# Nexora | Database Design & Development > Plan databases with Nexora around your records, queries and access needs. Define data relationships, validation and checked migration procedures. Canonical page: https://www.nexoraesrd.com/services/database-design-and-development/ Language: English Nexora ESRD LLP · Software Development & IT Services # Database Design & Development A database should make it clear which record is correct and how it relates to the rest of the business. We plan the structure and access patterns around the work the application must support. [Discuss your project ↗](https://www.nexoraesrd.com/contact/?service=software) ## Model business records and database relationships We start with the information your team needs to keep and the changes it is allowed to make. Relationships, identifiers and validation rules help prevent incomplete or contradictory records. Historical values need particular care: changing a current product name or price should not quietly alter what an old transaction meant at the time. ## Match the design to actual reads and writes Reports, searches and device messages place different demands on storage. We review expected volumes and common queries before choosing indexes or restructuring tables. Performance work uses representative data and measured behaviour. A faster query is only an improvement if it returns the correct records and does not make important updates unreliable. ## Move and protect data with a checked plan A migration includes mapping, validation and a way to compare the new records with the source. We agree how errors are reported and when users must stop making changes. Access should reflect job responsibilities. Backup and restore arrangements are documented and exercised within scope, because the existence of a backup alone does not prove recovery. ## Project deliverables - Data model and validation rules - Database scripts and access design - Query and migration test results - Backup and operational handover ## Service questions and answers ### How do you choose a database structure? Start with the records the business must keep, the relationships between them and the operations that need to be reliable. Expected reads, writes and history also matter. We document the rules before choosing storage details, then use representative examples to check that the design supports the actual application. Explore related services [Connect the data model to application workflows](https://www.nexoraesrd.com/services/custom-business-software/) ### What evidence helps investigate a slow database? Useful evidence includes the affected queries, execution plans, data volumes and the conditions when delays occur. We check correctness alongside performance, since a faster result is not helpful if records are missing. The review distinguishes query design, blocking and resource constraints before recommending an index or a larger server. Explore related services [Review workload and infrastructure dependencies](https://www.nexoraesrd.com/services/infrastructure-planning-and-change/) ### How is a data migration checked before cutover? Agree source-to-target mappings, rejected-record handling and reconciliation rules before moving the final dataset. Trial runs help identify missing relationships and unexpected values. The cutover plan explains when writes stop, how results are compared and what happens if checks fail, including the conditions for retaining or restoring the old system. Explore related services [Plan migration and rollback decisions](https://www.nexoraesrd.com/services/existing-software-modernization/) ### Does having a backup mean the data can be recovered? A backup file is only part of recovery. The team must know how to restore it, which dependencies are required and whether the restored information is usable. Agree recovery expectations, access and retention, then exercise the restoration procedure within scope and record the result for the people responsible. Explore related services [Define backup checks and operating ownership](https://www.nexoraesrd.com/services/managed-technology-services/) ## Discuss your project Tell us what you want to build. We'll help you find a clear way forward. [Discuss your project ↗](https://www.nexoraesrd.com/contact/?service=software) Explore the wider service [Software & Web Development ↗](https://www.nexoraesrd.com/services/software-web-development/) [Discuss your project ↗](https://www.nexoraesrd.com/contact/?service=software) ## Related services ### Custom Software Development Services Nexora develops custom business software, from workflow planning and integrations to release testing, deployment and practical handover. [Explore this service](https://www.nexoraesrd.com/services/custom-business-software/) ### IT Infrastructure Planning & Services Plan IT infrastructure with Nexora around application dependencies, capacity, access and recovery checks before moving or changing business workloads. [Explore this service](https://www.nexoraesrd.com/services/infrastructure-planning-and-change/) ### Software Modernization & Upgrade Services Modernize business software with Nexora through dependency reviews, targeted upgrades, data checks and staged releases for your existing system. [Explore this service](https://www.nexoraesrd.com/services/existing-software-modernization/) ### Managed IT Service Planning & Delivery Scope managed IT services with Nexora: system inventories, maintenance, monitoring and clear responsibilities for day-to-day technology operations. [Explore this service](https://www.nexoraesrd.com/services/managed-technology-services/)