Master Thesis – AI-Assisted Migration of Legacy PL/SQL to Cloud-Native Architectures – IKEA of Sweden

Hej Master thesis student, 

Do you want to furnish the future to make room for everyone? 

Many large enterprises still rely on business-critical logic embedded in databases through PL/SQL stored procedures. While these solutions have supported businesses for decades, they can limit scalability, slow down modernization efforts, and make it difficult to adopt cloud-native technologies. 

In this thesis, you will explore how automation, software analysis, and AI-assisted code translation can help organizations migrate legacy database logic into modern cloud-native architectures while maintaining stability and preserving existing integrations. 

Your new assignment 

You will investigate how legacy PL/SQL-based applications can be incrementally modernized into microservices and event-driven solutions without disrupting dependent systems. 

The thesis will include: 

• Analyzing legacy PL/SQL business logic and its integration landscape 

• Exploring automated migration approaches using technologies such as Abstract Syntax Trees (ASTs) and Large Language Models (LLMs) 

• Evaluating modernization patterns such as Strangler Fig and Change Data Capture 

• Designing and developing a prototype migration framework 

• Validating the approach in a high-fidelity enterprise environment 

The deliverables are: 

• A prototype framework supporting automated or semi-automated migration of PL/SQL business logic 

• An evaluation of migration approaches, architectural patterns, and software quality trade-offs 

• Guidelines for incremental modernization while preserving enterprise integrations 

• An end report written in English 

What we'd like you to bring to the table 

We think that you: 

• Are currently pursuing a Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Cloud Computing, or a related field 

• Have an interest in software architecture, cloud-native development, and modernization of legacy systems 

• Are curious about AI-assisted software engineering and automation 

• Enjoy solving complex technical challenges and working with large-scale enterprise systems 

• Are fluent in English 

More information 

Inter IKEA Group is the group of companies that connects IKEA franchisees with range development and suppliers and aligns the overall IKEA strategic direction. Every day, we strive to develop, produce, and sell products and services that are affordable and accessible to everyone. With us, you contribute to building a democratic brand and workplace that has a positive impact on both the planet and people's lives. 

This assignment belongs to IKEA of Sweden Technology. The work can be carried out in a hybrid setup, with opportunities to collaborate with colleagues in Älmhult. 

Please note: To apply for this thesis assignment, you have to be enrolled in a thesis course at university level at a Swedish university. 

We welcome your application 

Get ready to assemble something new! We look forward to receiving your application by 9th of November. Please submit both your CV and motivation letter in English. 

In your motivation letter, we'd love to hear: 

• Why this thesis topic interests you 

• How your studies and experience relate to software engineering, cloud technologies, AI, or system modernization 

In case you are two students wishing to write this thesis together, we ask you to please submit one application each and clearly state the other person's name and your wish to collaborate. 

At IKEA, we are looking for people who believe everyone deserves a seat at the table. You're welcome no matter where you come from, what you believe, or what you look like. We don't even care how you have furnished your home. We're interested in you simply because you're you. We believe that people's different perspectives, backgrounds, and personalities make us better at understanding our customers' dreams and needs. 

If you have a special need that requires accommodation in the recruitment process, just let us know. 

For any questions about the role, please contact the supervisor alok.mishra@inter.ikea.com. If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact the recruiter vera.bendz1@inter.ikea.com. Please note that we do not accept applications via email. Applications sent to these email addresses will be deleted in accordance with GDPR requirements. Please submit your application through the job ad page. 

We look forward to hearing from you!