Data migration is the transfer of data between computer systems, formats or storage systems. Data migration is necessary when there is a change in the software, database, storage method or hardware. It is also necessary when businesses merge, or an entirely new system is implemented.
Data migration can be disruptive to a business. For this reason, before migrating the data, the format and structure and how it may alter when migrated to a new destination must be considered. To minimise the impact of the migration, all data should be uniformed and duplicated before the move takes place to prevent the loss or alteration of vital information.
A data migration plan is always formed in order to reduce the cost and impact of the migration. The plan should evaluate the time scale of the migration, how it will affect the business and whether there will be any issues such as altered or lost data. The plan must also include a structured schedule of what data is moved and when. All data must then be evaluated once in the new destination to check whether the migration was successful and accurate.
Jobs that utilise data migration include:
