Learn everything you need to know about data migration, what it is, its key types (storage, cloud, application, and database), associated risks, and best practices to ensure secure and efficient transfers. This guide also explores how VIDIZMO simplifies large-scale enterprise data migration with flexible deployment, API integrations, and expert support.
As the amount of data is growing fast, most leading organizations are shifting towards cloud-based storage solutions. This requires migrating terabytes of data from one location to another. Why? There are a variety of reasons.
Data migration is required to move your ever-expanding data to scalable storage solutions with cost-friendly storage expansion options and automated management capabilities with robust digital mechanisms.
All this is done while eliminating the security concerns of many organizations.
Data migration of large storage seems an easy process, but it is difficult, risky, and requires professional services.
Whether you are migrating your data from on-premises to a commercial / government cloud or changing your cloud storage provider, whatever the scenario may be, you will need to look for a secure, reliable, fast, and cost-effective way of data migration.
It would be even better if you could find a solution that smoothens data ingestion and related content management processes for you!
This article explains the different types of data migration, the risks and challenges of an organization's storage migration, and the best practices an organization must consider to facilitate smooth and efficient data migration processes.
Before diving deeper into storage migration, let’s quickly go over the definition of data migration and its types!
In simple words, data migration refers to transferring data from one storage system to another, one format to another, or one application to another.
As every organization is involved in some form of data migration, they are very much concerned about security and data loss during this process.
This is the beauty of the modern age to facilitate organizations with various innovative technologies, but on the other hand, it poses significant risks and challenges.
Yes, it provides benefits, but it is risky, on the other hand!
Here, the question arises: then what is the purpose of data migration if it is risky?
Businesses grow as technology advances; therefore, different organizations are continuously migrating between different platforms and applications to meet the demands and requirements of the present age.
On top of that, if organizations need to extend the storage capacity and wish to perform various functions smartly within the same platforms, then they migrate their data to centralized platforms, where they can store and manage their data easily and securely.
There are different types of data migration, which are as follows:
This type of migration involves the migration of data from one storage system to another, such as from local storage devices to the cloud.
This offers more cost-effective scaling, faster performance and high-priority data management features such as backup and disaster recovery.
This type of migration is usually required when an organization needs to switch from one vendor application to another.
However, this is a complex process as the operating system, virtual machine configuration, and management tools of every application are different.
Cloud migration deals with either moving data or your application from on-premises data centers to the cloud environment or moving it from one cloud to another.
In both cases, it is linked to storage migration. It is the most common and fastest-growing type of data migration these days.
Migrating large volumes of data to the cloud is not a piece of cake. In fact, multiple factors such as data backup, networking, security and compliance administrations must be considered in parallel.
Database migration is the most specialized type of data migration, and it involves the transfer of the database and its elements.
It is important to ensure that your database and its content remain secure throughout the migration process with zero data loss and minimal downtime.
Frequently, the term data migration is used interchangeably with data integration. But both are different terms. Here is the difference between these two:
As already discussed, data migration is the process of complete transference of data from one source to another.
Conversely, data integration is the process of merging data from different sources to make it available as a unified view for the users.
This is essential to keep the risks and challenges of data migration in mind. For this reason, you need to overcome those challenges and implement best practices for seamless and efficient outcomes.
Here are some of the challenges that organizations can face while migrating their data to another location:
Source: Gartner
VIDIZMO is one of the leading providers of enterprise video management and digital evidence management solutions, where you can store your heaps of data and manage it securely and efficiently without any fear of data breaches or data loss.
With 20 years of experience in the market, VIDIZMO offers flexible deployment options through which you can host your data in Azure datacenters or AWS; whether you choose to deploy on the cloud (Government/Private) or in the hybrid environment, it entirely facilitates this process.
You can securely migrate your data with minimal downtime and cost-effective methods. With VIDIZMO, you can migrate your data through system APIs or integrate with a variety of tools such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and SharePoint to transfer data and upload it on the portal with ease.
VIDIZMO’s Customer Support Team ensures seamless data migration processes by providing professional services to the customer whenever needed.
Looking for professional help to migrate your enterprise data? Start your free trial or contact us today to get started.
What is data migration, and why is it important for organizations?
Data migration is the process of transferring data from one system, format, or application to another. It is important for organizations to adopt scalable, cost-effective, and secure solutions that meet modern business requirements and ensure smooth access to critical data.
What are the types of data migration?
The main types of data migration include storage migration, application migration, cloud migration, and database migration. Each type serves a specific purpose depending on whether the data is being moved between hardware, software, cloud environments, or database systems.
How does cloud migration differ from storage migration?
Cloud migration involves moving data or applications to cloud infrastructure, while storage migration focuses on shifting data between physical storage systems. Cloud migration typically includes considerations like scalability, compliance, and integration with cloud services.
What are the risks of data migration for enterprises?
Risks of data migration include data loss, breaches, extended downtime, high costs, and failure to meet deadlines. Enterprises must have secure, encrypted, and well-planned migration processes to mitigate these risks effectively.
How can businesses minimize downtime during data migration?
Businesses can minimize downtime by planning the migration in phases, performing backups, testing processes in advance, and using reliable tools or services that enable real-time or low-interruption transfers.
What is the difference between data migration and data integration?
Data migration is the complete transfer of data from one system to another, while data integration involves combining data from different sources to provide a unified view. Integration helps in analytics, while migration supports infrastructure transitions.
Why is database migration considered more complex?
Database migration is complex because it involves not just data but also schemas, stored procedures, triggers, and dependencies. Ensuring zero data loss and maintaining performance during migration requires meticulous planning and specialized tools.
How does VIDIZMO support secure data migration?
VIDIZMO offers secure data migration through flexible deployment options, integration with cloud providers like Azure and AWS, and support for system APIs. It ensures encryption, minimal downtime, and professional customer support throughout the process.
What tools can be integrated for seamless data migration?
VIDIZMO allows integration with tools like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Zoom. These integrations help in automating and streamlining the data transfer and ingestion process into the VIDIZMO platform.
What are the best practices for successful data migration?
Best practices include planning ahead, performing data audits, using encryption, backing up data, setting realistic timelines, and testing the process. Partnering with a reliable data migration service provider ensures a smooth and secure migration.