7 Common Types of Data Migration

Data migration and many other types of digital transformation are a fact of life for modern IT operations. There are several reasons organizations undergo this process. From ensuring data integrity to promoting accessibility, migration is not only helpful but, in many cases, necessary. Before getting started, however, it’s important to understand the main types of data migration and how to manage them successfully.

1. Email Data Migration

Email data migration is critical for businesses that are adopting new email platforms, consolidating multiple email systems, or moving to cloud-based email services. It involves transferring messages and other relevant data from one email system to another.

How Does it Work?

The process typically begins with an assessment of the current email infrastructure, followed by the selection of a target email platform that meets the organization’s needs. Next, you can start creating a detailed migration plan that outlines the steps and timeline for the process.

Challenges

This type of data migration comes with its fair share of challenges, including data compatibility issues, and sometimes, downtime. For this reason, it’s important to carefully transfer data without interrupting business operations. This often requires careful planning. Businesses must also consider security and compliance, especially when dealing with sensitive information.

Best Practices

As is the case with all types of data migration, limiting risk requires thorough planning and meticulous execution. You’ll need to conduct a comprehensive assessment of your current email environment and determine the scope of the migration.

If possible, run a pilot or test migration prior to the actual thing. This can help identify potential issues before a full-scale migration. Maintaining clear communication with stakeholders throughout the process can also minimize disruption.

2. Legacy Archive Data Migration

Legacy archive data migration is the process of transferring historical data stored in older systems to modern platforms. This data may include everything from emails to legal documents.

How Does it Work?

Most organizations start by identifying and cataloging all their legacy archive data. Next, they perform a compatibility assessment to understand the formats and requirements for the new system. Extracted data is then transformed and cleansed to meet the new system’s standards.

Post-transformation, the data is loaded into the new archive system and is validated extensively for accuracy. Smart businesses conduct compliance checks throughout the process to make sure they’re on track.

Challenges

Extracting data from legacy systems can be a nightmare. These systems often used outdated storage methods, making it all the more critical for businesses to ensure data integrity throughout the process while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements.

Best Practices

Despite the challenges involved, it is entirely possible to achieve a successful legacy archive migration. For best results, start by taking a detailed inventory of all archived data. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the target system’s requirements.

Carefully plan data extraction. If necessary, use specialized tools, like our own Cloudficient EVComplete, to manage old formats. And don’t underestimate the importance of testing and validation—they help ensure data accuracy and completeness.

3. On-Premise to On-Premise Data Migration

The concept of on-premise to on-premise data migration might seem redundant, but it serves a very real purpose. During hardware upgrades and system consolidations, many businesses need to transfer data between physical locations or systems within their existing infrastructure. This streamlines processes and ensures greater uniformity across the board.

How Does it Work?

Before getting started, you need to assess your infrastructure and the target environment. Then, create a detailed migration plan that outlines each step and the timeline for completion. At this point, you might consider implementing some backup and replication tools to create copies of the data in the event that things go south.

Now it’s time for the actual migration. Here, data, applications, and workloads are transferred to the new location.

Challenges

Unlike other types of data migration, this process involves a lot of physical logistics. For example, you need to determine how to transport hardware and maintain network connectivity between sites. Security measures must be in place to protect data during transit.

Best Practices

A phased approach often works best for on-premise migration. Be sure to start with non-critical systems and gradually work your way up to essential data. As mentioned previously, you’ll want to back up your data in case of loss. Coordinate with your IT team and end users to address any issues and keep your business functioning.

4. On-Premise to Cloud Data Migration

Cloud migration is one of the most popular types of data migration, with organizations seeking to leverage the scalability and cost-efficiency of cloud services. It involves transferring data and applications from local data centers to cloud environments.

How Does it Work?

Cloud migration begins with an assessment of the current on-prem system. Then, businesses select suitable cloud providers. They develop a detailed migration plan that lays out how the process will work, who is involved, and so on.

The actual migration process typically involves a number of specialized tools and services to transfer data to the cloud. Organizations put strict security measures in place, like encryption and access to controls, to protect data in transit.

Challenges

While cloud migration is beneficial for numerous reasons, careful consideration must be given to data security during the migration. Also, like other types of data migration, it can lead to downtime, potentially hindering business operations. Data transfer speeds and cloud service costs should also be considered.

If you’re migrating to the Microsoft 365, consider the Service Protection Throttling issues that are still prevalent in many migration products.

Best Practices

To ensure success, it’s crucial to evaluate your organization’s infrastructure prior to migration. Categorize data based on sensitivity and importance, migrating high-priority data first. Once the process is complete, conduct ongoing testing and validation to make sure the migrated data functions correctly in the new cloud environment.

5. Cloud-to-Cloud Data Migration

There are many reasons why you might move data from one cloud platform to another, including cost optimization, mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and better service offerings. It’s a common method for driving efficiency and promoting smoother business operations.

How Does it Work?

Businesses first look at the current cloud environment and target provider. They take note of the requirements and steps involved. Then, they create a migration plan and transfer from the source cloud to the target cloud. This type of migration involves extensive user training and support to help users adapt to the new system.

Challenges

Interoperability between different cloud platforms can pose significant challenges. Data formats, APIs, and management tools may differ, requiring careful planning and execution. It can also be difficult to maintain data integrity during the transfer, which is why it’s important to enact appropriate measures beforehand.

Best Practices

Choosing the right tools is essential for any migration, but it’s especially important for cloud-to-cloud migration. They can automate the transfer process, reduce errors, and make your life so much easier overall. Additionally, continuous monitoring during migration helps identify and resolve issues quickly.

6. Data Migration in Mergers and Acquisitions

M&A often require complex data migrations to consolidate and integrate the IT systems of the merging entities. These migrations are particularly challenging due to differences in data structures, formats, and systems used by each company. Cultural and operational differences can also pose challenges.

What’s Involved in a Successful M&A Data Migration?

Having a robust plan is nonnegotiable for M&A migrations. It should include a detailed inventory of all data assets, a clear understanding of the target system’s requirements, and steps for a phased migration approach.  

Data mapping and transformation processes must be meticulously executed to ensure data compatibility. Engaging stakeholders from both sides is paramount and can help address any issues that arise.

7. Data Migration in Divestitures

Divestitures are where companies sell off part of their business and they require careful planning for data migration. This type of migration involves separating the divested entity’s data from the parent company’s systems and transferring it to the owner’s infrastructure.

Unique Considerations in Divestiture Data Migration

There are a few factors to consider before getting started. Data separation can be tricky, especially when systems and data are tightly integrated. Remember, this process involves two distinct systems, and so compatibility is not a guarantee—it’s important to check to see what’s required before jumping in.

How to Migrate Data in a Divestiture

The process begins with identifying the data and systems that need to be separated. Then, businesses extract data and transfer it to the new owner’s infrastructure. Post-migration audits and compliance checks can help keep you on track with all regulatory requirements and should be performed on a regular basis.

Achieve Various Types of Data Migration With Cloudficient

No matter your business or industry, chances are you will have to migrate data at some point or another. Studying the different types of migration and their best practices can get you where you need to be and protect your data in the process.

But you know what they say about the best laid plans? No amount of preparation can make your migration 100% foolproof, and it pays to have a team of experts by your side. They can help troubleshoot issues and point out areas that need extra attention.

Cloudficient is experienced in helping companies like yours migrate to the cloud, revolutionizing the way they retire legacy systems. To learn more about the types of data migration we assist with, contact us 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.