The Evolution of Data and Database Migration

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The Evolution of Data and Database Migration Large scale projects such as the merging of multiple sites, green IT initiatives, virtualization projects, database server consolidation and the cycle of technology refreshes are common in the database world. A common theme throughout all of these is the migration of data. From a database management perspective, data migration has traditionally been treated as an exception to normal operations. Data migration also seems to coincide with unforeseen difficulties that lead to extended downtime and the need to cancel, roll back and defer the activity. In larger environments, data migration is no longer an intermittent distraction but a regular activity that expends an increasing number of organization hours. As with apparently everything else related to infrastructure, there are many technology options from which to choose. Selecting the correct approach is highly dependent on infrastructure limitations, data and platforms types, and time constraints and staff capabilities. No longer is the best practice the use of scripts, when there are many commercially available software packages that can ease this task. According to Rob Karel, principal analyst with Cambridge, Massachusetts based Forrester Research Inc., using the custom scripting approach for migrating data to today's data-centric applications leaves one fatal flaw. (Smalltree) "A custom script is not going to do anything about garbage data, it's just going to move it," Karel explained. (Smalltree)

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