From Strategy to Execution: Your Practical MySQL to MariaDB Migration Plan
February 11, 2026 at 9 a.m. PST and 5 p.m. GMT
You understand the strategic risk. Now, let’s talk about execution.
Following the high-level discussion in "The Great Database Exodus," this session provides the actionable next step for technical teams. Join Benjamin Wood, a former 17-year MySQL veteran from Oracle, and Avinash Vallarapu of HexaCluster, a seasoned migration practitioner, for a straightforward discussion on moving mission-critical workloads to MariaDB. We’ll move past the “why” and focus on the “how now.” Benjamin will translate the insider view of Oracle’s shift into a clear technical imperative. Avinash will then share real-world patterns, common pitfalls, and the validation processes that ensure a safe migration—without a sales pitch.
Key Takeaways:
The Insider’s Perspective: What Oracle’s restructuring truly means for your MySQL support, innovation, and long-term viability.
Choosing Your Path: Why MariaDB represents the path of least resistance compared to a full architectural rewrite.
Real-World Migration Patterns: Practical insights and best practices to avoid common pitfalls during migration.
Join our expert practitioners to transform strategic decisions into successful execution.
Avinash specializes in de-risking complex database migrations for enterprises. With expertise across Oracle, MySQL, and PostgreSQL, he will share practical insights on migration strategies, validation frameworks, and ensuring continuity.
Benjamin Wood | Sr. Solutions Engineer, MariaDB
Benjamin spent 17 years with the MySQL organization through its Sun and Oracle acquisitions, most recently as a Solutions Consultant for the MySQL Global Business Unit. His direct experience with Oracle’s strategic pivot and the erosion of the MySQL support ecosystem provides an undeniable case for migration.
With over 20 years of experience building the operational engines for global B2B SaaS leaders like EDB and Tableau, Franck specializes in the intersection of technical infrastructure and business continuity. He will host this discussion on the "database exodus," framing the strategic need to navigate migration risks while aggressively protecting revenue pipelines.
