What is Data Migration?

Data Migration can be defined as the process of selecting, preparing, extracting, and changing data and permanently transferring it from one computer storage system to another. Also, the validation of migrated data for completeness and the decommissioning of legacy data storage are considered part of the entire data migration process. Data migration is an essential consideration for any system implementation, upgrade, or consolidation, and it is usually performed as automated as possible. An ideal data migration technique often helps free up human resources from tedious tasks. Data migration occurs for a variety of reasons, including:

• Replacing server equipment
• Replacing storage equipment
• Maintenance
• Upgrade
• Application migration
• Website consolidation
• Disaster recovery
• Data center relocation 

What is the data migration process?

A successful migration requires the planning and execution of a thorough strategy that sets migration goals, creates a timeline, identifies resources, anticipates challenges, and defines the project’s success. Consider your data migration process as a road map to the goal. Cloudficient has a proven history in digital transformation. It is often necessary to consult an expert to help navigate the highs and lows of data migration. There are many moving parts of data migration, so invest in the right tools and services to minimize the impact of end-users and ensure a successful migration.

Here are a few key details of a cloud migration plan. Your migration plan should include the following elements:

• Identification of the Data being migrated
• Migration priorities and sequence
• Timetable
• Definition of processes, resources, and roles
• Performance Metrics
• Project Sponsor/End-User communication

Why is data migration important?

Data migrations are necessary for organizations to take advantage of and utilize the benefits of ever-changing technology. As technology and storage systems evolve, your data must also evolve. In some cases, this is an easy task with minimal changes needed. However, some legacy data platforms do not have a clear track forward or require complex changes within your environment.

When would you use data migration?

A typical example of a data migration would be a transition from a legacy file format. For example, PST files. This is an old form of data storage still used today in some organizations. This format was extremely popular before Cloud infrastructure was available for email data storage. Many years ago, when on-premise Exchange Mail data storage was at a premium, some companies opted to store e-mails in PST files. PST files may still technically work with today’s modern systems; however, they have risks and disadvantages. Cloud-native technology was recently introduced to help overcome these risks and disadvantages. Not migrating PST files could potentially put you at risk.  

To take advantage of the cloud, your PST data must undergo a data migration. In this case, your PST data will be processed and ingested into the cloud. This allows your organization a more secure file format that functions in a remarkably similar way to the legacy file format.

What is data migration to the cloud?

Cloud data migration is the process of relocating an organization’s on-premise data, applications, and workloads to a cloud-based infrastructure. Organizations may find many unique benefits to moving their data to the cloud. Moving to the cloud often improves operational performance and agility, scalability of workloads, and security.

Cloud data migration may involve one or more targets. Some clouds are public, whereby services are delivered over the public internet, and some clouds are private, consisting of secure cloud infrastructure. This data may be restricted to only a specific component of the organization. Businesses commonly use several clouds, both public and private. This allows for the secure administration of sensitive data. Find out more about cloud migration in this blog post.

What are the different types of data migration?

Data can be stored in many ways and utilize various forms of media. Data migration and conversion can be driven by multiple business requirements. The migration methodology and approach are often linked to these business needs. Here are a few of the most common types of data migration.

Storage Migration: A business may choose to convert physical media to take advantage of more efficient storage technologies. This will result in moving physical blocks of data from one media to another, often using virtualization techniques. The data format and content itself will not usually be changed and can typically be upgraded with minimal or no impact.

Database Migration: Similarly, it may be necessary to move from one database vendor to another or to upgrade the version of database software being used. The latter case is less likely to require a physical data migration, but this can happen with major upgrades. In these cases, a physical transformation process may be necessary since the underlying data format can change significantly. This may or may not affect behavior in the application layer, depending mainly on whether the data handling language or protocol has changed.

Application Migration: Changing application vendors will inevitably involve substantial transformation as almost every application or suite operates on its own specific data model. The legacy data format may also interact with other applications and systems within their proprietary application environment. This may require significant changes to transform application data.

Business Process Migration: Examples of such data migrations are mergers and acquisitions, business optimization, and reorganization to attack new markets or respond to business competitors. This type of data migration process may require automation tools and services that provide a holistic view of the business model and ensure process fidelity. In this use case, the defined process of daily business tasks is transitioned or optimized.

In any data migration, make sure to research migration tools and services. The current industry has provided technologies and data migration experts to help guide your organization through your data transition.

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.