DataMigration

DataMigration is the process of moving data between storage types, formats, systems, or applications. It occurs during system upgrades, platform consolidations, cloud adoption, or application replacements, and may involve moving from on-premises databases to cloud services, swapping database engines, or changing data schemas. The work typically includes data extraction, transformation, loading, and validation to ensure integrity and accessibility after the move.

Key phases include planning and assessment (scope, data inventory, quality, retention, and compliance requirements), solution design (mappings, schemas, and transformation rules), extraction and transformation (ETL or ELT), loading into the target environment, and validation (reconciliation, record counts, and quality checks). Cutover planning, execution, and post-migration validation complete the cycle. Data quality, metadata management, and data lineage are critical throughout.

Migration strategies range from a big-bang approach, where cutover occurs in a short window, to phased, trickle, or parallel runs that minimize downtime and spread risk. The choice depends on downtime tolerance, data volume, and business constraints.

Common considerations include data mapping and schema compatibility, data quality and deduplication, metadata and lineage tracking, security and privacy (encryption, masking, access controls), and regulatory compliance. Risks include data loss, corruption, downtime, performance impact, and failed reconciliations; mitigations include backups, rollback plans, extensive testing, and staged rollout.

Tools and services span ETL platforms such as Informatica, Talend, and Microsoft SSIS; database migration tools including AWS Database Migration Service, Azure Database Migration Service, and Oracle GoldenGate; and cloud-native offerings for homogeneous and heterogeneous migrations. Best practices emphasize clearly defined success criteria, thorough profiling, auditing, idempotent processes, and comprehensive validation.