Smart Migration is the Solution that Enterprises Moving to the Cloud Have Been Looking For

By: Michael Jack, CRO, Datadobi

Data migration can be a heavy lift for enterprises. After all, moving large amounts of data requires specialized software and knowledge. Migration cannot be done effectively and efficiently by quickly-assembled tools and inexperienced team members. The path of least resistance will lead to nothing but headaches and complications down the road. 

As public cloud providers, or hyperscalers, compete to host the data of global organizations, they want customers to move to their cloud with their migration tools. Typically, these tools are free and designed to move data easily and quickly. The unfortunate reality is that the challenges of moving and copying valuable data requires more than the bare minimum. 

In today’s technology-driven world, there are requirements that need to be met if hyperscalers are to achieve a successful data migration. If it’s to be done in an easy, efficient and effective way, smart migration can be key to that success. 

Enterprises using public cloud infrastructure will benefit by starting with a data migration done correctly and professionally.  To achieve this, the first step is to  partner with a vendor that focuses on improving technology capabilities and has the proper protocols and support in place. Data migration vendors who focus on compatibility, integrity, and support can minimize risk when moving to the cloud.  

Organizations have to recognize that the devil is in the details and the best way to move your file data to the cloud is to use specialized software supported by unstructured data experts that have experience with even the most minor details . Enterprises looking for a data migration software should evaluate the following attributes before deciding on a vendor:

• Is the solution compatible with the cloud platforms hyperscalers use, such as AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure? 
• Does the solution have the ability to prove the integrity of the data migration? 
• How is the data migration solution provider taking steps to follow global compliance regulations? 
• What support system does the solution provider have in place? As a customer, do you have access to a team who can help you with questions on the topic? 

Hyperscalers are consistently competing to host the unstructured data of global organizations. They compete for customers to move their data to their cloud at all costs, with marketing teams pushing the idea that it is an easy process with no risk involved.  In reality moving or copying large amounts of valuable data can be a headache because of the minimal support offered by hyperscalers. 

The migration software designed and supported by experts will work side by side with the hyperscalers in order to avoid data compromises, excessive costs, and abide by compliance regulations. 

Migrating large amounts of data between different platforms requires specialized software and knowledge — both of which inexperienced teams might lack. That’s why enterprises embarking on a data migration journey need to focus on achieving the best possible outcome rather than choosing the path of least resistance and hoping it will all work out.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael Jack has more than 30 years of experience delivering complex IT solutions to companies big and small, with the last 15 years in the data storage industry. During his tenure at EMC, Jack helped to develop Centera into one of the highest quality products in the EMC portfolio. Jack co-founded Datadobi and has helped build it into a highly respected company focusing on unstructured Data Management.