4 types of data migration are the process of transferring data from one area to another, one system to another, or one application to another. Generally, this is the result of introducing a new system or location for the data. However, 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.
Have you ever switched CRM platforms in your business? Or, have you dealt with new regulation in your industry? Maybe you’ve acquired another firm.
If your SMB has experienced any of those scenarios—or expects to in the near future— chances are that may be familiar with a data migration.
What Is Data Migration?
Data migration is the process of transporting data between computers, storage devices, or formats.
Often, companies use software or scripts to perform the bulk of the migration. However, these tools should only be used after the migration is carefully planned—60% of data migration projects have overruns on time and/or budget, according to Bloor.
There are four main types of data migrations, each of which requires sufficient planning beforehand and validation afterward.
1. Storage Migration
If you’ve ever transferred business data from disks to the cloud, you’ve done a storage migration.
Storage migrations are when data is transferred from one storage medium to another.
Technology refreshes are a great time to migrate data. When new technology becomes available, transferring your data to that technology can be attractive because of the efficiency, cost, or experience of accessing and using the data in the new format.
Many tools and products are available to ease in migrating your stored data.
2. Database Migration
Databases often live at the heart of the technologies we use every day. It’s no surprise that SMBs change database vendors, upgrade their software, or move their database to the cloud.
Before migrating databases, companies must include these steps in their plan:
- Assess the size of the database.
- Test applications using the database.
- Guarantee data confidentiality within the database.
- Test the migration process for compatibility.
Doing this may reduce hiccups after the migration is complete.
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3. Application Migration
Similar to a database migration, application migrations take place when companies switch vendors or platforms.
Examples include implementing a new HR system or switching from one CRM to another.
Companies migrating applications must make sure their data can be communicated between the two applications. Each application may have a unique data model, so attention must be paid to how that data is formatted. After all, an application is only as good as the data within it.
Companies have a variety of ways in which they can successfully migrate applications.
- They may use middleware to bridge technology gaps.
- They may use scripts to automatically migrate data.
- They may protect data integrity by using an API.
4. Business Process Migration
Finally, a business process migration is the complex transfer of applications and databases containing information about customers, products, and operations.
These examples are best seen in mergers and acquisitions, business optimizations, and reorganizations.
Data migrations can be easy, but they must be planned for and validated once they’re finished to end on time and within budget. If you need help with data migration, feel free to reach out to us with your case.
