Data migration is the transfer of data from one database, storage system, application, or file format to another. Organizations migrate data for various purposes, such as upgrading or managing a database, updating servers, consolidating a data center, or generating big data analytics. Many organizations migrate data to the cloud.
Having a data migration strategy is critical. Otherwise, organizations can lose or degrade the quality of data during the migration process.
Data Migration Processes
There are several ways to migrate data.
Database/Storage System Migration
Moving data from one database or storage system to a new one is an example of data migration. Organizations execute database migration to improve data processing, security, and compliance.
Cloud Migration
Migrating data from an on-premises database to a cloud-based location (such as a data warehouse) is becoming increasingly common for data-driven organizations that want to improve security, scalability, and flexibility. By moving data to a cloud environment, organizations can reduce the costs associated with managing on-site data systems and generate deeper insights from their data.
Application Migration
Application migration happens when an organization moves an application from a server or storage location to a new one. (For example, moving an application from an on-premises server to a cloud-based server.)
Whatever the reason for data migration, organizations require a proper strategy for moving data from one location to another.
Why Is a Data Migration Strategy Important for Your Business?
Data migration involves several complex processes. For example, organizations need to audit data to comply with data governance frameworks like GDPR and HIPAA. Then they need to use the right digital tools to facilitate migration. Otherwise, they could lose data or degrade its quality.
Before data migration, you should create a strategy that includes these steps:
- Decide what data you want to move.
- Decide where you want to move data to.
- Determine the quality of the original data.
- Choose the right tools for data migration.
- Choose the correct data migration method.
- Ensure compliance.
- Set a date for migration.
- Plan for any data migration challenges (see below).
What Are Data Migration Challenges?
Data migration involves many challenges for organizations.
Data Loss
Moving data from one location to a new one can cause data loss, which happens when some or all of the data from the original source doesn't transfer to the target location. Backing up data before migration can reduce data loss.
Data Corruption
Data can become corrupted during the migration process. This problem occurs when a user applies the wrong rules or validation processes to the source or target location, resulting in errors.
Data Compliance
Organizations need to be aware of data governance legislation when migrating data to a new location. For example, frameworks like GDPR stipulate expensive penalties for organizations that process excessive data that no longer serves a purpose.
Data Maintenance
Data migration is just one step of data management. Organizations still need to maintain data and comply with data governance principles long after migration is complete.
What Is Data Migration and ETL?
Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) is a popular data migration method. ETL extracts data from its original location transforms it into the correct format and loads it to a data store like a data warehouse or lake for data analytics. Organizations can then generate valuable data insights for better business intelligence.
Using the right ETL tool reduces many complexities commonly associated with data migration, such as data loss and corruption.
How Xplenty Can Help with Data Migration
Xplenty is an ETL solution that streamlines data migration for organizations everywhere. Users can create complex data pipelines that facilitate data transfer from one location to another with little or no coding, making it great for organizations that lack data engineering experience. Other Xplenty features include a point-and-click user interface, a simple pricing structure, and out-of-the-box integrations that make data migration easier. With Xplenty, you can reduce data loss, improve data quality, and increase compliance with data governance principles.
Are you searching for a no-code ETL solution that speeds up data migration? Xplenty is the go-to data management platform for transferring data from one location to another. Learn how Xplenty can help by scheduling a personalized 14-day demo now.