What is Database Migration?

The four types of data migration are storage migration (moving data between storage systems), database migration (transferring data between database systems), application migration (relocating an application along with its database), and cloud migration (moving data and applications to cloud-based platforms). Each type requires careful planning to ensure data integrity and minimize disruptions.

Database migration is necessary to upgrade to modern database technology, consolidate multiple databases, improve performance, reduce costs, enhance security, and ensure compliance with industry regulations. It helps businesses optimize their data infrastructure while minimizing risks like data loss and downtime.

Database migration involves transferring an entire database, including its schema, configurations, and relationships, to a new system, while data migration focuses solely on moving data from one database to another without necessarily changing the database structure. Database migration often includes schema transformations, whereas data migration primarily deals with moving data efficiently.

Although often used interchangeably, database migration and data migration have distinct purposes:

• Database migration: Focuses on moving an entire database, including the database schema, configurations, and relationships
• Data migration: Refers to transferring data from one database to another without necessarily changing the underlying database management system

For large-scale migrations, both elements must be considered to ensure a successful data migration.

When planning a database migration project, organizations typically use one of three key strategies:

1. Lift and shift: Moving an entire database without modifications; often used in cloud migration
2. Replatforming: Making minor optimizations to improve performance on the target database
3. Refactoring: Redesigning database architecture to take advantage of new database technology

Each strategy has trade-offs in terms of cost, time, and complexity.

A well-structured database migration process follows these seven key steps:

1. Define business goals: Identify why the migration is necessary.
2. Assess source and target databases: Analyze compatibility and database migration features.
3. Develop a migration strategy: Choose between big bang, trickle, or zero-downtime migration.
4. Implement data quality rules: Ensure consistent data transfer and prevent data loss.
5. Test the migration process: Identify potential risks before executing the actual migration.
6. Execute the migration: Transfer data and monitor for errors.
7. Validate and optimize: Confirm data integrity and fine-tune database performance.

By following these best practices and using the right database migration tool, businesses can ensure a successful database migration with minimal risk.