Data migration is referred to as the process of transferring data from one system to another. It involves the selection, preparation, extraction, and transformation of data while changing system storage, database and applications. Traditionally, data migration was considered to be an easy and straightforward task. It was thought by many enterprises that migrating data was as simple as moving files from one folder to another.
But in reality, data migration is a critical and complicated task that is prone to various issues. According to the top data migration service providers, approximately 70-90 % of data migration projects fail due to lack of planning with regard to budgets and time allotment. Thus, it is important for enterprises to formulate effective strategies while providing significant attention to the project for successful migration.
Here are some best practices that aid in a successful data migration project:
- Defining Data
Enterprises should define their data with regards to its importance, need, future purpose, and scope. This will allow them to attain precise and accurate purpose of that data and help in the formulation of better plans and strategies.
- Assessment of Data
Data assessment or audit is an important part of a successful data migration strategy. It involves the identification of unusable data that is unable to cope up with business standards and rules. Enterprises can wipe such data to save resources and time. Apart from this, enterprises should also run a high-level data quality check before forming a new database.
- Establishing Data Governance Roles
Before initiating a data migration process, enterprises should establish data governance roles for ensuring appropriate support from accountable bodies or councils. It involves defining bodies that will be responsible for data management, supporting data quality, usage and access. This aids enterprises in improving the overall quality and usability of data.
- Scheduling Migration
After database (new) formulation and assignment of roles, enterprises should prepare a schedule that includes all dates with regard to the start, progress, and completion of the migration process.
- Selection of Migration Tools
The assessment and identification of an accurate migration tool is the most important step of any data migration plan. Enterprises must ensure that the selected tool is flexible, scalable and requires minimal technical assistance.
- Exportation
Once the enterprises have fulfilled all the primary requirements, they can initiate the migration process and start exporting the data on a new platform. To be on the safer side, enterprises should be prepared with strong backup plans and risk management strategies during the data migration process.
Since data migration is a complicated task, enterprises should consult the leading data migration service providers for attaining best-in-class data migration solutions.
Also Read – All You Need To Know About Data Migration
