Table of content
• Introduction
• Data migration
• The different types of data migration
• Strategies for data migration
• Best practices for effective data migration success
• Conclusion
Introduction
Data migration deals with the movement of data from one server to another. This data transfer involves a change in storage as well as database or application. The process is often complicated and it can take a long time to complete. It also requires a large budget, especially for companies depending on the volume. This is why data migration must be done in advance. Thus, it is essential to put in place the right methodology for it to be successful.
Data migration
With data in various formats coming from different environments, an upgrade of the existing system to a newer server may be necessary. This process should take place when replacing an obsolete storage system. It is also essential for upgrading a storage solution in the private cloud or when upgrading a database.
For all of these different situations, you have to move data from one system to another. In this case, new hardware is required to perform the data migration. For businesses, the migration solution data is a way to expand their storage capacity or better use them in a more modern technological environment. There are a number of factors to consider when planning and executing a data migration, including:
• Data integrity
• The impact on the activity
• The cost
• Evaluating the data
• The quality of the source data
• Potential unavailability
The different types of data migration
• Storage migration: This migration involves moving files from one device to another new or different. Data integration is done on premise or in the cloud. This is the most direct migration. However, for cloud data migration to be successful, it must be planned and executed with care.
• Database migration: this migration is necessary for upgrading a database engine. It is also essential for moving the installation or the database files to a new environment. Compared to storage migration, database migration requires important steps such as backing up databases, migrating files and updating the database engine as well as restoring data migrated to the database.
• Application migration: this is often a combination of the two previous types of migration. In this case, it is possible that the application requires a database migration and to migrate the installation folders.
Strategies for data migration
Data migration strategies can be defined in different ways. In fact, they must adapt to the specific requirements and needs of every company. However, the data migration strategy is often either the “Big Bang” or the “Trickle”.
• “Big bang” migration: for this type of migration, the entire transfer will take place over a limited period. The advantage of “big bang” migration is that the migration process is relatively fast. On the other hand, data migration must be scheduled at a time that is the least blocking for the company due to the shutdown of a software resource. While this approach often appears to be the most efficient and appropriate for a business, it is essential to test the migration before launching it into production.
• “Trickle” migration: unlike other migrations, “Trickle” migration is done in phases. In the process, the new system and the old one are executed in parallel. In this case, downtime as well as operational interruption can be avoided. As the process runs in real time, it is possible to migrate data continuously. This migration method is a bit complex. However, if properly managed, this solution guarantees the quality of the migrated data. Performing a “trickle” migration reduces risk rather than increasing it.
Best practices for effective data migration success
Regardless of the data migration tools you choose, it is essential to adhere to the following practices for a successful data migration project.
• Analyse the complexity of data in its original environment: In a data migration project, unforeseen events can always arise. It is for this reason that analysing the complexity of data is important. Indeed, the difference between failure and success will depend on the approach chosen in the event of a problem. Thus, it is first necessary to evaluate the different forms of data to be migrated.
• Back up before transferring data: Sometimes problems arise during the transfer process. However, you cannot afford to lose data if there is an error during implementation. Therefore, it is essential to verify that a backup exists before starting the migration.
• Respect the strategy: during a migration project, it often happens that the manager establishes a plan and then abandons this plan in place when he notices a failure in a phase. As a result, data migration is often complicated and sometimes becomes impractical. This is why you have to prepare a well-established migration plan and always be ready to face reality whatever the outcome.
• Test: It is always essential to test the data migration to ensure that the results are suitable for the business plan. This test can be done during the planning or design phase, but it is essential that it be done before the implementation phase.
Conclusion
Data migration remains a technical operation and as such, the best advice we can give you is to seek advice from an expert who practices this type of operation on a regular basis. It is essential to have expert view when migrating from one server to another. You can meet with us at HData Systems.
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