Case Study: Hughes Network Systems’ Oracle-to-AlloyDB Migration in Just 12 Weeks
Client Story
Hughes Network Systems, LLC, a Fortune 500 company, has been a household name in networking for decades. From connecting remote communities to powering enterprises and government systems, Hughes has always been about one thing: reliable, secure connectivity. In 2023, they were even recognized as a Leader in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant™ for Managed Network Services — proof of their consistent innovation.
But even the most innovative companies hit roadblocks. For Hughes, that moment came when their massive Ecom application — with 4.6 million lines of Java and NodeJS code — needed to break free from Oracle and move to Google Cloud’s AlloyDB.
The mission was bold: complete the migration in just 12 weeks without disrupting critical business operations.
The Challenge
The Ecom application wasn’t just another system — it was the backbone of Hughes’ operations. But running it on Oracle had become increasingly difficult:
– Locked-in technology: Licensing and platform limits stifled flexibility.
– Compatibility headaches: Shifting from Oracle to PostgreSQL (via AlloyDB) meant dealing with SQL incompatibilities and runtime errors.
– Manual dead-ends: Earlier attempts at code conversion left too many gaps.
– Tight timelines: Hughes needed the migration fast — production cutover had to happen in under 12 weeks.
– Complex ecosystem: Dozens of interfaces, shell scripts, and integrations all had to work flawlessly post-migration.
This wasn’t just a database problem — it was a business continuity challenge.
Read 2 Mins – DMAP on Google Cloud
The Approach
Enter Newt Global with its Database Migration Acceleration Platform (DMAP).
Launched in late June 2024, DMAP gave Hughes exactly what they needed: a structured, automated, and transparent way to handle database, data, and application migration at scale.
Key to this was the Cloud Migration Cockpit, a program that made the process feel less like guesswork and more like following a proven playbook:
– Visibility at every stage — no black boxes.
– Automation to tackle SQL incompatibilities.
– Pre-planned execution that minimized risks.
– Collaboration across 40+ experts in 5 time zones, ensuring Hughes’ teams never felt alone in the process.
The Journey
The migration unfolded in tightly coordinated phases:
Assessment & Planning – Mapping dependencies, identifying Oracle-specific constructs, and aligning business-critical processes.
Automated Code & SQL Fixes – DMAP handled schema conversions and SQL incompatibilities with minimal manual intervention.
Data Migration & Validation – Automated validation, Change Data Capture (CDC) for real-time sync, and even a rollback safety net.
Integration & Testing – Adapting shell scripts and running rigorous tests across four environments.
Cutover & Go-Live – Final data loads, incremental syncs, and a controlled switchover with almost no downtime.
Start Now – Its Free: Book a Demo
The Results
In just 12 weeks, Hughes successfully moved its Ecom application and Oracle databases to Google Cloud AlloyDB.
– ✅ Seamless migration: Millions of lines of code, interfaces, and scripts migrated without disruption.
– ✅ Zero surprises at Go-Live: Four rounds of testing ensured reliability.
– ✅ Business continuity: Operations stayed stable post-cutover.
– ✅ Record speed: What normally takes 6–12 months, Hughes achieved in under 3.
– ✅ Freedom to innovate: Breaking free from Oracle opened doors for cloud-native development.
As Hughes put it:
“DMAP achieved something no other tool in the market was doing.”
Client Voice
Mridul Malayanil, Senior Director – Cloud Solutions at Hughes, compared the experience to competing on American Ninja Warrior:
“Each stage felt like a Ninja challenge. But with the Newt team by our side — working weekends, solving problems shoulder-to-shoulder — we conquered it together. This first step towards our Telecom Vera program has given us immense confidence in our ability to deliver.”
Hear Mridul Malayanil share his migration experience: Google Cloud Summit Nordics – Tr 1 – Sn43 – YouTube
Why DMAP Made the Difference
– One-stop platform: Database, data, and application migration handled end-to-end.
– Automation at scale: Reduced human error and sped up SQL remediation.
– Proven speed: Delivered results in weeks, not months.
– Safety-first approach: Built-in rollback options meant zero risk to operations.
– True collaboration: Seamless teamwork across time zones and teams.
About Newt Global
Newt Global Consulting, LLC specializes in helping enterprises modernize mission-critical systems. With DMAP (Database Migration Acceleration Platform), Newt provides a fast, automated, and reliable solution for database and application migration — enabling organizations to innovate without the drag of legacy systems.