What Are the Different Types of Data Migration?

You have your data and know that it needs to be moved. But how? Should you lift and shift, relocate, or copy and paste? 

Torn between the different types of data migration?

With data loss, downtime, unexpected system failure and much more at stake, we know that it’s a tough spot to be in.

The good part? You are in the right place as we break down different data migration types in this blog to help you figure out the best way to migrate your data.

Let’s get going and get you the answer you have been looking for. 

Data migration isn’t just about moving your data from point A to B. It’s a tricky, complicated process and far more difficult than it appears. Over 80% of the data migration process fails or exceeds its budget. Why such a high failure rate?

The truth is that the data migration process is not just a matter of simple copy-and-paste. It requires meticulous data migration planning, strategy and flawless execution.

Each migration is unique, and one wrong decision can lead to complications and unexpected costs. To help you avoid these pitfalls, we have a list of 7 key data migration types, giving you the insights you need to choose the right approach. 

1. Storage Migration

Storage migration is the process of moving data from one storage to another storage location. This data migration process is often done to upgrade old, outdated or legacy hardware to a more modern and efficient system.

It incorporates data protection measures, such as data validation, cloning and eliminating irrelevant or old data.

You can use storage migration to move your data from an on-premise location to a cloud-based platform for faster, higher-capacity storage solutions.

Use Case:

• Migrating data to cloud storage platforms like Amazon S3 or Microsoft Azure
• To consolidate multiple storage systems into a centralized solution. 
• The transition from traditional hard drives to SSDs.
  

Key Benefits:

• Improved performance - Enhances the data storage speed
• Data Integrity - Accuracy and quality data migration
• Reduced Downtime - Streamlined migration time and minimized downtime
• Cost Efficiency - No additional license or software required

Key Considerations: 

• Downtime: Create a data migration strategy to minimize downtime. 
• Scalability: Choose storage systems that can grow as your business grows.
• Data Integrity: Data accuracy, consistency and integrity are crucial. 
• Compatibility: The new storage systems should integrate with your existing system. 

Data Migration Steps: 

• Data Validation 
• Data Cloning 
• Data Cleaning 
• Redundancy

The storage data migration starts by validating your data for accuracy, quality and consistency between the source and target systems. Next, it creates a clone or replica of the data to prevent risks during transfer.

Outdated or redundant data is then cleaned, and backup copies are finally created to safeguard against potential failure or data loss. 

2. Database Migration

Database migration means transferring data between two distinct database systems. It is done for database systems that frequently need changes to the data language or protocols during the initial data migration.

The change is also visible in the application layer. Database migration modifies or adjusts the data without changing the structure.

Before starting your database migration, incorporate the following steps into your data migration planning.

• Test the size of the database.
• Evaluate the apps using the database. 
• Ensure the confidentiality of your data.
• Check your data migration strategy for accuracy and compatibility.

Use Case:

• Migrating from older outdated versions like SQL Server 2008 to newer versions. 
• Migration of on-premise database to cloud solutions like Amazon RDS or Google Cloud SQL
• Transitioning from a relational database (like MySQL) to a NoSQL solution.

Key Benefits:

• Better Performance - Faster queries, optimized indexing and better resource management.
• Scalibitly - Can handle larger datasets and scale with your business.
• Improved Security - Better compliance with security standards and data protection rules.
• Cost Efficient - Reduces maintenance costs and infrastructure overhead. 

Key Considerations:

• Data Integrity: Validation of your data for accuracy and integrity
• Downtime: Data migration planning should have minimal disruption
• Performance Tuning: Optimization of indexes, queries and schema design
• Compatibility: The new database system must support your existing applications and workflows

Database Migration Steps:

• Data Assessment 
• Schema Conversion
• Data Migration
• Validation 
• Performance Testing

A database migration requires serious planning, testing and a proper data migration strategy. The process includes tasks such as analyzing the source database, adjusting the data schema to fit the destination source, maintaining data security and more. 

3. Cloud Migration

Cloud migration refers to moving your data from an on-premise location to a cloud-based storage platform. It also includes migrating your data, applications or services from one cloud location to another.

Use Case:

• Moving from on-premise systems to the cloud, such as AWS and Google Cloud Platform.
• Transforming across multi-cloud platforms or environments to avoid vendor lock-in.
• Migrating scattered datasets to a consolidated and unified cloud platform. 
• To scale and support global operations. 

Key Benefits:

• Scalability: Supports growing business needs
• Cost Efficiency: Cuts operational and maintenance costs. 
• Enhanced Data Protection: Cloud firewall and security protocols 
• Remote Accessibility: You can access data from anywhere
• Performance Optimization: Faster processing and greater flexibility.

Key Considerations:

• Data Security: Ensure encryption and security protocols to mitigate risks and vulnerabilities. 
• Compliance: Consider industry-specific security and regulations, such as GDPR or HIPAA.
• Cost Optimization: To prevent overspending, monitor the cloud resource usage. 
• Expertise: Hire cloud specialists or train your employees for expertise.
• Compatibility: Ensure that the legacy system is compatible with the new cloud system. 

Cloud Migration Steps:

• Assessment 
• Planning 
• Data Migration 
• Testing and Validation 
• Optimization 

Although cloud migration offers numerous advantages, large migration can take weeks or even months to complete, depending on your system’s complexity and data volume.

Cloud data migration services are becoming increasingly popular due to better storage options, cost savings and flexibility. It is predicted that the global cloud data migration services market will grow from $12.54 billion in 2024 to $69.73 billion by 2032. 

4. Application Migration

Application migration takes place when you move application software from one computing environment to another. This migration process often involves data transfers between on-premise servers, cloud platforms or different vendors.

This data migration also requires you to transfer not just data but also configurations, dependencies, and interfaces.

Use Case:

• Moving legacy applications to cloud-based platforms, like AWS, Azure and Google Cloud. 
• Shifting applications between different cloud providers. 
• Upgrading from outdated application platforms to modern alternatives. 
• Switching from one software vendor to another.
  

Key Benefits:

• Better Performance: Faster processing, optimized workflows and better performance.
• Cost Savings: Reduced maintenance and infrastructure costs.
• Improved Flexibility: You can scale and upgrade your applications for your evolving business needs.
• Modernization: Improved compatibility with modern technologies and cloud ecosystems.

Key Considerations: 

• Data Integrity: Use Application Programming Interfaces and vendor tools to ensure data integrity.
• Dependencies: Identify and manage dependencies on databases, APIs or other applications to avoid disruptions. 
• Data Compatibility: Data formats and models in the new and old systems should be compatible with each other. 
• User Experience: Provide training to end-users for better adaptability with the new interface. 

Application Migration Steps:

• Assessment 
• Data Mapping
• API Integration 
• Testing 
• Optimization

If you want to modernize your IT infrastructure, enhance your operational performance and reduce costs, application migration is a great option for your migration needs.

5. Business Process Migration

Business process migration takes place when you want to transfer your business data, applications, workflows and operations. It is usually done during mergers and acquisitions or organizational restructuring to reduce costs and improve business efficiency.

Use Case:

• Integrating workflows, systems and processes post a merger or an acquisition.
• Moving to modern ERP platforms like SAP or Oracle. 
• To streamline workflows, eliminate inefficiencies and align processes. 
• To maintain consistency across processes.

Key Benefits:

• Enhanced Efficiency: Updated systems reduce redundancies and improve the workflow. 
• Cost Optimization: Significant cost savings due to consolidated processes.
• Scalability: Allows you to scale your operations to meet your growing demands. 
• Standardization: Unified processes across departments, branches and newly merged entities.
• Competitive Edge: Aligned processes with the latest technologies enhance your agility and market readiness.

Key Considerations:

• Process Alignment: The migration of processes should align with your business goals and strategies. 
• Change Management: Clearly communicate and train your employees to onboard the new system.
• System Integration: To avoid disruptions, seamlessly integrate disparate systems.
• Testing and Validation: Verify and test all processes, applications and data for the new environment. 
• Minimal Disruptions: To avoid interruptions to your day-to-day operations, plan the timeliness of your data migration. 

Business Process Migration Steps:

• Assessment 
• Planning
• Integration
• Testing 
• Training

During business process migration, one of the key data migration considerations is to focus on process alignment, integrations and change management. Focusing on these factors, you can enhance your workflows and be ready for the competitive market. 

6. Big Data Migration

Big data migration refers to moving structured, semi-structured or unstructured data from one environment to another. You can move your data between on-premise, legacy, cloud and hybrid platforms.

Use Case:

• Migrating big data to cloud-based platforms.
• Moving from traditional databases to advanced tools, like Spark or Snowflake.
• Combining data from multiple sources or silos into a centralized data lake. 
• Migrating big data for real-time data processing and analytics.

Key Benefits:

• Reduced Expenses: Reduced labor, hardware and maintenance costs. 
• Business Agility: Keeps your business moving without being locked up on a particular application or platform. 
• Centralized storage: Breaks data silos to bring your business into one single spot. 

Key Considerations:

• Data Security: Opt for the right security measures to protect your data while migrating. 
• Technical Skills: Hire a technical expert or data migration consultant with intense knowledge of data migration tools and practices. 
• Downtime Management: Plan your migration with minimal disruption to your business. 
• Expenses: Integrating each application to move your data traffic is expensive and time-consuming.

Big Data Migration Process Steps:

• Planning
• Preparation
• Design
• Execution
• Training
  

The best data migration practices will help you unlock your data's true potential and make it work well. Proper planning allows you to transition to an efficient, scalable and modern platform using big data migration. 

7. Data Center Migration

Data center migration occurs when IT assets, applications, workloads and datasets are transferred from one data center to another. It can also involve moving between physical locations, modernizing infrastructure and moving to cloud-based data centers.

Use Case:

• Transferring your IT infrastructure to a new data center or computing environment.
•  Shifting operations or entire data centers to cloud-based data centers.
• A company merger or an organizational expansion.
• Migrating for disaster recovery by data backup. 
• To modernize the existing infrastructure for regulatory requirements.

Key Benefits:

• Minimal Downtime: Established processes and tools, scheduling and execution for minimzed downtime. 
• Reduced Costs: Less operational and maintenance costs. 
• Security and Compliance: Safeguards data and ensures regulatory compliance. 
• Scalability: Scalable solutions to accommodate your growing business. 
• Energy Efficiency: Consumes less energy and reduces environmental impact.

Key Considerations:

• Downtime Management: Thoroughly plan the migration to reduce downtime. 
• Asset Mapping: Check all kinds of discrepancies, including hardware and software issues. 
• Data Security: Protect your data with robust encryption and security protocols. 
• Capacity Planning: Ensure that the new data center has enough capacity for current and future workloads. 
• Testing: Check for performance, application functionality and reliability post-migration. 

Data Center Migration Steps: 

• Assessment and Analysis
• Designing the Destination Environment 
• Data Migration 
• Testing and Validation 
• Monitoring and Support

A well-planned data center migration is a reliable migration strategy that helps improve operational performance and efficiency. It can also reduce costs, modernize IT infrastructure, and improve operations.

No matter the type of data migration you choose, understanding the concept, choosing the right approach and selecting the right tools is the key to a successful migration.

Instead of rushing into the migration, it is always good to plan, think proactively and consider the possible risks.

Finally, finding the appropriate strategy is up to you and your business goals and needs. Are you planning to upgrade? Contact our team of data migration specialists at Augmented Systems today.

1. What are the three stages of data migration?

The three basic stages of data migration include: 

• Data Extraction 
• Data Transformation
• Data Loading

2. What are the main phases of data migration?

The main phases of data migration include: 

• Preparing for the migration
• Planning for the migration
• Migration 
• Operation and Optimization
  

3. What is migration in SQL?

SQL data migration is defined as moving data from one SQL server database to another. The data migration process looks easy at first, but it involves a lot of complexity, especially when migrating a large volume of data. 

4. What is the risk of data migration?

Data migration is a complex process that helps you transfer your data from your legacy system to a new system. It comes with risks, such as:

• Data loss
• Downtime
• Data incompatibility 
• Manual interfaces and more.

5. What happens after data migration?

After the data migration process is complete, you eventually abandon your old, legacy system or database.