Migrating data from on-premise to the cloud requires careful planning to ensure security, minimal downtime, and data integrity. Below is a step-by-step guide:
1. Define Migration Goals & Strategy :
* Identify what needs to be migrated (databases, files, applications).
* Determine the best migration approach:
- Lift & Shift (Rehosting): Move data "as-is" without modifications.
- Re-platforming: Modify infrastructure but keep core architecture.
- Re-architecting: Redesign applications for cloud-native features.
* Choose a target cloud provider (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, etc.).
2. Assess & Prepare Data :
* Classify data (structured vs. unstructured, transactional vs. archival).
* Identify dependencies (linked applications, databases).
* Optimize data by removing duplicates, compressing files, and indexing.
3. Choose the Right Migration Method :
A. Online Migration (For Live Data) :
* Best for: Real-time applications & minimal downtime.
* How it works :
- Use direct connections (AWS Direct Connect, Azure ExpressRoute) for secure, high-speed transfers.
- Use database replication tools (AWS DMS, Oracle GoldenGate, Striim).
- Apply Change Data Capture (CDC) to sync updates during migration.
B. Offline Migration (For Large Data Sets) :
* Best for: Terabytes/Petabytes of data with low-speed internet.
* How it works:
- Transfer data using physical devices (AWS Snowball, Google Transfer Appliance).
- Ship storage devices to the cloud provider for bulk upload.
C. Hybrid Migration :
* Best for: Large, ongoing data streams (batch + real-time sync).
* How it works:
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Use bulk transfer first, then CDC for ongoing sync.
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Recommended for databases that cannot be taken offline.
4. Ensure Security & Compliance :
? Encrypt data at rest and in transit (TLS, AES-256).
? Use IAM (Identity & Access Management) to restrict access.
? Ensure compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS if handling sensitive data.
? Perform data masking to protect personally identifiable information (PII).
5. Test & Validate Migration :
? Conduct a pilot migration with a sample dataset.
? Perform data integrity checks (row counts, checksums).
? Run parallel tests (compare on-premise vs. cloud results).
6. Cutover & Optimize Performance :
? Decide on a cutover strategy:
- Big Bang: Switch all users at once after migration.
- Phased Rollout: Migrate in batches to minimize risk.
? Optimize cloud resources (scalability, indexing, caching).
? Monitor cloud performance using logs & analytics tools (CloudWatch, Azure Monitor).
7. Post-Migration Monitoring & Maintenance :
? Set up real-time monitoring & alerts for failures.
? Perform backup & disaster recovery planning.
? Train staff on cloud security best practices.
