What is Data Migration?
Data migration is the process of transferring one set of data from one computer hardware and software system to another computer hardware and software system without human interaction. This could mean that employees may be separated from their organization’s data, need to access new sets of data, and need to use different devices to complete daily tasks. Data migration consultants describe it as a process of transferring files or other data from one location, format, or computing device to another data-storage device in a way that does not alter the original file attributes. This migration is required when organizations merge or make policy changes like purchasing new hardware for their mobile workforce.
Data Migration Benefits
Businesses face major challenges as they go through mergers, as the two companies merge their systems and technologies. One of the many challenges faced is how to maintain data consistency and integrity while migrating PCs and servers from one company’s architecture to another company’s architecture. Data migration becomes an important process during this phase so that organizations can keep a record of the merged information on their servers. This process ensures that none of the merged systems are overwritten during this phase which may lead to information loss and inconsistency.
The benefits of carrying out data migration according to Fintalent’s data migration consultants are many and varied, as it allows you to transfer all your important files, like pictures and documents without running into any technical problems during the process. You need to make sure that these files will not be lost during this process if you do decide to do data migration.
1) Data Migration Using a Remote Computer
There are several remote possibilities when doing data migration, each with its own benefits. You can do this by using different services like Teamviewer or go online and install a virtual private network (VPN) on your computer. Before Installing CopyTrans Containers you will need to set up these computers and make sure that they are on the same LAN or WAN.
2) Manually Copying Files Over the Network
Doing it manually is similar to the first way, but you’ll have to do this yourself, so you need to have enough technical knowledge of networks. This can take a lot of time to do but it is the safest way to do it when you don’t have enough time or don’t know much about computers. If you have a lot of patience and know how to use a computer, then manual data migration is for you.
3) Transferring Data Using CopyTrans Containers
Using CopyTrans Containers means that you can easily do it without worrying about learning how to use the software or understand the technical details. However, this method isn’t safe if you don’t want your other files being changed while doing data migration, so make sure nothing else will be affected when doing this process. There is a catch when using CopyTrans Containers, You must have the license key to do so.
4) Using Other Software
There are several other programs that you can use to transfer your data and use the software to take care of it, but it’s best if you know how to use this software before you try anything else. After doing your own research and testing, then you should be able to find out if this software will work for you or not.
Migrating data from one system to another is always a task that every business will have to perform sooner or later whether it’s through a merger, acquisition or just because one of the systems may be reaching its end of life. Fintalent’s data migration consultants offer some practical tips on what you need to consider when transitioning your data.
Prior to any migration process different methods should be considered as they have their own unique pros and cons. Manually transferring data over the network has been around for quite a while and is still widely used today. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, this method does have some disadvantages when transferring files, such as network bandwidth and time involved. The third disadvantage is that it’s not really a “process” as there are no tools to help facilitate the transfer: you will have to do all of it manually which can be quite time consuming. From a security standpoint this method may also result in security breaches. Some hackers use password cracking utilities to easily attack businesses’ systems as they pass over internet links, making them vulnerable to other attacks including viruses and Trojans.
Database migration tools are all the rage today as they boast of portability, security and ease of use. However, they do come with a cost: the price of the tool and the time spent on learning how to use it effectively, which unfortunately can be a long process (although not as long as migrating files within a system) given that migrating data with these tools means you normally have to connect to your database server using your network credentials and allow it access from within the database to transfer data.
Online Data Migrators are all about convenience and are very easy to use. They are becoming very popular as more and more business owners embrace the cloud, which has helped them become so popular. The method works by uploading databases, files or spreadsheets to a secure database server via the internet, then choosing a destination database or file.
To sum up then, your data migration needs a combination of all the four methods: having access to the data will allow you to use online migrators online, and using a database migration tool will ensure that your data is portable and secure for future use.