Data Migration

Simple Definition for Beginners:

Data migration is the process of transferring data from one system, storage, or format to another, typically to upgrade systems, consolidate data, or move to a new platform.

Common Use Example:

A company migrates its customer database from an outdated on-premises system to a cloud-based CRM platform to improve accessibility and scalability.

Technical Definition for Professionals:

Data migration refers to the movement of data from one location, format, or system to another, often involving changes in technology or infrastructure. This process includes extracting data from the source, transforming and cleaning the data as needed, and loading it into the target system. Data migration may occur due to system upgrades, mergers and acquisitions, data center migrations, or platform transitions (e.g., moving from on-premises to cloud-based solutions). Key considerations in data migration include data integrity, security, compatibility, and downtime minimization. Techniques such as ETL (extract, transform, load), data mapping, and validation are used to ensure successful and accurate data transfers.