response times by up to 50%.   

• Enhanced Reporting: Integrated IBM Cognos to improve real-time analytics and support dynamic decision-making.   

Challenges 

• Addressing Migration Complexity: Transferring large datasets while maintaining data integrity. 

• Minimizing Downtime: Ensuring seamless migration with minimal business disruption. 

• Scalability Considerations: Designing a future-proof data architecture for Client’s growing needs. 

The detailed solution process 

Seamless data migration and integration 

• Migrated with structured schema mapping to ensure data integrity and continuity across all business systems.  

• Automated data updates using IBM Change Data Capture, minimizing manual effort and ensuring continuous synchronization. 

Performance Optimization for faster insights 

• Fine-tuned queries to accelerate data retrieval and analytics.  

• Enhanced reporting speed with IBM Cognos, enabling quicker and more informed decision-making.  

• Conducted rigorous testing before deployment to minimize risks and ensure system reliability. 

Enhanced Reporting & User Adoption 

• Integrated IBM Cognos for advanced reporting, improving visibility and operational insights. 

Business Impact 

The project delivered significant business improvements, helping the Client Group optimize operations and decision-making: 

• 40% Faster Reporting – IBM Cognos reporting speed improved, enabling quicker insights and response times. 

• Accelerated Decision-Making – Enhanced data accessibility empowered executives with faster, data-driven decisions. 

• Lower Infrastructure Costs – Migration to a scalable, cloud-friendly solution reduced operational expenses. 

• 50% Boost in Productivity – Improved cycle times and operational efficiency streamlined business processes. 

Innovation & Future Outlook 

Client’s data modernization project lays the foundation for future innovations, including: 

• With a future-ready data foundation in place, the client is now exploring AI-led innovation through Systech’s multi-agent platform, WizarD™, and enhancing resilience through disaster recovery capabilities. 

Through its strategic partnership and innovative data modernization solutions, Systech has empowered Client Group with a future-ready analytics platform. The successful migration to SingleStore and enhancements in IBM Cognos reporting have positioned Client for long-term operational efficiency and business growth. 

Looking to modernize your data platform and enhance real-time analytics? Partner with Systech to unlock the full potential of your business insights. Contact us today. 

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