Data migration
Data migration is the process of safely exporting data from one storage source and transferring it to another storage system. The process involves selecting, preparing, exporting and converting the data securely, efficiently and completely.
Why is data migration necessary?
Many companies choose to migrate data as existing platforms age or when they need better performance. As legacy systems get older, the reliability, speed and security decreases, ultimately impacting a business’s productivity, risk and maintenance cost.
What are the steps in a data migration?
A data migration can involve structured or unstructured data and various versions of applications, making it important to execute a migration in a specific order. A typical data migration involves:
- Analyzing existing data types, locations and interdependencies
- Aligning data to a best-fit destination
- Upgrading destination systems to optimal version levels
- Re-platforming, modifying, rewriting or retiring data
- Migrating data to new systems
- Testing systems to ensure data is functional
What are the types of data migrations?
Data can be moved from multiple sources, including a storage solution, infrastructure platform or application. This IT event typically occurs when an organization is upgrading its IT infrastructure. Here’s a breakdown of the destinations of a data migration:
- Flash storage arrays
- Cloud platform
- Converged infrastructure
- Hyperconverged infrastructure
- Traditional on-premises data center
Workload alignment
Data is part of a workload — the IT resources your infrastructure uses — when paired with an application. A data migration must consider how the workloads will operate in the chosen platform. Data and workloads have unique requirements, and certain storage and infrastructure platforms can play to different strengths depending on the desired use.
An end-to-end IT partner can work with a business through each step of a data migration, including choosing the right platform. Organizations create a streamlined, automated and secure environment when data and the accompanying workload are aligned to best-fit platforms.
Getting started
An effective migration will involve organization-wide feedback and support — from executive leadership to end users. If you don’t have to meet a strict deadline, it’s best to start small with a proof of concept or pilot launch before scaling your migration.
Upon completion, IT and end-user training will ensure everyone understands how to use the data and workloads in the new infrastructure environments. Successful migrations can be complicated endeavors, but a well-planned approach will align IT to business needs.
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