11 Best Practices To Remember In Data Migration

Data migration is a vital yet resource-consuming IT process. When you select, extract, and transfer data from one computer storage system to another, you will need a Data migration specialist to ensure that each phase is done in the most efficient way possible.

To help you avoid committing any data migration mistake, here are 11 of the best practices to remember:

Treat data migration as a separate project. Migration isn’t a simple "copy-paste" thing. As a separate project, it needs to have a separate strategy, plan, timeline, budget, and team.

Choose the best supplier of migration service. Companies with a data migration specialist have an absolute advantage if you want to ensure the smooth execution of your migration. They have the experience as well as the proper tools to transfer your data into new storage securely and promptly.

Always analyse the complexity of your data. One of the first steps that need to be accomplished when migrating is analysing the current state of your data — where are they currently located? Are there any cleanups needed? How will they look like once the migration is completed?

Define your set of standards. Especially if your company is heavy on data, it’s very important to establish a set of rules and standards when it comes to consolidating data, validating them and managing them — during and after the migration.

Identify the governing rules of the data migration process. As previously stated, you’d need to perceive migration as an individual project — complete with a project manager defining all the possible roles that will be needed in orchestrating the migration process itself. This practice will help ensure data quality and use is governed properly.

Set a realistic schedule and cost for the migration. Having a good plan is a crucial aspect of any project. As migration is something that requires a certain amount of resources and concerted effort from different people, a realistic schedule and cost break-down will help you complete the process more efficiently.

Define the risks related to the migration and develop a risk management strategy. Data loss is inevitable when migrating. Before even the process begins, identify the potential risks and have a plan on how to handle them. Take tests first and come up with a backup strategy in case something goes wrong with the initial plan.

Beware of potential security leaks. A data migration specialist can help you avoid committing the mistake of overlooking security settings. Keep in mind that when you transfer data, there’s always this risk of having security leaks.

Periodically validate your data. Throughout the entire process, regularly validate your data to help you correct any issue even before the migration is completed.

Get the business engaged with the project. Migration isn’t just about the technology that will be employed, it’s about the people who are concerned with the process and the output it requires. Engage with business people as they are the ones who are knowledgeable about the data to be migrated.

Properly test the migrated data. You need to prepare precise test scenarios first to make sure that you can test the data you have migrated. Proper documentation is also important so you can audit your data more efficiently.

At Datalynx, data migration is all that we've done and we're proud to say we're the best at it. Need a Data migration specialist? Contact us today!