Informix Migration
Migrate Informix to Postgres
before the last Informix DBA retires
Informix is an end-of-road platform with near-zero new talent entering the market. Maintenance costs run $50K–$300K/year for a database that no new developer wants to learn. Postgres gives you a future-proof foundation.
License Savings Calculator
See how much you can save by leaving Informix
Migration Process
Five phases from Informix to production Postgres
Informix SPL to PL/pgSQL
Automated conversion of Informix SPL stored procedures, triggers, and functions to PL/pgSQL. FOREACH loops, collection types, and exception handling patterns translated.
Data Types Mapping
Informix-specific types (SERIAL, LVARCHAR, DATETIME qualifiers, INTERVAL) mapped to Postgres equivalents. Smart defaults with manual override for edge cases.
4GL Migration
Informix 4GL screens and reports analyzed and rebuilt as modern web interfaces. Business logic extracted, preserved, and reconnected to the Postgres backend.
Data Migration
Full data transfer with type conversion validation. Informix-specific storage (dbspaces, chunks) mapped to Postgres tablespaces. Row-level checksums verify integrity.
Parallel Run and Cutover
CDC-based replication keeps both databases in sync during transition. Applications cut over incrementally with instant rollback until full confidence.
Informix vs Postgres
| IBM Informix | PostgreSQL | |
|---|---|---|
| License Cost | $50K-$300K/year | $0 (open source) |
| Talent Availability | Near-zero new entrants | Largest open-source DB community |
| Stored Procedures | Informix SPL (niche) | PL/pgSQL (widely known) |
| Time Series | TimeSeries DataBlade | TimescaleDB extension (superior) |
| Cloud Native | Limited cloud options | Every major cloud provider |
| Ecosystem | Stagnant, IBM-only tools | 400+ extensions, vibrant community |
Frequently asked questions
Is Informix still supported by IBM?
IBM continues to release Informix updates, but investment has slowed significantly. The community and talent pool are a fraction of what they were. Most enterprises are planning exits rather than upgrades.
How compatible is Informix SPL with PL/pgSQL?
Informix SPL and PL/pgSQL share similar procedural patterns. About 65-75% converts with automated tooling. Key differences include exception handling syntax, collection types, and Informix-specific FOREACH loops.
What happens to our 4GL applications?
Informix 4GL applications need to be modernized as part of the migration. We map every 4GL screen and report to modern equivalents, typically web-based interfaces backed by Postgres. The business logic is preserved; the UI is rebuilt.
Can we migrate Informix time series data?
Yes. Informix TimeSeries DataBlade functionality maps well to TimescaleDB, a Postgres extension purpose-built for time series data. We migrate the data and convert TimeSeries queries to TimescaleDB equivalents.
How do we find Postgres expertise to replace Informix DBAs?
Postgres has the largest open-source database community worldwide. Junior Postgres DBAs are readily available, and training materials are abundant. The hiring pool is orders of magnitude larger than Informix.
Don't wait for the talent cliff. Migrate Informix to Postgres now.
Send us your Informix schema. We'll deliver a scoped migration plan with timeline and cost estimate within 5 business days.