Data migration is never as easy as it may sound. According to The Bloor Group, more than 80% of data migration projects run over time and over budget. Cost overruns an average of roughly 30%. Time overruns at an average of 41%. Based on Gartner's research, 83% of data migration projects either fail or exceed their budgets and schedules. Time. Money. Budget: three aspects that are typically interconnected when it comes to any kind of tech development. If one is affected, the rest follow in negation. But who says it has to be that hard? The best way to positively impact your business development is by having the most knowledge possible about the subject. In this case, we discover four types of data migration: database, application, storage, and cloud migration.
Why is data migration so risky and difficult?
The short answer is "data gravity." It explains how data attracts other data to it as it grows, how it is incorporated into a company, and how data is personalized over time.
Risks of Data Migration
Data Loss Risk
During the migration to the target system, some of the data may be lost.
Semantics Risk
The information from the source field can be migrated over into a different column or field in the target system.
Extended Downtime Risk
During the import process, the source system is not active, so it has potential risks for companies and stakeholders.
Data Corruption Risk
Unnecessary data can be transferred into the new system, leading to potential crashes and data corruption.
Application Stability Risk
The target platform can be unstable for various reasons, including improper development, coding of the new application, or business requirements into the new system.
Target Application Parameterization Risk
If there are few limitations, the target system can become unstable with data migration programs, potentially leading to bugs in the new system.
4 Types of Data Migration
1. Database Migration
Database migration includes transferring data between two database systems. It can affect the data language or protocol at the same time as the initial data shifts. The change is also expressed in the application layer. The migration of databases adjusts data without changing the structure.
Before you start Database Migration:
- Test database size
- Use the database test applications
- Assure the security of data within the database
- Check the migration process consistency
Database migration requires serious planning and testing, as the process includes many small tasks, such as assessing target database storage space, reviewing applications, and maintaining data security.
2. Application Migration
This type of data migration happens when a company transfers from one framework to another system or vendor. Every application has a unique model of the data, and the programs aren't portable. In the development and implementation process, the operating systems, virtual machine settings, and management tools of each application can be different.
It’s imperative to ensure that data is communicable between the two software. Every application may have a specific data model, so attention must be undivided when planning the format of that data. After all, an application is just as strong as the data inside of it.
3. Storage Migration
The process of storage migration deals with transferring data, such as a hard disk or the cloud, from one storage device to another. Put simply, data is moved from one storage medium to another. During this method, it is simple to introduce data protection features such as data validation, cloning, and reduction of invalid or outdated information.
Technological updates are a great time to migrate data. As new technology becomes available, it may be attractive to move data to it. The attraction is due to flexibility, price, or experience of accessing and using the data in the new format.
4. Cloud Migration
Shifting into the cloud provides scalability, requires less storage space and is cost-effective. This makes cloud migration one of the newer trends in the data management industry. Properties, software, or services of an entity are migrated to the cloud. The firewall of the cloud protects the data that’s being migrated.
4 Types of Data Migration: The Point of Knowing Them
Every business or company structure is different. Even if it’s in the same industry, everyone likes to do things their own way. Depending on your technological medium, database, application, storage, or cloud migrations affect the outcome of your data’s integrity.
We like to mention the risks involved when it comes to data migration for one reason: it’s not easy. Most people try to do it themselves, conduct it in-house, or hire a freelancer. You can see why doing any of these options maximizes major, potential risk.
