Effective data migrations need comprehensive preparation and a smooth execution. Here’s how to go about migrating data with no missteps.
Image: WrightStudio/Adobe Stock At some point in time, many organizations will find themselves in a position where they require to migrate information, work, or perhaps entire applications and systems to a new location. This procedure can be challenging, especially for smaller, less established companies or those with less knowledgeable data professionals on personnel. With the best individuals, processes and innovation in place from the start, nevertheless, any business can perform a successful migration.
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Regardless of if your team even feels “ready” to tackle such a process, understanding how information migration works and what a successful data migration looks like is a crucial primary step. With this guide, find out how to completely prepare and carry out a data migration and then produce your own strategy that matches your organization’s specific goals.
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Information migration techniques
When it comes to information migration, there are two main approaches: the “Big Bang” method and the “trickle” approach. The Big Bang approach to information migration includes moving all information at once, while the trickle technique includes migrating data slowly with time.
SEE: How to recognize and prevent common data migration mistakes (TechRepublic)
There are benefits and drawbacks to both methods. The Big Bang technique is typically faster and more effective, but it can be more disruptive and cause more downtime for users. Alternatively, the drip technique is less disruptive and causes less downtime, however it can be slower and less efficient. Either approach might be appropriate for your group, depending upon your timeline and how your service runs.
Steps to a successful information migration
Must-read big information protection
Examine your data source
The initial step is to take an inventory of your existing data scenario. This includes understanding the structure, format and volume of your data. Assessing your data source(s) will give you a great idea of the effort that will be needed to migrate the information and a much better understanding of any challenges or issues the data might cause throughout the migration process.
Specify the scope
As soon as you guide your current information situation, you need to specify the scope of the migration. What data requires to be migrated? Is the migration time-sensitive? What is the desired end state? Addressing these concerns will assist you create a plan of action and set realistic expectations.
Back up your data
This need to go without saying, but it is essential to support your information prior to you start any sort of migration. This will offer you a safeguard in case anything fails throughout the procedure.
SEE: Best cloud backup services and options (TechRepublic)
Develop the migration service
There are several ways to migrate data. The most typical technique is to utilize an ETL tool. Other techniques include manual scripts or third-party tools. Selecting the right tool for the task and building an option that will work for your particular needs is important.
Carry out live testing
As soon as you have picked a migration option, it is time to evaluate it out on a little scale before moving all of your data. This will help you identify any possible problems so they can be fixed prior to migrating the entire data set.
Total the information migration and test again
After you have validated that your solution works, carry out the actual migration. It is essential to test and retest your migrated data to make sure accuracy and efficiency.
Audit and handle post-migration upkeep
When your data has actually been effectively moved, examine your brand-new system regularly to ensure that whatever is still working properly. It’s an excellent concept to put together a post-migration maintenance strategy to deal with any problems that might arise in the future quickly.
Typical data migration difficulties
Many challenges can occur throughout data migration. Some typical difficulties include:
- Information loss: This can take place if there are mistakes in the migration procedure or if corrupted files are moved. To avoid this, it is essential to back up all data before beginning the migration process.
- Data duplication: This takes place when replicate records are produced throughout the migration process. To prevent this, make sure there is a procedure to deduplicate records prior to they are moved.
- Information integrity: Problems can occur when there are inconsistencies between the information source and target systems. To avoid information stability issues, completely test your migration option before moving all of your data.
Starting with information migration
An information migration might be on your company’s horizon if you prepare to update tradition systems, relocate to the cloud or consolidate information. It’s a project that needs great attention to information, thorough preparation, effective data governance and security plans, and focused execution.
Check out next: Top information integration tools (TechRepublic)
By following the actions outlined above and catering this strategy to your own organization’s requirements, you can make sure an effective data migration for your organization and a roadmap for future migration requirements.
