Data Migration

What is Data Migration?

Moving data from one storage place or system to another is known as data migration. This can include transferring data from one database to another, moving data from a legacy system to a new system, or migrating data to a cloud-based storage solution. Data migration's main objective is to provide accurate, safe, and consistent data transfer while minimizing the impact on company operations.

Data migration is frequently necessary when a company changes its IT infrastructure, introduces a new application, or unifies data from many sources into a single repository. To guarantee that data is moved reliably, safely, and consistently while minimizing the impact on business operations, data migration is a crucial process that needs careful planning, execution, and monitoring.

What are the different types of data migration?

Data migration is a crucial set of processes that allows businesses to transfer data securely and accurately from one system or environment to another while minimizing the impact on operational procedures. Depending on their needs, businesses may need to execute the following forms of data migration:

  • Storage migration: This involves moving data from one storage system to another. This type of migration may be necessary when an organization upgrades its storage infrastructure or consolidates data from multiple storage systems into a single repository.
  • Application migration: This involves moving data from one application to another. This type of migration may be necessary when an organization replaces an old application with a new one, or when it switches from an on-premises application to a cloud-based one. This enables organizations to upgrade their outdated legacy applications by migrating them to newer, more efficient, and secure platforms while minimizing the risk of data loss, downtime, or system errors during the migration process.
  • Cloud migration: This involves moving data from on-premises storage systems to a cloud-based storage solution. This type of migration may be necessary when an organization wants to take advantage of the scalability, flexibility, and cost savings offered by cloud computing.

How do you plan for data migration?

A thorough and meticulous strategy is needed when transferring significant volumes of data to a new platform. Businesses are seeking a means to speed up the readiness for data transfer so they can quickly and safely put their new storage solution into production. To maintain the integrity and security of the data, the migration procedure must be properly planned. These are some steps to consider while planning for data migration:

  • Identify the data that needs to be migrated: The first step is to identify the data that needs to be moved. This comprises both structured and unstructured data, and it will also decide the scope of the transfer, such as which systems or applications will be involved.
  • Assess the data quality: Check for duplication, errors, and inconsistencies to determine whether any data needs to be cleaned or modified before it can be migrated.
  • Select a migration technique: There are several options for moving data; select the approach that best meets your objectives while also ensuring data security.
  • Plan the migration schedule: Define the migration process timetable by preparing for downtime as well as defining realistic data transfer timescales.
  • Test the migration: Do a test migration before migrating the data. This will assist you in identifying possible difficulties and ensuring a smooth relocation procedure.
  • Maintain data security: Maintaining data security is critical during the transfer process. You must guarantee that the data is encrypted during transmission and is secure from unwanted access.
  • Monitor the migration process: You should keep an eye on the progress to ensure that the data is being moved appropriately. You should also have a backup plan in place in case any problems develop during the move.
  • To summarize, data migration planning is an important procedure that must be carefully considered. These measures can help you make sure that your data is delivered securely and safely during the migration process.

Data migration vs data integration vs data conversion

Data Migration
  • The process of transferring data from one system or platform to another is known as data migration.
  • In data migration, a significant amount of data is often transferred from one system to another.
  • Data migration is often a one-time transfer of data.
  • Requires careful planning and execution to minimize disruption to business operations and ensure that data is migrated securely and accurately.
  • It involves transferring data between on-premises systems or between on-premises and cloud-based systems.
  • It entails migrating data to a new system or platform, such as moving from a legacy system to a modern system.
  • CSTC offers data migration services, such as CSTC Data Migration Services and CSTC Cloud Migration Services.
Data Integration
  • The process of merging data from several sources into a unified view or data set is known as data integration.
  • Data integration is the process of combining data from several sources in real-time or near real-time.
  • Data integration often entails continuous integration of data from several sources.
  • Requires a flexible and scalable architecture that can handle large volumes of data from multiple sources.
  • It involves integrating data from on-premises systems, cloud-based systems, and third-party data sources.
  • It entails integrating data to support business processes, such as customer relationship management or supply chain management.
  • CSTC offers data integration services, such as CSTC Data Fabric and CSTC Data Pipeline.
Data Migration
  • The process of changing data from one format to another, such as from a legacy system to a modern one, is known as data conversion.
  • Data conversion is the process of changing data from one format to another, and it may also entail data cleansing and data enrichment.
  • Data conversion often entails a one-time conversion of data from one format to another.
  • Requires a thorough understanding of the source and target data formats, as well as the business rules for converting the data.
  • May involve converting data between on-premises systems or between on-premises and cloud-based systems.
  • May involve converting data to support a new system or platform, such as migrating from an older version of an application to a newer version.
  • CSTC offers data conversion services, such as CSTC Application Modernization Services.