Modern businesses' data ecosystems encompass a variety of applications. Estimates suggest that modern businesses generate approximately 402.74 million terabytes of data each day, which demands effective data management solutions. Over time, companies may migrate from their existing databases to new ones that streamline cost, reliability, and scalability. This substantiates the need for data migration strategies in the digital landscape.
In this guide, we will explore why database migration is a critical factor for effective data management today. We will examine different types of data migration and take a step-by-step approach to developing a migration strategy.
Let’s dive in.
Database migration involves transferring data from one platform to another. An organization can move data, metadata, and schema from source databases to target databases. There are various reasons for migrating from one database to another, and businesses may seek to establish a reliable backup to improve business resilience.
Let’s explore why database migration strategies are essential for modern data-driven organizations.
Data serves as the new currency for modern businesses, and companies that embrace innovative data management strategies can gain an edge over their slow-moving counterparts. Numerous data-driven organizations are implementing cutting-edge technologies to enhance efficiency in data management.
Here are some of the key aspects that substantiate the need for data migration in organizations:
Traditional databases add overhead expenses for managing business applications, and migrating to modern platforms like cloud-based infrastructure can streamline the cost of operation.
One of the primary reasons for database migration is that companies shift from legacy systems to those that meet current business needs. Adopting a flexible platform, like a data lake, instead of a legacy-based SQL system provides quick business insights from reliable data.
Minimizing data redundancy is also a vital reason for adopting database migration strategies to maintain data integrity for informed decisions. To reduce the issues of siloed data, homogenous and heterogeneous databases are brought together to enhance the overall accessibility of stored data for an organization.
Legacy data doesn’t always align with the operational capabilities of new systems. However, database migration strategies can effectively tackle these challenges and offer a roadmap for making informed decisions. Let’s explore some of the popular types of these methods.
Different types of database migration strategies have advantages and disadvantages. However, they enhance the overall application performance for long-term success.
Here’s a rundown on such types:
Establishing the best database migration strategy for your organization may be daunting. However, the following step-by-step approach can make this journey effortless.
Database migration is a multi-step process that initiates with assessing the source system and finishes with testing the migration designs.
Here’s a comprehensive step-by-step guide for database migration:
The first step is to assess the database's size and complexity. It is critical to determine the time and computing resources necessary for transferring data during migration.
In this stage, it is important to conduct a granular assessment of data that needs migration. Profiling the source data and defining the overall quality of data rule out inconsistencies and duplicate values. Defining data quality rules for validation is necessary at this stage to ensure quality and accuracy for better database migration.
Heterogenous migrations involve migration between different database engines and are comparatively more complex processes than homogenous migrations. Schemas for heterogeneous database migration are resource-driven processes. With appropriate database schema-based migration, organizations can effortlessly migrate data to new and advanced databases.
In this step, using an iterative process to test migration capability and converting it to schemas is a good practice for testing migration exercises at once. Upon successful testing, businesses can gradually increase their data volume and build a unified workflow.
Most organizations execute database migration when they can afford potential downtime. Database migration tools can help organizations attain better data synchronization or change data capture (CDC) functionalities.
Stay ahead in this digital era with seamless and secure database migration.
Database migration is a common practice for organizations. However, due to its complexities, it requires careful consideration. Let’s look at some of the challenges for database migration strategies.
In this data-driven world, 83% of data migration fails or exceeds budgets and schedules. Database migration can be complex; however, with a proper roadmap, businesses can mitigate the following challenges effectively.
Existing data within a storage platform without a clear migration path may not work with advanced systems, causing data losses or corruption. Therefore, when migrating, it is vital to ensure data safely transfers without losing its overall integrity.
Most data-driven businesses have proprietary data, and with inadequate migration strategies, this data might explode, exposing it to external threats and infractions. In addition, improper security strategies can also result in overall reputational damage and financial losses.
Modern businesses may have several disparate databases within various departments and geographies. Locating disparate databases to normalize data and convert schemas is a good practice for dismissing siloed data.
Losing functionalities for business operations is a common data migration challenge. Slow-to-respond programs can frustrate organizations, and migration solutions that do not involve business users at each stage often result in inefficiencies and application errors.
Most businesses still use outdated systems that are not suited for cloud-based data, which can severely affect overall operational efficiencies during migration.
In this data-driven world, the larger the company, the more data it possesses. Without choosing the best data migration, there can be negative consequences. Let’s explore some of the best practices for a robust database migration.
Data migration processes that exceed precedented timelines can cost companies both revenue and reputation. Estimates suggest that 5% of the total data is structured, and the rest is unstructured or semi-structured, making it difficult to extract insights effectively. Deploying best practices for reliable data migration for different data formats is, therefore, crucial to meet such variables.
Here are some of the best practices for database migration:
Setting necessary parameters such as source objects and connection parameters. Changes in specifications and businesses with multiple databases must establish a single migration parameter and then extend the overall project scope.
Effective analysis of database migration projects, such as data type and size, operating systems, and database platforms, is necessary for effective database migration strategies. Compatibility issues when moving data from relational or non-relational databases are another issue that needs appropriate data analysis.
A robust database migration strategy demands communication among team members. Assigning responsibilities and tasks for setting up deliverables is vital for determining its success within multiple platforms.
From legacy to a cloud, revolutionize your database with confidence.
At QuartileX, we provide end-to-end expertise for businesses seeking to migrate into advanced databases. We also offer tailored solutions for companies working with different data formats to migrate with minimal downtime.
Here are some of the benefits of our data migration solutions:
With our cutting-edge solutions, businesses of all sizes can attain operational efficiency and focus on their future endeavors to stay ahead. Take a closer look at our data migration services to secure your data and gain insights for informed decision-making purposes.
Database migrations, an integral part of data management, are paving the way for future innovations in data management.
Here are some of the future trends for database migration:
Database migration is no longer an afterthought for modern businesses. Nowadays, it is a necessity that improves business agility, scalability, and efficiency. Selecting the appropriate database migration strategy, whether big bang, trickle, or zero-downtime, can outline the efficiency of a migration. Advanced technologies like AI and ML strategies can optimize transition processes to reduce downtime.
At QuartileX, we provide end-to-end expertise in strategic planning for database migration. We also ensure security and compliance during migration processes and optimize overall business performance. Our tailored solutions ensure data migration is cost-efficient and scalable to future-proof your business in this evolving digital landscape.
Ready to improve your data management? Contact our data experts to create a strategic roadmap for database migration.
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