What Is Data Migration? Definition, Types, Process & Best Practices

“Moving data” is a pretty simple-sounding process, isn’t it?

Well, in a nutshell, it’s all about copying and pasting data from one place to another.

But in real life, it’s a whole different ball game.

For an enterprise, data migration is one of the most dangerous projects it may undertake in its entire lifetime. If something goes wrong in the data migration process, they may lose customer data and even experience complete data loss.

How to avoid these problems? It’s simple!! Just select a proper data migration strategy before you migrate data. This can lead to better technology utilization and cost savings.

Through this guide, you will get to know everything about data migration.

Let’s start with a basic overview of data migration!

What Exactly is Data Migration?

Let’s start with an easy definition of data migration.

Data migration involves moving data from one system to another. This could be either

from an old database to a new one or
from local to the cloud.

“Moving” your data is different from creating a backup. You are not just copying data; you are moving it to a new system. This system will then become your primary access point.

Any successful migration requires the following factors:

Accuracy: All data values need to be extremely accurate
Completeness: The entire data must be moved to the new system
Continuity: Businesses should continue to run during the move

Comparing Data Migration vs. Data Integration

You might be confused about the difference between data migration and integration.

Here is how you can differentiate between them:

Data Migration

This is a one-time process that requires moving your entire data. Once the data is moved, your old system will be wiped.

Data Integration

This refers to an ongoing process. It involved connecting systems that sync data.

The process usually operates in real time and requires both systems to run in parallel.

Main Types of Data Migration

A deeper understanding of the types of data migration is beneficial. It can help you plan your data migration strategy more effectively.

Storage Migration

This process involves moving data between different storage systems. It usually uses hard drives or SSDs to achieve this data transfer.

It truly is the simplest way to migrate data for your system.

Database Migration

A more advanced process, which involves moving your database files to a new platform. Migration of data from Oracle to PostgreSQL, or from SQL to Azure, will fall under this.

The success rate of database migration depends on the data you have stored. Depending on its complexity, advanced procedures or conversions will be required.

Application Migration

In application migration, you are moving an entire application to a new environment. This means migrating all related app data to a new or different platform.

The process involves migrating both the database and the app’s storage at the same time.

Cloud Migration

Moving your data from on-premises to the cloud is quite common.

Companies usually do this to reduce costs and improve their scalability.

Today, on-premises-to-cloud migration is also underway to make AI data tools more easily accessible.

Legacy System Migration

In a legacy system migration, your data migrates from an outdated platform to a modern one.

This either means upgrading your entire system or moving to a modern platform.

The Data Migration Process: Step by Step

Here is how a successful data migration methodology should take place:

Step 1: Discovery and Assessment of Data

In this step, you need to understand your data and sort it.

Profiling your data helps make your migration easier and error-free.

Step 2: Planning and Designing Your Strategy

Now that you know your data, it’s time to create a data migration strategy.

This means choosing the right approach and listing the tools you require.

The common approaches used for data migration are:

Big Bang: Move everything at once with a planned downtime
Phased (Trickle): Migrate your data incrementally alongside the older system
Parallel Run: Running both systems together for verified data migration

Step 3: Data Profiling and Cleansing

Before you move anything, ensure that your data is clean. This means removing any duplicates and fixing any formatting issues.

Any data migration done on unclean data will also corrupt your new system.

Step 4: Pilot Testing Your Strategy

Make sure that you run a test migration before copying your entire data.

This can help you recognise any issues. It will also help you resolve them quickly.

Step 5: Execution of the Data Migration

Make sure that you execute your data migration according to your plan.

Monitor closely for any errors and keep everyone informed about the progress.

Step 6: Validation of the Migrated Data

After the migration is complete, verify everything. Check key data and run user acceptance tests.

If any numbers don’t match, investigate and solve before you declare success.

Step 7: Cutover and Decommissioning

Once your data is validated, you can shut down your old system.

Just make sure you divert all users to the new one before you do so.

Top Data Migration Tools

Here are the right data migration tools you can use during the process:

Tool Category	Examples	Best For
Cloud Migration Tools	AWS Migration Tools, Azure Migrate	Moving to cloud platforms
Database Migration Tools	AWS DMS, Azure Database Migration Service	Database platform changes
Big Data Migration	IBM Big Replicate	Moving large datasets, petabyte-scale
Data Integration Platforms	Various ETL/ELT tools	Ongoing data movement and transformation

Data Migration Best Practices

Make sure that you follow these data migration best practices during the process:

Ensure that you back up your data
Define your requirements clearly before starting the process
Assemble a team of specialists that can handle the migration
Clean your data and remove any data inconsistencies
Test your data after the migration ends
Ensure security and privacy during the migration

Conclusion

Data migration should not be risky or terrifying. It is a common practice that companies regularly carry out.

The problems arise when data migration is done without using the right strategy. This leads to data corruption and loss during the transfer.

For any major migration, you should consider joining hands with Augmented Systems. They are a software consulting firm known to market leaders for their reliability and success.

Augmented’s team can provide expert data migration services and years of experience. With their help, you can easily avoid the risks associated with this process.

Aiming to move your confidential data properly? Make sure that you contact Augmented today to receive a free consultation!

FAQs

1. What is data migration in simple terms?

What is data migration? In simple terms, it’s the process of moving data from one system to another. This could mean transferring files to new storage, switching database platforms, or moving entire applications to the cloud. The goal is to make the new system your primary system.

2. What is the difference between data migration and data integration?

Data migration vs data integration comes down to permanence. Migration is a one-time process in which you transfer data and stop using the old system. Integration is ongoing, with the systems continuing to sync data between them in real-time or near real-time.

3. Can you share some data migration examples?

Common data migration examples include moving from on-premises servers to the cloud (cloud migration), switching from Oracle to PostgreSQL (database migration), upgrading from legacy hard drives to new storage arrays (storage migration), or migrating from legacy CRM to Salesforce (application migration).

4. What are the best data migration best practices?

Key data migration best practices include backing up everything before starting, cleaning your data before moving it (e.g., removing duplicates, fixing inconsistencies), testing continuously in staging environments, protecting data with encryption, and keeping stakeholders informed throughout the process.

5. When should a company hire professional data migration services?

Consider professional data migration services when you’re dealing with complex legacy systems, massive data volumes, critical systems where downtime costs money, or when previous migration attempts have failed. A specialist brings proven methodology and experience to avoid common pitfalls.