Cloud-based managed MySQL data services are being aggressively marketed to organizations with the promise of streamlining their database management. These “managed data services” are an alternative to more traditional “non-managed data services” – software solutions with embedded intelligent proxies and cluster management using native MySQL run on-premises, in the cloud, or a hybrid cloud. 

These cloud-based managed data services essentially attempt to outsource database operations and offload routine operations like automated backups, seamless scalability, and reduced administrative overhead. They are especially enticing among companies looking to focus on their core competencies without getting bogged down by the intricacies of database maintenance.

At first glance, managed data services appear to have advantages, but they also have many associated pitfalls that must be addressed to ensure optimal performance and cost efficiency. This article is a guide to understanding the potential pitfalls of managed MySQL data services. Whether you’re considering transitioning to a managed MySQL service or looking to optimize your existing setup, this article offers prescriptive advice to help businesses make informed decisions.

Lack of Backend Visibility

Managed MySQL services restrict visibility into backend processes and infrastructure. This lack of transparency can hinder performance tuning, issue resolution, and capacity planning, as administrators cannot access the underlying operating system or database logs, unlike in a self-managed environment. This limitation can be particularly frustrating when diagnosing performance issues or unexpected behavior. 

Tips

• Choose services that offer detailed logging and monitoring tools, especially quality non-managed database services that are currently available.
• Ensure your team is trained to use these tools effectively. 
• Consider hybrid solutions where critical databases remain self-managed.

Over-Simplified GUI

While the GUI provided by managed database services simplifies database management, it can also be a double-edged sword. The GUI’s abstraction of complexity is advantageous when everything is running smoothly. However, this abstraction becomes a major drawback when troubleshooting or fixing issues. The ease of use can lead to an over-reliance on the GUI, making it difficult for administrators to delve deeply into problems or understand the underlying infrastructure. In addition, while the managed database service may have an SLA, the GUI typically does not. If the GUI fails or experiences an outage, performing administrative functions on the database service may be throttled or impossible.

Tips

• Train administrators on CLI tools and direct database access methods. 
• Develop and maintain a robust knowledge base for troubleshooting beyond the GUI.
• Evaluate the availability and reliability of the GUI and have contingency plans in place.

Slow and Painful High Availability

High availability in managed MySQL services can often be slow and cumbersome, with failover processes taking longer than expected. This can lead to downtime during critical periods, disrupting operations and leading to data loss, financial loss, and decreased productivity.

Tips

• As an organization, decide the maximum amount of time acceptable for failover, then choose tools that meet this threshold. In general, non-managed solutions will provide much quicker and more reliable failover and failback.
• Test failover processes regularly to understand and mitigate delays.
• Design applications to handle potential downtime gracefully.
• Consider non-managed, multi-region deployments to enhance availability. 

Arbitrary Reboots and Maintenance

One of the significant drawbacks of cloud-based managed databases is the lack of control over maintenance schedules, reboots, and performance issues caused by noisy neighbors, i.e., other tenants on the same infrastructure. Cloud providers might schedule maintenance or reboot instances at inconvenient times for users, resulting in potential downtime and disruptions.  These maintenance windows, upgrades, and reboots may not be helpful to the organization. Typically, these maintenance windows are non-negotiable. Conversely, non-managed solutions usually do not require such maintenance windows, and organizations can schedule any needed maintenance according to their schedule.

Tips

• Consider a non-managed solution where maintenance does not involve any interruptions to applications.
• Implement monitoring and alerting to prepare for and mitigate disruptions.
• Evaluate the provider’s track record for maintenance scheduling and impacts.

Reboot Requirements for Configuration Changes

Modifying database options often requires rebooting the database instance, which can be highly inconvenient, particularly in production environments where uptime is critical. Rebooting can take significant time, resulting in service interruptions and potential data unavailability.

Tips

• Plan configuration changes during low-traffic periods.
• Test configuration changes in a staging environment before applying them in production.
• Consider using services that offer dynamic configuration changes without reboots.

Limited Multi-Region Support

Managed MySQL services typically offer very limited, if any, multi-region support, putting applications at risk in the event of a regional failure. For the few services that do provide multi-region support, the topology options are often restricted to a simple read replica in another region. Disaster recovery options are cumbersome, and more complex deployments like Active/Active MySQL are not possible.

Tips

• Evaluate the multi-region capabilities of each service provider. 
• Implement a multi-region architecture with read replicas, where possible.
• Consider non-managed alternative solutions for true active/active deployments.

No Active/Active Geographically Distributed Data Services

Managed MySQL services generally do not support active/active geographically distributed databases, making true global distribution and high availability complex and limited. While some providers offer read replicas in multiple regions, these setups often do not support active writes in multiple locations, resulting in potential latency issues for users far from the writable primary.

Tips

• Explore other non-managed database solutions that support active/active configurations. 
• Use a combination of managed and self-managed services for critical applications.
• Implement caching and data replication strategies to mitigate latency issues.

Limited Backup and Restore Functionality

Backup and restore functionalities in managed MySQL services are often limited. For example, automated backups are usually retained for a maximum of 30 days, and options for off-site backups are limited. This can be a significant drawback for businesses that require longer retention periods or more flexible backup solutions to meet regulatory and operational requirements. Additionally, this limitation contributes to vendor lock-in, where a customer becomes dependent on a vendor for products and services, making it difficult or costly to switch to another provider. 

Tips

• An organization should have three critical policies defined: recovery time objective (RTO), recovery point objective (RPO), and retention policy.
• Service must conform to the above policies.
• Organizations should adhere to the 3-2-1 backup rule – keep three copies of data on two different media types, with one copy stored offsite for disaster recovery and data safety.
• Regularly export and store backups in multiple locations and evaluate.
• Use third-party backup solutions for greater flexibility. Note: This may not be available for managed services.
• Continuously ensure backup policies meet regulatory and operational requirements. (See the first bullet point.)

Lack of Automated Disaster Recovery

Managed MySQL offers few or no disaster recovery options, putting applications at risk if cloud regions become unavailable. For those few services that offer limited disaster recovery, switching to another region is a complex task requiring a GUI or an API. The failover process is time-consuming, and there is no provision for failing back when services are restored.   

Tips

• Develop a comprehensive disaster recovery plan. 
• Regularly test disaster recovery processes to ensure they meet your needs. 
• Consider multi-cloud strategies to reduce dependency on a single provider.

High and Unpredictable Costs

The cost structure of managed MySQL services can be misleading. While the advertised prices might appear low, the actual costs can add up quickly, especially with additional features, data transfer fees, storage fees, input/output operations per second (IOPS), and increased usage. Managing and predicting these costs can be challenging, making accurate budgeting difficult. Furthermore, these services often come with hidden costs and fees that can rapidly add up.

Tips

• Use cost management and monitoring tools to track expenses closely.
• Plan and budget for potential additional costs.
• Evaluate long-term cost implications and consider hybrid solutions if cost-effective.

Cloud Provider Lock-In

Using a cloud-based managed MySQL service often leads to what is known as “vendor lock-in.” Once you’ve committed to a particular cloud provider, it can be complex, time-consuming, and costly to migrate to a different provider or move back to an on-premises solution. This lock-in restricts flexibility and bargaining power, making it difficult for businesses to switch providers if better options become available.

Tips

• Develop migration plans and maintain data portability.
• Regularly evaluate the market for better options and negotiate terms with providers.
• Consider multi-cloud strategies to reduce dependency on a single provider.

Limited Support

Support options for managed MySQL services are limited. Many providers do not offer 24/7 support from highly knowledgeable database administrators or site reliability engineers (SREs). This limitation can be a significant drawback for businesses needing round-the-clock support for mission-critical applications. The lack of immediate and expert support can result in prolonged downtimes and unresolved issues, negatively affecting overall business operations.

Tips

• Negotiate support agreements that meet your business needs.
• Develop in-house expertise to handle critical issues independently.
• Consider a solution that offers support from experts. Non-managed solutions typically offer targeted 24/7 support with very fast response times.
• Consider third-party support services to supplement provider support.

Conclusion

While cloud-based managed MySQL services offer convenience and scalability, businesses must carefully weigh these limitations against the benefits. Assess your specific needs and use cases to determine if managed services are the right fit. In many cases, the loss of control, potential for high costs, and lack of comprehensive disaster recovery may outweigh the convenience of managed services. Considering these pitfalls ensures that the use of these services aligns with long-term strategic goals and operational needs.