An incident-free data migration process ultimately comes down to the strength of your data migration strategy and how well you executed it. Creating a comprehensive data migration plan improves the likelihood of smooth sailing. So, what exactly is a data migration strategy? It covers the prepping, process, and costs associated with moving data from one medium or location to the other. It’s important to craft a plan that follows effective data migration strategies and best practices.
Here are 12 tips that will help you build the perfect data migration strategy..
Once you have set your goals, let these drive your data migration plan.
Migrating to the cloud affects more than just the data you intend to move. For example, how well will the Microsoft 365 system fit with your existing infrastructure? Are your current physical devices able to run the software you need? Will you need to give up some of the old software you used? Addressing these early in your data migration strategy reduces the possibility of surprises later on.
Fortunately, software companies are aware of data migration strategies and best practices, and are able to help. Microsoft, for example, shares detailed information about the specs required to run its operating system and apps, and pledges to make its OS accessible to most devices. In fact, it launched its Cloud PC, which makes it possible for hybrid workers to pick up where they left off in the Microsoft ecosystem across a wide range of platforms, including Mac and Linux.
Your data migration strategy may involve more than just Cloud migration. Consider all the different types and see which ones apply:
Data migration software and companies often charge fees based on the total size of the data to be migrated. Consequently, you can save a lot of money by doing some housecleaning. Cleaning up the data also reduces the risk of duplicates. Starting the migration process with high-quality data is a crucial prepping point of the data migration strategy.
Make sure your data migration plan includes backing up all of your data! It’s a good idea to back up the data before you start cleaning house. If you delete items by accident, you know where to recover them. Then, create a second backup once you complete the cleaning process. This provides peace of mind as well as insurance if anything goes wrong.
Data security is one of the most crucial aspects to consider when creating your plan. It keeps hackers away from your data at one of the company’s most vulnerable moments. Experienced data migration vendors recommend encryption and using only secure connections for the migration. If you intend to maintain physical copies, you also need to safeguard these copies.
The best time to start training employees on the new system created by data migration is long before it happens. Training workers might seem costly and time-consuming to the data migration strategy, but it improves the learning curve and ensures continued productivity. Microsoft provides several tutorials and articles explaining the new system changes and what to expect across its app-based productivity platform.
One of the top reasons managers delay data migration is the potential for things to go wrong. Crafting a data migration strategy is the perfect time to put those fears to good use!
Write down all the things you believe might go wrong, then take the time to craft solutions for these problems.
Each problem should have at least two solutions. The first one should provide an option for preventing the problem. If this fails, the second solution should cover how to resolve the issue once created.
Timing represents one of the most crucial elements of your data migration techniques and plan.
If your business only serves customers during regular business hours, then you might plan to complete data migration during the after-hours and weekends. In this case, you could use the “Big Bang” data migration strategy, which moves all the data over a specific period.
If your business remains open around the clock or provides emergency services, take some time to determine when you have minimal interaction with customers. In this case, you might need to rely on a trickle data migration strategy to move the data across slowly. This complex system has two sets of data running parallel to each other until the migration is complete.
Note that employees often structure getting work done around slow periods so that customers do not disturb administrative tasks, such as balancing the books or managing payroll. Consequently, you need to liaise with workers to determine how it might affect work and what you might do to reduce the impact.
A data migration strategy and process isn’t free, even though the cost-savings from reduced overheads and automated tasks alone can put money back into the pockets of your business. Considering the entire economic picture ensures you can plan carefully and avoid financial surprises:
When you complete your data migration process, you must determine whether the migration worked as planned. This requires testing and validation. Be sure to include the process for this in your data migration strategy.
For example, will each employee log in to the system and check the data? Will one person complete testing and validation of specific sample sizes? Will you use data migration software? Establish this measure of success before you begin the migration process.
What is your plan for decommissioning the systems you no longer need? These might include old devices after an upgrade and physical storage devices you no longer use. Keep in mind that how you dispose of or repurpose these devices might present cybersecurity and compliance risks in the long run. Work closely with data security specialists to determine the best course of action, including data expiration.
Creating a comprehensive data migration strategy requires complex calculations and experience handling this task. Unfortunately, most business owners have neither the will nor the time to tackle this. Instead, you might have the budget to hire professionals who can craft an expert plan and get the process done right the first time. Intrigued? Get a quote from Cloudficient today.
With unmatched next generation migration technology, Cloudficient is revolutionizing the way businesses retire legacy systems and transform their organization into the cloud. Our business constantly remains focused on client needs and creating product offerings that match them. We provide affordable services that are scalable, fast and seamless.
If you would like to learn more about how to bring Cloudficiency to your migration project, visit our website, or contact us.