Data Migration assumes a vital role in facilitating the shift towards cutting-edge cloud systems or highly secure storage locations, while also mitigating potential cyber threats that may arise in the future.
As time has passed, data migration has become an indispensable requirement for businesses. To dispel any misunderstandings, it is crucial to differentiate between different terms related to data migration. Frequently, the terms data conversion, data replication, and data integration are used interchangeably
Data Migration vs. Data Conversion
- Data migration is the intricate process of transferring data from one location, format, or application to another. Conversely, data conversion entails the transformation of data across different formats.
- Data migration encompasses crucial tasks such as data profiling, validation, and cleaning, all of which are essential for ensuring the quality of the target system’s data. In contrast, data conversion represents just a single step within this extensive and intricate process.
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Data migration vs Data Integration
- During data migration, the old system or database is eventually abandoned once all data has been fully transferred to a new location.
- In contrast, data replication periodically transports data to a target location without deleting or discarding the source. As a result, data replication has a starting point but no defined completion time.
- Data replication is often a crucial aspect of the data integration process. Additionally, if the source storage is decommissioned, it can serve as a means of data migration.
- In the upcoming section, our exclusive focus will be on data migration. We will explore the different types and principles governing data migration.
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Main Types of Data Migration
Storage Migration
- Storage migration entails transferring data from one physical medium or location to another. The upgrade from outdated storage equipment to more advanced technology often necessitates storage migration.
- This encompasses the shift from paper to digital, the replacement of hard disk drives (HDD) with solid-state drives (SSD), and the transition from hardware-based storage to virtual (cloud) storage.
Database migration
A database is more than just a storage space for data. It serves as a framework for organizing information in a specific manner and is typically managed through a database management system (DBMS).
When it comes to database migration, there are generally two scenarios to consider:
- Homogeneous Migration: This involves upgrading to the latest version of the same DBMS, ensuring compatibility and continuity.
- Heterogeneous Migration: In this case, there is a transition from one DBMS to another, such as moving from MySQL to PostgreSQL or from Oracle to MSSQL. This change involves different providers and requires careful planning and execution.
- Both scenarios require thoughtful consideration and strategic implementation to ensure a successful migration process.
- Migrating data poses greater challenges when the target and source databases have disparate data structures. The intricacy is further magnified when dealing with legacy databases like Adabas, IMS, or IDMS.
Application migration
- When a company transitions to a new enterprise software vendor, like when a hotel adopts a modern property management system or a hospital upgrades its outdated EHR system, the task at hand is transferring data from one computing environment to another.
- The primary challenge arises from the fact that the existing and new infrastructures may have differing data models and operate with distinct data formats.
Data center migration
- A data center serves as the physical cornerstone for organizations to safeguard their critical applications and data. Essentially, it is a meticulously designed room that houses a myriad of servers, networks, switches, and other IT equipment.
- Data center migration encompasses a broad spectrum of scenarios, ranging from relocating existing computers and wires to different premises, to seamlessly transferring all digital assets, including data and business applications, to new servers and storage facilities.
Business process migration
- This kind of migration is driven by mergers and acquisitions, business optimization, or reorganization in response to competitive challenges or market expansion.
- These transitions often require moving business applications and databases that hold customer, product, and operational data to the new environment.
Cloud migration
- Cloud migration is a commonly used term that encompasses various scenarios, such as transferring data from on-premises to the cloud or between different cloud environments.
- The duration of migration can vary significantly based on factors like data volume and disparities between the source and target locations. It can range from as little as 30 minutes to several months or even years.
- The complexity of the project and the impact of downtime will dictate the specific approach for executing the process, taking into consideration both intricacy and cost factors.
Rules of Data Migration
Each data migration project is distinctive, bringing forth its own array of challenges. Nonetheless, there exist certain widely acknowledged principles that can assist companies in smoothly transferring their valuable data assets while mitigating potential setbacks.
- Utilize data migration as an opportunity to detect and resolve any data quality issues. Set rigorous standards for enhancing data and metadata during the migration process.
- Engage data migration experts and establish a dedicated team to oversee the project.
- Minimize the amount of data to be migrated whenever feasible.
- Perform a comprehensive profiling of all source data prior to creating mapping scripts.
- Allocate sufficient time to the design phase, as it significantly influences the project’s success.
- Avoid hastily switching off the old platform. In some cases, the initial data migration attempt may fail, necessitating a rollback and subsequent attempts.
By adhering to these guidelines, companies can confidently navigate the complexities of data migration, ensuring a seamless and triumphant transition.
Successful data migration is a meticulous endeavor that demands meticulous planning, expertise, and precise execution. By adhering to industry best practices and treating it as a paramount project, organizations can seamlessly migrate their data to the cloud or between different cloud environments. This, in turn, can yield enhanced data quality, heightened efficiency, and long-term cost savings.
FAQs
1) What is data migration?
Data migration is the process of transferring data between different storage systems, formats, or computer systems, often to improve performance, consolidate systems, or upgrade to new technology.
2) What is data center migration?
Data center migration involves moving IT assets, applications, and data from one data center to another, which could include relocating to a new physical location or transitioning to a cloud-based infrastructure.
3)How to do data migration?
To perform data migration, plan the process thoroughly by assessing data quality, backing up data, choosing the right migration tools, executing the transfer, and validating the integrity of the migrated data.