data migration

DATA MIGRATION GUIDANCE

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Data migration is the transfer of data between different types of storage system, databases or file formats which could involve data mapping and re-formatting. This should not be mixed up with data integration which is the process of combining data from multiple sources into a single dataset. It is commonly used when an organization needs to move data into a new storage appliance, when moving to a cloud storage solution from on premises, or when upgrading an application database with new hardware. While data migration has quickly become a common necessity for all businesses, according to Gartner data, about half of all projects either exceed their budget or in some way harm business due to poor strategy and/or application. 

Regardless of the reason for the data integration, here are 7 key factors organizations should consider before making a migration plan:

  • Data Integrity
  • Business Impact
  • Cost
  • User Experience and Impact
  • Potential Downtime
  • Data Assessment
  • Data Quality

Secure data migration is crucial in enhancing the performance of competitiveness of an organization’s IT department as well as the overall company. Better organized data equals more work efficiency while storing data in one place and in a single format reduces the cost of additional systems and software. Poor data migration, on the other hand, could be costly for an organization by causing a decrease in efficiency, increase in inaccurate data and redundancies, and the disruption of the pre-existing, well-structured, and organized data. A detailed data migration strategy is key to success and to avoid the consequences of poor execution. 

Here are 7 key strategy components:

1. Planning: Decide what data and what systems will be involved in the process and will be affected. Migration planning means evaluating and predicting the effect it will have on business operations and stability

2. Project timeline: Set a start date and brief key stakeholders on how this project will affect them and advise them of their roles in the process. 

3. Landscape Analysis: Determine how it fits into the organization’s IT ecosystem as a whole. 

4. Map solutions: Make a technical map of what data will be moved from where and where to. 

5. Build and test: Create the code for the project and be sure to test it in a mirror sandbox environment.

6. Execution and validation: Ensure that the migration software and project protocol will be effective in moving data safely and efficiently.

7. Decommission and monitor: Securely shut down the old legacy system and dispose of any unused software/ data. 

Data migration could be a valuable asset to organizations when done correctly. It is important to make a detailed plan, fully understand the data and migration policies, and regularly test and audit migrated data and the migration process to ensure an efficient and effective process.  Contact Precision Technology to learn more on how we can assist you and your team.