Data migration: transfer data securely & efficiently to the cloud
Data migration refers to the process of moving data from local systems or data centers to a cloud environment. This process can involve transferring data to a specific cloud provider as well as moving between different cloud platforms. The main goal is to effectively leverage the benefits of cloud-based solutions, such as greater scalability, more flexibility and optimized cost efficiency.
STACKIT is a German provider of internet-based services that operates its technical infrastructure exclusively in data centers in Germany and Austria. STACKIT thus guarantees a high level of data sovereignty that goes far beyond the market standard and meets the strictest European security standards and GDPR requirements. In particular, companies and organizations with high demands on security, data protection and compliance with regional regulations benefit from secure and transparent solutions with STACKIT.
The most important definitions of cloud migration in this article
- Cloud-to-cloud migration (C2C): Moving data or applications from one cloud platform or provider to another. This is necessary, for example, when a company changes providers or various cloud services are to be combined.
- Public, private and hybrid cloud: Various deployment models for virtual infrastructure that are selected depending on individual requirements and security needs.
- Data warehouse: Central database that functions like a large warehouse for company data. All important information from various source systems and departments (e.g. sales, production, purchasing) is collected and stored here. The aim is to bundle this data from all systems centrally in one place, structure it and make it more readily available for reports, analyses and business intelligence applications. This central database is generally designed for the efficient processing of large volumes of data and complex evaluations and is used less for day-to-day operations and more for a company’s strategic decision-making.
- ETL – “Extract, Transform, Load” (Extract, Transform, Load): In this process, data is taken from different sources (Extract), brought into a standardized format (Transform) and then loaded into a data warehouse (Load). ETL is a central component of data preparation and data integration for analyses.
What are the advantages of cloud migration with STACKIT?
STACKIT offers special advantages for data migration, especially in terms of data sovereignty, security, flexible usage options and industry-specific legal requirements.
GDPR compliance and data sovereignty: STACKIT stores and processes all data exclusively in data centers in Germany and Austria. This ensures compliance with strict European data protection standards and protects against unauthorized access from third countries.
Maximum security: The platform guarantees geo-redundant data storage, comprehensive encryption procedures and role-based access controls. In addition, regular certifications ensure compliance with all current security standards. Technologies such as confidential computing also ensure that all data remains fully protected during processing.
Avoidance of provider dependencies: STACKIT relies on open standards and open source technologies. This enables uncomplicated and cost-efficient migration and reduces the need to be tied to a specific provider.
Flexibility and scalability: STACKIT’s IT infrastructure can be dynamically adapted to individual requirements. In this way, companies can switch to the cloud as required and separate sensitive data in a targeted manner.
Independence and transparent costs: STACKIT impresses with comprehensible pricing models and operates independently of external investors. This provides added stability.
Personal support from experts: At STACKIT, customers benefit from individual advice and support from experienced specialists – from planning to migration and optimization.
High availability and reliability: Thanks to high-performance data centers and proven technologies, STACKIT offers a stable and fail-safe platform that works reliably even during peak loads.
Comprehensive range of solutions: STACKIT offers comprehensive solutions from a single source, from infrastructure and storage solutions to managed cloud services.
What is a cloud migration?
During a cloud migration, data, applications and IT workloads are either transferred from a local data center to a cloud-based infrastructure or moved between different cloud environments (C2C). The aim of this migration is to provide resources in a modern, flexible and scalable cloud-based environment.
Companies can decide to migrate to one or more cloud environments and opt for public or private cloud models. While a public cloud solution provides IT resources via the public internet, a private cloud environment offers a protected infrastructure that is exclusively available to one company. This type of private, cloud-based infrastructure offers added control and security. Many companies also opt for a hybrid cloud strategy in which public and private cloud services are combined. This results in a single flexible and cost-effective IT infrastructure that enables workload management in different cloud environments.
Multicloud strategies offer companies another way to migrate their IT infrastructure to multiple public cloud providers. Multiclouds can be as simple as using software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions from different providers to increase flexibility and portability. In practice, however, the aim is to operate and centrally manage company applications on Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) or Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) via several cloud providers. In this way, companies can make targeted use of the strengths of various cloud platforms and avoid dependencies on individual providers.
Data warehouse and ETL for the migration of data
Data migration and ETL are closely linked, as ETL processes often form the technical basis of data migration, especially when data is transferred to a new target system such as a data warehouse or a cloud environment.
This is where ETL comes into play:
- Extract: Data is taken from a source system.
- Transform: The data is cleansed, converted and brought into the correct format.
- Load: The prepared data is finally loaded into the new target system.
ETL therefore plays a central role in data migration, as it ensures that the transferred data is correct, complete, consistent and available in a usable form in the new system. A thorough ETL process is the be-all and end-all for high data quality, especially when migrating extensive data platforms or data warehouses.
Common problems and challenges during migration
Comprehensive planning
While moving individual workloads is usually straightforward, planning a large-scale migration requires careful, company-wide planning. This is the only way to minimize risks and ensure a smooth transfer.
Cost management
Switching to cloud solutions can bring economic benefits in both the short and long term. Nevertheless, the costs for planning, implementation and ongoing operation must be realistically calculated in advance.
Compliance and security
Although cloud providers offer many compliance and security tools, the responsibility for selecting, implementing and monitoring the right solutions lies with the customer.
Business interruptions
Although large amounts of data can technically be migrated quickly, careful planning in advance is essential to minimize downtime and disruption during ongoing operations.
Introduction and company training
IT staff and developers can apply most of their existing skills to cloud technologies, but targeted training is often required to use new tools, processes and functions efficiently.
Selection of the provider for the migration: For companies that lack specific expertise or in-house resources, it is highly advisable to work with an experienced service provider for the migration.
What types of data migration are there?
Database migration: This involves transferring data from one database management system (DBMS) to another or upgrading to newer versions – usually for better performance or due to the need to replace old systems. The biggest challenge is that data formats and structures can differ depending on the system. Standardization and a transferability check are therefore required before migration.
Storage migration: Here, data is moved from one storage system to a new storage solution, for example from old hard disks to cloud storage. The aim is often greater security and lower costs. Before the move, however, the data should be checked, cleansed and duplicated if necessary.
Application migration: Data is transferred from one application to another as part of a software change. This can be a challenge because each software has its own data models and interfaces that need to be taken into account. It must be ensured that all important data is transferred correctly and adapted to the new system structure.
Cloud migration: Databases or applications are moved from local systems to a cloud environment or moved between different clouds. The aim is to achieve greater flexibility, scalability, security and cost efficiency. Cloud migration is now widespread, as more and more companies are opting for cloud-based solutions.
Tips, tricks & important information for cloud migration with STACKIT
- Plan thoroughly! The first step is proper planning, so you should determine at an early stage which information and databases are to be migrated. The scope of the project must be defined in advance.
- Clean up the data! Before the migration, all data must be checked, cleansed and standardized. Duplicate, incorrect or outdated information must be removed so that only relevant and correct data is transferred to the new database.
- Develop a strategy! For example, determine how the migration should proceed. Select a tool that is to be used and is suitable for your software and the types of databases. Automation tools can also speed up the process and minimize sources of error.
- Create a backup! Back up all data before the migration. This allows you to restore the original state in an emergency and avoid data loss.
- Carry out a test migration! First carry out the migration in a test environment. In this way, errors can be identified and rectified at an early stage before the actual productive database is migrated.
- Carry out the migration! The actual migration involves transferring and integrating the data from the source system to the target system. ETL processes are used to extract, transform and finally transfer the data.
- Validate data! After the migration, the data must be carefully checked in the new system to ensure that all information has been transferred correctly and that the software is working as intended.
- Check and follow up on data integration! After the migration, the data must be validated in the target system and the results documented. Monitoring ensures that any problems are quickly identified and rectified.
- Plan resources! Ensure that sufficient technical expertise, time and personnel are available for data management and migration.
Cloud migration for greater scalability, flexibility and efficiency
Data migration is a key process when switching systems, databases or software to another platform. Migration is particularly common when switching between various database systems, for example when companies change their database software or switch to a modern database. Not only the actual data, but also structures, information and metadata must be transferred correctly. The use of special tools is important in order to automate the process and ensure data quality.
FAQ – frequently asked questions about cloud migration
Why is it crucial to avoid vendor lock-in with STACKIT?
Avoiding vendor lock-in is crucial because it allows companies to manage their data and IT infrastructure independently and remain flexible in the long term. Numerous providers of cloud systems bind their customers with proprietary technologies and closed systems, so that a subsequent change can be associated with high costs, technical effort and various risks. STACKIT focuses on open standards and open source technologies, so that companies can migrate their data and applications to new platforms relatively easily at any time.
How does the data transfer work?
Data migration to STACKIT is secure and clearly pre-structured. An individual migration strategy is first developed together with the technical experts. The actual transfer of data is then carried out using modern tools and in compliance with strict European data protection standards. Throughout the entire process, regular checks and security measures ensure the protection and integrity of the data. STACKIT also provides advice after the migration is complete.
