From MySQL to CockroachDB: A Staged Production Migration

Groww, a leading Indian stock broker with 16 million active users, underwent a critical transition from a managed MySQL cloud instance to CockroachDB to enhance its platform’s scalability, operational isolation, and strong consistency necessary for its high-concurrency, latency-sensitive financial services. This transition aimed for minimal application changes, near-zero downtime, and a predictable rollback option. Utilizing CockroachDB's MOLT (Migrate Off Legacy Technology) suite, Groww executed a staged migration strategy that included parallel operation of MySQL and CockroachDB, staged data movement, continuous synchronization, and rigorous data verification. This approach minimized disruption, preserved user trust, and ensured continuity during live trading activities, effectively safeguarding Groww’s reputation and allowing the company to maintain a resilient, always-on platform. The migration not only avoided the risks associated with a prolonged maintenance window in a 24/7 market but also facilitated a smoother path to return on investment by accelerating platform modernization and enabling scalability with market growth.