Pure Storage: How to Successfully Manage File Migration

By Dmitri Filenko, director, professional services, Pure Storage, Inc.

File migration is a crucial aspect of managing digital assets efficiently. This guide walks you through the process so you can navigate your migration smoothly and more efficiently.

Are you ready to embark on a file migration journey but feeling a bit overwhelmed by the sheer scope of the task? Fear not. File migration is a crucial aspect of managing digital assets efficiently. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process, providing helpful insights every step of the way.

1. How to begin
When scoping a file-based migration to a new NAS platform, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive discovery phase to ensure a smooth transition and avoid surprises. Here, we’ll delve into the vital discovery phase, and then we’ll guide you through the entire file migration process, from discovery to implementation.

Discovery: Know your data inside and out
Before diving headfirst into the migration process, it’s absolutely essential to have a clear understanding of your data.

This means delving deep into your data landscape and uncovering the following critical information:

• Types of files: Identify the various types of files you’re dealing with, such as documents, images, videos, or application data.
• File locations: Determine where these files reside. Are they stored on local servers, cloud platforms, or a combination of both?
• Access permissions: Understand who has access to these files and what levels of permissions are in place.
• Dependencies: Identify any interdependencies among files. Are there files that must be moved together to maintain functionality?

Comprehensive data audit
Conduct a comprehensive data audit to unveil the full scope of your data landscape. Tools like data classification and metadata analysis can be invaluable in this phase. The more you understand your data, the smoother the migration process will be.

The discovery phase is like the compass that points you in the right direction during your file migration journey. It helps you understand the landscape you’re working with, making your migration smoother and more efficient.

Here are 10 discovery areas that should not be overlooked:

1) Current Data Inventory: Know Thy Data
Begin by understanding the size, type, and structure of your data. This includes:

• • The number of files
  • The total volume of data
  • File types
  • The age of files

2) Access patterns: Analyzing data flow
Analyze how frequently files are accessed and modified. This knowledge can be invaluable for optimizing your migration strategy. For instance, you might prioritize frequently accessed data for migration first.

3) Permissions and security: Fortifying data security
Document all file and directory permissions. This includes:

• • User/group permissions
  • Access control lists (ACLs)
  • Any special security protocols or software in use

4) Data integrity checks: Guarding vs. data corruption
Ensure there are measures in place to validate that data is transferred without any corruption or loss. Data integrity is paramount.

5) Dependencies and integrations: Uncovering interconnections
Identify any applications, workflows, or systems that rely on the data in the current NAS. Ensuring they’re supported and will work seamlessly post-migration is critical.

6) Network topology: Navigating network
Understand the network architecture, bandwidth, and potential bottlenecks. This knowledge affects the speed and method of migration.

7) Downtime tolerance: Minimizing disruption
Identify how much downtime is acceptable during the migration. Some migrations can occur in the background with minimal disruption, while others might require some system unavailability.

8) Backup and recovery: Safeguarding data
Ensure there’s a robust backup strategy in place before the migration begins. Understand the RTO and RPO requirements.

9) End-user training and communication: Preparing your users
Determine if there will be any changes from an end-user perspective post-migration, such as different access methods or paths. If so, plan for necessary training and communications.

10) Post-migration validation: Ensuring success
Plan for procedures to validate the success of the migration. This includes ensuring data integrity, checking permissions, validating application integrations, and more.

A thorough discovery phase addressing these 10 critical areas will greatly contribute to the smoothness and success of your migration project.

2. Tools of trade
There are many tools, both free and paid, to choose from to help with your file migration. Here are a few: 

Free tools for file migration:

• Robocopy: A built-in command-line utility, it is for Windows environments. It allows for efficient file copying and synchronization while preserving file attributes and permissions.
• Rsync: Efficient and widely used in Unix-based environments, it is a powerful open source utility that enables file synchronization over network connections.

Paid tools for file migration:

• Datadobi: Renowned for its robust data migration capabilities, it simplifies complex data migrations with features like data mobility and orchestration. It’s for organizations with large and intricate data landscapes.
• Komprise: Offering data management and file migration solutions, it helps organizations transition to new storage environments while optimizing data management strategies.
• Parsec Labs: Specializing in high-speed data transfers during migrations, its file migration tool ensures minimal downtime, making it a compelling option for organizations prioritizing uninterrupted operations.

3. Scaling for success: Supporting large-scale migrations
As your organization grows, so does your data. Scaling your file migration process is crucial for maintaining efficiency and reducing downtime.

Here are key considerations:

• Parallel processing: Look for migration tools that support parallel processing, enabling you to migrate multiple files simultaneously. This accelerates the migration process.
• Bandwidth optimization: Optimize your network bandwidth to expedite data transfers. This might involve scheduling migrations during off-peak hours or implementing network optimization solutions.
• Monitoring and reporting: Implement robust monitoring and reporting mechanisms to track the progress of your migration. Proactive identification of issues and prompt resolution are vital for a successful migration.

4. Maximizing time to value: What to look out for
Efficiency is paramount when it comes to file migration.

Here are strategies to maximize your time to value:

• Prioritize data: Start by migrating the most critical data first. This minimizes disruption to essential business processes and ensures that crucial information is readily available in the new location.
• Testing and validation: Conduct thorough testing and validation before migrating large data sets. Identify and resolve any potential issues in a controlled environment to prevent surprises during the actual migration.
• Data cleansing: Take this opportunity to clean up your data. Eliminate duplicate or obsolete files to reduce storage costs and improve data organization.

Conclusion
File migration doesn’t have to be daunting. Armed with the right knowledge and tools, you can navigate it successfully. Whether you choose free tools like Robocopy and Rsync or invest in premium solutions like Datadobi, Komprise, or Parsec Labs, the key lies in careful planning and execution.

Remember, file migration isn’t just about moving data; it’s about optimizing your data management strategy to support your organization’s growth and efficiency. Start your journey today, and you’ll soon reap the benefits of a well-executed file migration strategy.