Switching from Elasticsearch to OpenSearch in PeopleSoft Search

Introduction:

In recent times, PeopleSoft has undergone a significant transformation in its search capabilities, migrating from Elasticsearch to OpenSearch and from Kibana to OpenSearch Dashboards. This strategic decision by Oracle reflects the need to adapt to evolving search requirements and deliver an enhanced user experience. In this blog, we will explore the primary reasons for PeopleSoft's move to OpenSearch, the changes it entails, the impact on users, developers, and administrators . Additionally, we will explore a helpful video tutorial that demonstrates the seamless upgrade process from Elasticsearch (ES) and Kibana to OpenSearch and OpenSearch Dashboard.

Understanding OpenSearch:

OpenSearch is an open-source, distributed search and analytics engine built upon Elasticsearch, Logstash, and Kibana (ELK) technologies. OpenSearch provides powerful search functionalities and analytical capabilities while ensuring a seamless user experience. The decision to move from ELK to OSK was motivated by one primary reason.

Reasons for Moving to OpenSearch:

Ownership and Licensing: Elastic, the company behind Elasticsearch and Kibana, decided to move to a license version, which meant certain features might become paid or restricted. To provide users with a free and open-source alternative, Oracle made the strategic choice to switch to OpenSearch.

Changes in PeopleSoft:

Kibana to Insights: With the transition, Kibana in PeopleSoft's PeopleSoft Internet Architecture (PIA) has been renamed as "Insights," reflecting the integration of OpenSearch Dashboards.

Supported Versions: OpenSearch and OpenSearch Dashboards are now supported on PeopleTools 8.60.07 and 8.59.21.

Required Patches: To facilitate the migration, users need to apply the appropriate OSK patches for their respective operating systems (Linux and Windows).

End of Support for Elasticsearch and Kibana: Oracle has announced that support for Elasticsearch and Kibana in PeopleSoft will end approximately 12 to 18 months (approx.) from the date OS 2.3.0 released.

Impact on Users:

For end-users, the change is minimal, with only a few cosmetic adjustments in the user interface. The search functionalities and experience will remain largely unchanged.

Impact on Developers:

For developers, the process remains largely the same. Existing code and customizations related to Elasticsearch will likely continue to work with OpenSearch.

Impact on Administrators:

Administrators, however, need to be prepared for the migration process. They will be required to upgrade the software from Elasticsearch to OpenSearch and install the OpenSearch Dashboards.

Migration Strategies and Considerations:

To ensure a smooth migration process, administrators should consider the following:

Data Backup: Take a complete backup of Elasticsearch data and Kibana configurations to prevent data loss during the migration.

Environment Setup: Ensure that there is enough server space to accommodate all OpenSearch data.

Testing and Verification: Thoroughly test the migration to confirm that data is correctly indexed, queries return expected results, and all functionalities work as expected.

Rollback Plan: Always have a rollback plan in case of unexpected challenges during the migration. Being prepared to revert to the original Elasticsearch setup can minimize downtime and potential data loss.

For those interested in learning more about the migration process from Elasticsearch and Kibana to OpenSearch and OpenSearch Dashboards, there's an informative video available that showcases the step-by-step procedure for upgrading. This video serves as a valuable resource for administrators and anyone involved in the migration process, providing a visual guide to ensure a successful transition. Let's take a closer look at what this video has to offer and how it can assist in the seamless adoption of OpenSearch in PeopleSoft.

Conclusion:

The transition from Elasticsearch to OpenSearch marks a significant shift in PeopleSoft's search capabilities. This strategic move by Oracle ensures that users can continue to benefit from a free and open-source search solution while keeping pace with the evolving landscape of search technologies. With careful planning and thorough testing, the migration can be seamless, enabling a smooth transition for administrators and an almost transparent experience for end-users and developers.