What is data migration?

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Data migration is the process of transferring data from one location, format, or system to another. It is a structured process used during system upgrades, system consolidation, and cloud transitions – and when done right, it improves performance, security, and data accessibility across the business. In this article, we cover what data migration is, its key benefits, and the seven most common situations where migration is necessary.

What is data migration?

A data migration, also known as datamigrering in Danish, involves moving data from an old system to a new one, from on-premise servers to the cloud, or from one database format to another.

Data migration is commonly used in connection with system upgrades, consolidation of platforms, or a move to cloud-based solutions. It is a complex process that typically requires thorough planning to ensure data is preserved intact and maintains its quality and security throughout the transfer.

Benefits of data migration

The benefits of a data migration depend somewhat on context. There are specific advantages when moving from one system to another, and different advantages when consolidating multiple systems into one. Below are some of the most common benefits:

• Improved performance and scalability: Migrating to new systems or cloud solutions can improve performance and make it easier for the business to grow. Newer platforms are often more robust and better equipped to handle large volumes of data.
• Data consolidation: Data migration allows businesses to consolidate data from multiple systems into one unified platform, making it easier to manage and analyse information.
• Increased security: Migrating to modern systems or cloud solutions can improve data security by offering stronger protection mechanisms and compliance with current security standards.
• Improved access and flexibility: Cloud solutions and modern systems allow data to be accessed from anywhere, increasing flexibility for employees and partners. In addition to making data more accessible across departments, it also reduces individual dependency on specific people holding key data.

A well-planned data migration can therefore not only improve system functionality and performance, but also reduce costs and risk.

When should you migrate data?

Data migration can be a necessary process for businesses in several situations. Here are seven of the most important triggers to consider:

1. System upgrades or replacements

When a business upgrades or replaces its current system, migrating data ensures that all historical and current data is available in the new system. This typically occurs when a system has become outdated or no longer meets the business's needs.

2. Consolidation of systems

When a business merges multiple data systems into one platform – for example following a merger or acquisition – data must be migrated to streamline operations and reduce complexity. This helps centralise data for better access and analysis.

3. Moving to the cloud

Many businesses choose to migrate their data to cloud-based systems to improve flexibility, reduce the costs of maintaining on-premise infrastructure, and gain access to advanced features such as automated backup and increased scalability.

4. Optimisation of business processes

When a business changes its processes, it may be necessary to migrate data to ensure that information and systems are aligned with the new setup. This can include reorganising data for better efficiency.

5. Compliance with new regulations

In some cases, data legislation – such as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) – may require a business to move or restructure its data to comply with new legal standards. This ensures data is stored correctly and securely.

6. Improved data security

If existing systems no longer offer sufficient security, migrating data to a system with stronger security protocols may be necessary to protect against data loss or cyberattacks.

7. Performance or scaling issues

When a system can no longer handle the volume of data a business generates, it can lead to slow performance and inefficiency. Data migration to a more scalable system may be required to support business growth.

Data migration should be considered whenever technological, regulatory, or business requirements change, and systems need to be updated to keep pace.

Summary

Data migration is the structured transfer of data between systems, formats, or locations. The most common triggers are system upgrades, cloud transitions, consolidations after mergers, regulatory compliance, and performance issues. A well-executed migration improves data quality, system performance, and security – while reducing the risk of data being locked in outdated or siloed platforms. Planning and validation are the two factors that separate a smooth migration from a costly one.