Data Migration: Business Considerations & Implications
Learn about the process of migrating your database, the benefits of cloud migration, how to create a data strategy, and choosing the right database.
Team Ablaze Collective
September 20, 2024 10 MIN READ
Contents
Overview
What is Database Migration?
Why Migrate to the Cloud?
Benefits of Cloud Migration
The Basic Data Migration Process
Data Migration Strategy
Resource Requirements
Data Migration Issues & Inability to Attain ROI
Expert Help
Overview
While migrating your database might seem like a daunting process, it’s actually an opportunity to redefine your data strategy. By optimizing how data feeds decision-making, you can better capitalize on the value of your data.
Migrating to a cloud-based data system can be a game-changer, giving you the flexibility to access your data from anywhere, streamlining operations, and providing a centralized platform for clean, consolidated data management.
What is Database Migration?
Database migration involves moving data from one platform or repository to another. Businesses have many reasons to migrate: outdated systems, new feature requirements, or inefficiencies in current database structures.
Challenges arise when dealing with multiple, disparate databases across different departments or projects. A key issue is ensuring data integrity while consolidating databases into one cohesive system. Clear documentation helps, but migrating carelessly can lead to corrupted or lost data—creating significant problems for your business.
Cloud migration offers a powerful solution for streamlining data operations, ensuring better consistency and data management.
Why Migrate to the Cloud?
Cloud migration is the process of moving your database operations from on-premise systems to cloud-based platforms. This can involve moving applications, software, or even an entire infrastructure to the cloud. Some companies choose a hybrid model, keeping certain sensitive data on-site while moving less critical or anonymized data to the cloud.
According to Gartner, global spending on cloud services will grow by over 21% in 2023, demonstrating the widespread adoption of cloud-based workflows. Migrating to the cloud is becoming the standard for modern data management.
Benefits of Cloud Migration
Save Money
Cloud migration reduces the need for on-site maintenance, cutting down on staffing costs and enabling your team to focus on other critical business functions.
Update Your Operations
Migrating to a cloud database allows you to modernize your operations. Legacy systems are no match for the flexibility and efficiency offered by cloud databases, enabling you to reduce time and costs.
Centralize Your Data Repository
As companies grow, data silos often form, making it hard to track and clean data. Cloud databases centralize data, simplifying access and management.
Simplify Your Data Pipeline
Cloud databases often include easy-to-use tools that simplify data management, tuning performance, adjusting storage, and enhancing security—streamlining processes that smaller teams may find too complex.
The Basic Data Migration Process
Every business has unique needs, but there are some general steps to follow when migrating to the cloud:
Planning Your Migration
Identify why you are migrating and create a detailed strategy. This includes calculating server requirements and making sure you aren't overpaying for unnecessary resources.
Choose the Right Cloud Environment
Select a cloud model that meets your needs today and offers the flexibility to adapt as your business grows.
Migrating Apps and Data
Plan for potential issues during migration. Ensure you have security and backup plans in place to address any risks.
Validating Post-Migration
After migration, validate that everything works as expected and highlight the benefits of the new system compared to the old one.
Data Migration Strategy
Database migration is essential for growing businesses. With data spread across multiple systems—like AWS, HubSpot, Google Ads, and QuickBooks—it becomes difficult to get a unified view of company data.
A successful data migration strategy should include:
Know Your Data: Identify unique identifiers across data sources to ensure consistency.
Clean & Prep Your Data: Resolve discrepancies between systems to ensure accurate analytics.
Ongoing Governance: Continuously update and manage your data to keep it accurate and reliable.
Resource Requirements
Many businesses lack the resources to manage multiple data platforms, leading to reliance on outdated systems like Excel for critical data operations. Without skilled personnel to manage these systems, businesses struggle to answer important data questions, hindering growth and efficiency.
Data Migration Issues & Inability to Attain ROI
Many businesses fail to fully realize the return on investment from their data strategies. A McKinsey report found that only 16% of organizations successfully complete digital transformations.
In 2023, it’s vital for businesses to move beyond internal data insights and collaborate with partners for new opportunities. Yet, cultural challenges and resistance to change often stand in the way. Breaking down business silos and fostering collaboration between IT and leadership is essential for achieving ROI from data strategies.
Expert Help
Data migration can be complex, but that’s why Ablaze Collective is here to help. We work with organizations of all sizes, guiding them through migration and creating data strategies that leverage cutting-edge technologies.
Using Ablaze BaaS (Back-End as a Service), we provide a fully managed platform for ETL and automated data pipelines without the high costs or steep learning curve associated with other solutions.
Ready to take your data strategy to the next level? Let Ablaze Collective help you migrate, integrate, and streamline your data infrastructure for better business outcomes. Contact us to schedule a consultation today!