Top 10 tools for data migration

As your know-how and data use instances evolve, so too does the complexity and the quantity of data that you just retailer, course of and share. In lots of instances, your legacy data storage methods and functions can not deal with this elevated quantity whereas concurrently making certain your data is safe and accessible.

The answer that many companies are turning to is migrating data to extra superior and high-capacity storage setups, however with so many several types of recordsdata, codecs, units and methods concerned within the switch course of, many companies hesitate to get began with a data migration plan.

SEE: Data migration testing guidelines: Via pre- and post-migration (TechRepublic Premium)

Though data migration is commonly a grueling, tedious and time-consuming course of, with the appropriate data migration tools at your disposal, it doesn’t need to be. Data migration tools can automate varied data migration and administration workflows, provide self-service interfaces to your crew, and provide different options that make the data migration course of safer and seamless. On this information, we cowl among the prime data migration tools for companies of various sizes and backgrounds.

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Top data migration tools

AWS Database Migration Service

(*10*)Picture: AWS

Amazon Internet Companies gives a wide range of data migration software units, however one in all its standout service tools is AWS Database Migration Service. The service means that you can migrate several types of workloads — functions, web sites, databases, storage setups, and bodily or digital servers — in addition to data facilities from an on-premises setting, internet hosting facility or one other public cloud setting to AWS.

With this software, your supply database stays lively all through the migration. This reduces downtime for apps that rely upon the database and means that you can migrate the database rapidly and securely. Moreover, this service can switch data to and from essentially the most generally used industrial and open supply databases.

Learn our full evaluate of AWS DMS right here.

Options

AWS DMS Fleet Advisor helps automate migration planning, streamline database and analytics fleet switch to the cloud, and suggests optimum migration pathways.
Offers a number of methods to switch recordsdata out and in of AWS via on-line data switch strategies.
Utilizing the Snow product line, you’ll be able to switch data out and in of AWS through offline strategies.
Permits each homogeneous and heterogeneous migrations, which implies you’ll be able to transfer data between each related and totally different database suppliers.

Execs

Helps migration between over 20 databases and analytics engines.
Extremely scalable and simple to arrange.
Consumer-friendly.

Cons

Data kind conversion might use some enchancment.
Some customers discover this software expensive.

Fivetran

Picture: Fivetran

Fivetran is a cloud-based ETL data migration software that lets data engineers spend extra time producing insights and fewer time on tedious engineering duties. With connectors that deploy in a couple of minutes, routinely adapt to supply adjustments and require zero upkeep, Fivetran simplifies data migration by routinely taking good care of all data integration duties.

As well as, it permits customers to centralize and streamline their data operations, together with database and software integration, course of orchestration and metadata administration.

Learn our full evaluate of Fivetran right here.

Options

Connectors supplied for varied data sources, together with functions, data warehouses, databases, features, occasions and recordsdata.
Makes use of dbt core to watch pipelines, load data and immediate dbt fashions to rework data.
Customers can automate and orchestrate their data workflows through the Fivetran dashboard.

Execs

Helps a number of data sources.
Intuitive consumer interface.
Environment friendly consumer help representatives.
Complete documentation.

Cons

Connectors don’t provide help for data lakes.
Some customers contemplate this software costly.

Microsoft Data Migration Assistant

Picture: Microsoft

Data Migration Assistant, or DMA is a software from Microsoft that allows you to improve your database schema and data from a supply SQL Server setting to a goal SQL Server setting. With this migration software, you’ll be able to transfer schema, data and uncontained objects out of your supply server to your goal server.

The very best half about utilizing this software is that it’s going to assist you establish compatibility points which will affect performance in your new SQL Server database model. DMA automates database migration, whereas concurrently sustaining minimal downtime. It additionally gives help for Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL and MongoDB migration to Azure from on-premises and different cloud environments.

Options

Means to research on-premises SQL Server situations migrating to Azure SQL database (s).
Identifies and resolves compatibility points blocking migration from on-premises SQL Server database(s) to Azure SQL Database(s).
Identifies partially supported or unsupported options used on the supply SQL Server occasion.
Detects points, resembling habits adjustments and deprecated options, which will have an effect on migration to an on-premises SQL Server.

Execs

Ease of use.
Quick migration course of.
Points detection.
Extremely scalable and adaptable.

Cons

The interface could possibly be improved.
First-time customers may have to speculate extra time in studying learn how to use the software.

Dell EMC Clever Data Mobility

Picture: Dell

With Dell EMC Clever Data Mobility, customers can handle workloads and data migration by leveraging know-how, automation and Dell EMC experience.

This resolution is constructed on trendy structure that delivers a versatile design. It additionally integrates seamlessly into present enterprise wants, with complete protection from seize to consumption. This supplier’s methodology is constructed round three pillars: Discovery, planning and execution.

Options

Data migration in discovery, planning and execution phases.
In depth automations and workflows.
Assist for distant data switch of as much as 35TB, throughout as much as 15 Hosts and 15 LUNs per host.

Execs

Customizability.
Accelerates time-to-value.
Affords in-region and distant sources.

Cons

Documentation could possibly be improved.

Hevo

Picture: Hevo

Hevo is a cloud-based, no-code data migration platform that simplifies migration from legacy platforms to trendy data storage options. Customers can replicate data from over 150 connectors and migrate it into databases, data warehouses and different analytic tools resembling Hadoop, SQL Server and Amazon Redshift.

Hevo particularly means that you can preload transformation and overrides auto schema mapping. With this characteristic, you’ll be able to depart the app to do its personal tweaking to get your data prepared for migrations. With a collection of options aimed toward rushing up your processes and saving time, Hevo additionally means that you can monitor your workflow to resolve any points earlier than they disrupt enterprise operations.

Learn our full evaluate of Hevo right here.

Options

Helps pre-load and post-load data transformation.
Automated schema administration syncs your data vacation spot no matter adjustments in supply data.
Helps three ingestion modes: Log-based, Desk and Customized SQL.

Execs

Drag and drop interface for non-technical customers.
Intuitive and easy-to-use interface.
Straightforward setup and configuration.
Seamless data integration.
Extremely-rated buyer help crew.

Cons

Its information sources — documentation and video tutorials — could possibly be improved.
The pipeline scheduling characteristic might use some enchancment.

Combine.io (Previously Xplenty)

Picture: Combine.io

Combine.io is a data migration software that gives customers with a single interface for migrating, reworking and managing data between totally different functions. This software helps organizations combine, course of and put together data for analytics on the cloud. The answer is scalable and cost-effective, with an intuitive interface and a highly-automated workflow.

Combine.io’s ease of use permits customers to deal with their enterprise with out worrying in regards to the complexities of data migration. Integrations can be found through REST API or direct FTP uploads to make it attainable for even non-technical personnel to work seamlessly with their know-how stack whereas utilizing this software.

Learn our full evaluate of Combine.io right here.

Options

Helps over 200 data sources.
Helps data motion into Hadoop HDFS, MongoDB, SQL Server, Elasticsearch and Redshift.
Makes use of REST APIs to hook up with any data supply.
Encrypts data at relaxation.
Affords round the clock buyer help.

Execs

Responsive help.
Ease of use.
Intuitive consumer interface.

Cons

The error debugging course of could possibly be improved.
Some customers contemplate the software expensive.

IRI NextForm

Picture: IRI NextForm

IRI NextForm is a data migration software constructed on Eclipse. This software can migrate, reformat, convert, replicate, federate and report data from one system or format to a different. As well as, it might transfer info from legacy methods into new environments and improve previous database engines and different parts that will not have native export capabilities.

Learn our full evaluate of NextForm right here.

Options

In a position to construction beforehand unstructured data.
Remaps data varieties, report layouts and file codecs.
Constructed-in report technology.
Cross-platform format permits it to run on Home windows, Unix and Linux methods.

Execs

Converts over 100 data varieties.
Affords a free version.
Extracts values and metadata from doc file codecs resembling HTML, Microsoft Workplace and PDF.

Cons

Sew Data

Picture: Sew

Sew Data from Talend is an ETL software that helps you rework, cleanse and put together your data so it’s prepared for evaluation. Sew may also extract and cargo structured or unstructured data from varied sources like databases and spreadsheets.

With these capabilities, you’ll be able to execute your analytical workflow in a single software. With its numerous connectors, Sew gives prospects with a simple approach to migrate their advanced databases with out coding.

Options

Helps common databases resembling MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Oracle and Amazon Redshift.
Affords over 130 connectors.
Automates data ingestion.

Execs

Straightforward to arrange and configure.
Straightforward to generate reviews.
Not as costly as many opponents.

Cons

The consumer interface could possibly be improved.
Steep studying curve.

IBM Informix

Picture: IBM

IBM Informix is a Data Migration resolution that works with SQL instructions and migrates data from one IBM Informix database or working system to a different.

Integrating SQL, NoSQL, JSON, time-series and geographic data is made easier with IBM Informix’s migration software. It additionally has an intuitive GUI that simplifies workflows, permitting customers emigrate data between varied database varieties and platforms.

Learn our full evaluate of IBM Informix right here.

Options

Affords self-management and automatic administrative capabilities for edge, cloud and on-premises analytics.
Actual-time analytics.
Automated data administration.
Affords excessive availability data replication (HADR).

Execs

Straightforward to keep up.
Excessive scalability and availability.
The setup course of is comparatively easy.

Cons

Platform tends to be sluggish throughout huge data transfers.
Some customers discover the software expensive.

Matillion

Picture: Matillion

Matillion is a cloud-based ETL resolution that allows you to migrate data between methods, databases and platforms. This software primarily helps you to load, rework, sync and orchestrate data in a centralized location with built-in analytics capabilities.

As well as, Matillion permits customers to sync data again to enterprise and operational functions via reverse ETL with pre-built connectors. They’ll additionally handle advanced pipelines via a single dashboard and customise ETL for organization-specific infrastructure.

Options

Affords low code/no code GUI.
Customers can create their very own connectors.
Helps Amazon Redshift Spectrum, Amazon S3 parts, Amazon SNS and SQS alerts.
Suitable with Azure Synapse-specific functionalities, resembling studying from Blob Storage and alerts and notifications via Azure Message Queues.

Execs

Straightforward to make use of.
Drag and drop performance.
Responsive help crew.
Customers discover the platform steady.
In depth native connectors for totally different functions.

Cons

Some customers contemplate this software expensive.

What’s data migration?

Data migration is the method and technique for transferring data from one system, database or storage machine to a different setting or setup. It may be utilized in varied conditions, resembling when new {hardware} must be arrange and previous {hardware} must be decommissioned or when an organization is working to maneuver all of its workloads to the cloud.

SEE: Greatest practices to observe for data migration (TechRepublic)

As well as, when upgrading to new software program variations, corporations will typically migrate their current data to proceed utilizing it of their new setting with out rebuilding every thing from scratch.

Key options to look for in data migration tools

There are a lot of components to contemplate earlier than deciding which software to make use of for your data migration venture, however listed here are some key options you must look out for.

Scalability

A data migration software ought to have the ability to scale based mostly on your corporation wants as they develop or change. Throughout your search, look for a data migration software that may be scaled up or down relying in your necessities. In any other case, you’ll must improve your service continuously, which is able to show very expensive and time-consuming.

Compatibility with a number of sources and locations

An excellent data migration software will will let you migrate from a number of sources and locations concurrently, saving time when organising new connections and customers. It’s additionally useful when migration software program is built-in with varied cloud storage suppliers, resembling AWS S3 or Google Cloud Storage, so it’s straightforward to change between suppliers should you use them for backup functions.

Interoperability with legacy methods

Legacy methods have their very own codecs and schema that don’t at all times translate properly to new vacation spot codecs. Thus, it’s important to have a simple approach to convert these previous data codecs into what is required for the brand new system. The very best data migration tools present plug-ins or modules that simply convert these recordsdata into essential codecs whereas conserving all the unique content material out there and safe.

Integration with third-party merchandise

Some corporations use third-party merchandise, like SharePoint to retailer paperwork or Outlook as an e-mail consumer, however these merchandise might not work properly in case your group chooses emigrate away from Workplace 365. To make this transition simpler, discover a software with integration capabilities that span throughout product suites and options which might be most vital to your corporation.

Self-service deployments

With many data migration options, it’s frequent to hitch an extended waitlist earlier than your data will get migrated. Nonetheless, with self-service deployments, prospects can arrange the duty and workflows themselves by downloading the applying and following a collection of steps.

SEE: A information to the roles and tasks of the data migration crew (TechRepublic)

Extra advanced data migrations is probably not a superb match for self-service migrations, however regardless, it’s nonetheless vital to discover a vendor that gives the correct quantity of flexibility and entry for your crew.

Versatile pricing fashions

Pricing fashions differ extensively throughout data migration options; some cost per gigabyte of house used throughout migration, whereas others cost based mostly on workloads per hour. Be sure to know the way a lot data you’re migrating, what sort of data you’ve and what your system necessities are earlier than you choose a data migration software. Chances are high, one will probably be priced extra favorably for what you want, even when it doesn’t look essentially the most reasonably priced on the surface-level.

Documentation and coaching

A self-help information explaining learn how to use the product will save time and frustration in determining learn how to get began, particularly when working with extra superior options, resembling scripting languages and APIs. Migration corporations that supply coaching movies, workshops and devoted help specialists must also be thought of, relying on the complexity of your migration venture.

Automated workflows

Data migration includes transferring huge quantities of data and infrequently contains advanced processes. It’s a good suggestion to discover a software that gives an automatic workflow to streamline these processes.

Auto-detection of lacking objects

Auto-detection of lacking objects saves helpful time when coping with an intensive database or repository. Which means when one thing goes incorrect — such as you’ve by accident deleted a row of data — this system will detect this error and pause your complete course of as quickly as attainable.

Common ease of use

Take into account ease of use if you find yourself evaluating a potential data migration software. You’ll spend a variety of time on this interface, so it ought to be straightforward to make use of and user-friendly.

Safety

Safety is at all times a prime precedence when wanting for new services or products, and data migration tools aren’t any totally different. When assessing safety, contemplate if delicate data might be transferred securely between sources and locations. Look for authentication strategies resembling multi-factor authentication and encryption schemes.

How to decide on the appropriate data migration software

To be able to select the appropriate data migration software, it’s good to contemplate your business-specific wants and the way a lot time and sources it would take for your group to carry out essential migration duties. It is usually vital to do not forget that some tools can solely be used on one kind of machine, whereas others can work throughout all types of platforms. A complete software that helps all platforms is right should you’re migrating a combined setting of server, desktop and cellular machine data sources.

SEE: Data governance guidelines for your group (TechRepublic Premium)

So far as pricing goes, it often depends upon the variety of customers in your organization and whether or not you wish to use an internet or offline resolution. Different components to contemplate embrace the file codecs you intend emigrate in addition to bandwidth constraints. TechRepublic recommends that you just store round and examine merchandise earlier than making choices. Most significantly, learn buyer opinions for every product to find out what works for your particular line of enterprise and data wants.

Learn subsequent: Top data integration tools (TechRepublic)