Converting an RDS Reserved Instance from MySQL to Postgres

When I first started making Ruby on Rails apps, the choice between Postgres and MySQL was not as clear as it is today. Postgres has emerged as the clear winner for Rails developers, and I recently decided to update my Rails apps to use Postgres instead of MySQL. This was a problem because I had already paid for several years of MySQL RDS reserved instances (RIs) and Amazon Web Services did not allow me to change those instances to Postgres through the web interface.

I had already converted my databases from MySQL to Postgres before I realized that my RIs would not cover my new Postgres servers. Not wanting to waste all the money I had spent on those reserved instances, I contacted Amazon asking if they could convert them to Postgres for me.

In the end, Amazon asked me to buy new Postgres RDS RIs, cancelled my old MySQL RDS RIs, and refunded me for the remainder of those MySQL RIs.

I've included my exchange with AWS (Amazon Web Services) below for anyone who is interested:

Hi,

I've been using AWS for personal and professional projects for years, and I'm very happy with the service!

I recently updated my personal projects to use Postgres instead of MySQL not realizing that my RDS reserved instances specify MySQL. Is there any way that I can change my RDS RIs to use Postgres instead of MySQL? I currently have four db.t2.micro MySQL RIs, and I'd like to convert them all to Postgres.

Thanks for your help!

Kurt Tomlinson - Nov 11, 2018 11:37 AM -0500


Hi there,

I'm sorry for the inconvenience caused due to Reserved Instance(RI). Not to worry, I'll help you with the information needed.

Upon reviewing the AWS account, I notice there are two Reserved Instance that is 'ACTIVE' in the N.Virginia region.

To answer your Question: Is there any way that I can change my RDS RIs to use Postgres instead of MySQL?

  • Reserved Instances are a contract bound service, it is a difficult process to cancel them at any point before the tenure completes. We at AWS value these policies and mainly because of the commitment we receive from users like you!
  • Please note that it might be a little difficult to get the approval but, I can assure you that I will try my best and advocate on your behalf.
  • I would request you to help us with Reservation ID(s) you’d like to cancel.

Alternatively, what can be done? Possibility 1: -I would recommend you to look into the Reserved Instance Marketplace, which allows you to sell the Reserved Instance for the remaining terms. -A US bank account is required to sell RIs on the Reserved Instance Marketplace.

For more information about RI's, please refer the below link: https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AWSEC2/latest/UserGuide/ri-market-general.html#ri-sel https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AWSEC2/latest/UserGuide/ri-market-general.html

Possibility 2:

  • To avail the benefit of Reserved Instance on billing perspective it is important that the instance type should match with RI type. Which means you can launch MYSQL instead of Postgres.
  • If it not a business critically, I would kindly request you to change the RDS instance type so that it can match up with the Reserved Instance type you have on your account and it will get the benefit of Reserved Instance.

I hope this information helps. Should you need any further assistance, please let us know and we'll be happy to help you.

Awaiting your response.

Best regards,

Archana Subramanyam

Amazon Web Services

Amazon Web Services - Nov 13, 2018 01:34 AM -0500


Hi,

I'd like to change my RDS RIs from MySQL to Postgres. The IDs of these RIs are [REDACTED] and [REDACTED]. If it's not possible to simply change the database engine for these from MySQL to Postgres, then I'd also be happy to have them canceled and then purchase new RIs that meet my requirements.

Best,

Kurt

Kurt Tomlinson - Nov 13, 2018 08:25 AM -0500


Hi Kurt,

This is Sangeeta from the AWS Billing and Accounts team.

I understand you want to modify or cancel the RDS RI's after as they are of no use with the PostgreSQL instances you are using now.

Reserved Instance can't be cancelled after you purchase the reservation, and may only be modified in specific scenarios. However, as a one-time courtesy, we're engaging our concerned Service Team and they will be able to look into a cancellation of the reservations.

I will hold on to your case while they investigate, and will update you as soon they respond to my internal ticket. Rest assured that I will insist on regular updates until we can get your issue resolved.

You are welcome to reach out at any time with further questions or concerns.

Thank you for your patience while we work to resolve this issue.

On behalf of AWS, I wish you have a great day!

Best regards,

Sangeeta D

Amazon Web Services

Amazon Web Services - Nov 14, 2018 07:17 AM -0500


Hi Sangeeta,

Thanks for looking into canceling my RDS RIs. Have you gotten an update from the Service Team yet?

Best,

Kurt

Kurt Tomlinson - Nov 18, 2018 01:09 PM -0500


Hi Kurt,

My apologies for the delay in response.

I did reached out to our Service team and they are currently working with the RDS team regarding your request.

I am sorry that as of now I do not have the final review from the team, however, having said so this case is still locked to myself and I will update you as soon as I get more information on my internal case.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any further questions, I am always more than happy to assist where I can.

Hope you have a beautiful rest of your day!

Best regards,

Sangeeta D

Amazon Web Services

Amazon Web Services - Nov 20, 2018 12:03 AM -0500


Hi Kurt,

Good news! I received a positive response from our RDS Service team regarding the cancellation of the existing RI which are not in use.

The team confirmed they can give an exception and proceed with a cancellation and in order for us to cancel the Reserved Instances instances in question, we will need you to purchase Reserved Instances with the relevant parameter for your RDS instances.

Please purchase those Reserved Instances from your AWS Management Console. Once you have completed the purchase, please include the new Reserved Instances IDs in your response to this case, which we will further provide to the team and they will proceed with the cancellation.

We look forward to hearing back from you soon.

This case is still locked to me, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any further questions.

Hope you have a beautiful rest of your day!

Best regards,

Sangeeta D

Amazon Web Services

Amazon Web Services - Nov 24, 2018 02:48 AM -0500


Hi Sangeeta,

I've purchased replacement RDS RIs. Please cancel my MySQL RIs:

  • [REDACTED]
  • [REDACTED]

Best,

Kurt

Kurt Tomlinson - Nov 26, 2018 08:33 PM -0500


Hi Kurt,

Thank you for purchasing the replacement RI. I am reaching out to the team with the confirmation of the purchase, however, we will need the new RI ID for confirmation.

I request you to kindly respond back to this case with the new RI ID, in the meanwhile I am reaching out to the team to proceed with cancellation.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any further questions, I am always more than happy to assist where I can.

Hope you have a beautiful rest of your day!

Best regards,

Sangeeta D

Amazon Web Services

Amazon Web Services - Nov 27, 2018 12:26 AM -0500


Hi Sangeeta,

The new RI is [REDACTED].

Best,

Kurt

Kurt Tomlinson - Nov 27, 2018 07:48 AM -0500


Hi Kurt,

Thank you for the replacement RI ID.

I am reaching out to our team and update you as and when I get more information.

Best regards,

Sangeeta D

Amazon Web Services

Amazon Web Services - Nov 27, 2018 08:36 PM -0500


Hi Kurt,

I received a confirmation from our Service team and they already initiated the process of RI cancellation, however, as there is a billing adjustment also required for the previous RI's upfront fees, it is going to take about 3-5 working days to complete the process.

I will keep you updated as an when I receive more information from the team.

I hope this helped, but please let me know if I can assist with anything else. We are always just an email away.

On behalf of Amazon Web Services, I wish you a wonderful day!

Best regards,

Sangeeta D

Amazon Web Services

Amazon Web Services - Nov 30, 2018 02:35 AM -0500


Hi Kurt,

Thank you so much for your patience while our Service team reviewed the RI cancellation and related billing adjustment.

I have received a confirmation that the RIs [REDACTED] and [REDACTED] has been cancelled and the billing adjustment is added to the invoice created on December 2017. You can self confirm the billing adjustment here: https://console.aws.amazon.com/billing/home#/paymenthistory/history?redirected

I hope this helps, but please feel free to contact us should you require any further assistance or information.

On behalf of Amazon Web Services, I wish you a wonderful day!

Best regards,

Sangeeta D

Amazon Web Services

Amazon Web Services - Dec 6, 2018 05:21 AM -0500

Photo by Artem Bali