Data migration is the process of transferring (or migrating) data between two or more storage systems, formats, computing environments, or applications. The goal of data migration is usually to achieve better performance, adopt new systems, increase data accessibility, or to be able to better manage the data set.
Often, data is transformed when moving between two systems. This is to ensure that data will be able to be used when moving from the source system to the target system. Once data arrives in the target system, it is validated to ensure that the data is complete, accurate, and usable.
The first step in the data migration process is to plan the transfer, projecting risks, evaluating the source and target systems, and setting the goal for the transfer. This is usually followed by an assessment, where the data actually being moved is analyzed and checked for quality. Then, the actual plan for the migration is designed. Once everything is in order, the data is transferred and transformed to meet the requirements of the target system. Once transferred over, it is validated and pushed live on the new system.
Data migration is an essential process in consolidating existing systems or adopting new ones. Effective data migration requires careful planning and assessment. When executed correctly, data migration is a hugely effective tool in accelerating technical development and meeting organizational goals.