Announcement: End of Support for MySQL as the backend database in Password Manager Pro

ManageEngine Password Manager Pro will no longer be available for installation, with MySQL as the back-end database. It's so long since (Dec 2012) the product comes bundled with PostgreSQL (From the build 6800). From then on, we have always been insisting that our customers either stick with the default installation with PostgreSQL or migrate to PostgreSQL or MS SQL server. In short, ManageEngine recommends PostgreSQL and MS SQL servers as the preferred back-end databases for Password Manager Pro.

This is an advance announcement that presumably from October 2019 onwards, support for MySQL as the back-end database will be officially discontinued. We're planning to throw our weight behind PostgreSQL (recommended) and MS SQL. Though the product may work with MySQL past this date (without upgrade), ManageEngine strongly recommends against it and requests the customers already using MySQL to plan their migration to PostgreSQL or MS SQL server.

This proposed strategy works as below:

For New Customers: The fresh installations of ManageEngine Password Manager Pro will no more have MySQL as the back-end database. By default, PostgreSQL will be the back-end database; the customers can either go with the default installation or move to MS SQL by executing this file.
For Existing Customers using Password Manager Pro with "MySQL": The PPMs cannot be applied unless migrated to either of the PostgreSQL or MS SQL databases. Here are the steps to migrate from MySQL to PostgreSQL and MySQL to MS SQL.

End of Support Specifications

Version	Build Number	End of Support Date
ManageEngine Password Manager Pro 11.x	11000	October 31, 2019

FAQs

1. From which version can I migrate from MySQL to PostgreSQL?

Migration from MySQL to PostgreSQL is possible from Password Manager Pro version 6801 and later.

2. Should I take a backup before commencing the migration process? If yes, how?

Yes, it is always recommended to take a complete backup of the Password Manager Pro installation directory before starting the migration. Stop the Password Manager Pro service, copy the entire Password Manager Pro installation directory and store it in a different folder. If it's a VM, it is better to take a VM snapshot before beginning the migration process.

3. How to restore to a working version, if the migration is not successful?

The restore procedure is straightforward. Rename the failed PMP directory to "PMP_failed". Copy the backed up PMP directory, paste it in the original folder path and start the service. Contact us for further assistance.

4. Is it required to install a standalone PostgreSQL on the server before migration?

From version 6801 onwards, Password Manager Pro upgrade pack comes bundled with the tailored version of the PostgreSQL database, which will be automatically installed in the server during the upgrade process. So, there is no need to install a standalone PostgreSQL database on the server before the migration.

5. What if I am an existing customer using MySQL?

Please migrate to the PostgreSQL (recommended) or the MS SQL database as soon as possible, as the forthcoming upgrade packs of Password Manager Pro will not support MySQL as the backend database.

6. Would you recommend migrating from MySQL to a remote PostgreSQL database or to the PostgreSQL database on-cloud (Azure/AWS)?

You can migrate from MySQL to a remote PostgreSQL database or to the PostgreSQL database on-cloud (Azure/AWS). But, you need to take care of the DB backup in both of the above cases, as periodical DB backup is supported only for the PostgreSQL bundled with Password Manager Pro.

7. Would you recommend migrating from MySQL to a remote MS SQL database or to the MS SQL database on-cloud (Azure/AWS)?

You can migrate from MySQL to a remote MS SQL database or to the MS SQL database on-cloud (Azure/AWS). But, you need to take care of the DB backup in both of the above cases, as periodical DB backup is supported only for the PostgreSQL bundled with Password Manager Pro.

8. Can I migrate to the MS SQL cluster database from MySQL?

Yes, you can directly migrate to the MS SQL cluster database from MySQL.

9. How do I check the currently used database in my Password Manager Pro installation?

Click the "Support" link at the top right corner to check the database currently used by the PMP instance.

10. Do I have the option of using MySQL with Password Manager Pro at my own cost?

No, it is not possible to use your own MySQL instance with Password Manager Pro. In fact, support for MySQL will be revoked eventually, and only MS SQL and PostgreSQL databases will be available for installation with Password Manager Pro.

11. What if I am stuck during the migration process?

Restore the backup first and write to us at passwordmanagerpro-support@manageengine.com or reach out to us on the toll-free number: +1 888 720 9500 for assistance.