What is database migration to the cloud?

Full database migration

Full migration, also known as big bang migration, is a one-time transfer of all data from the source to the target platform. This approach is typical for large-scale changes, such as a complete system move to the cloud or significant upgrades.

A full migration occurs at a specific point in time, usually during a planned downtime window. Its main advantage is speed, making it a good choice for smaller organizations with limited data that need to migrate their entire database in one go.

However, because it requires significant downtime - often scheduled over weekends—this method may not be suitable for organizations that need continuous, 24/7 availability. Additionally, if issues arise during or after the migration, rolling back the process can be complex and challenging.

Incremental migration

Incremental database migration is a strategy of transferring data gradually from the source system to the target system. During this process, both the old and new systems run concurrently. This approach is crucial for live applications, as it ensures users can continue accessing services during the migration process.

Unlike a full migration, incremental migration breaks the process into smaller, manageable sub-migrations—each with its own scope, goals, and timeline. For example, new functionality can be introduced on the target system while legacy components remain on the original system. This provides greater flexibility and control, but it also requires significantly more time and resources. One challenge of incremental migration is potential inconsistency: some features might rely on the old database, while others operate on the new one. This split can lead to issues if not carefully managed.

Incremental migrations are commonly used when deploying new features to production environments. A key challenge in this context is keeping staging and production environments in sync. Tools like Schema Compare and Data Compare help address this by comparing and synchronizing databases across environments. These tools support precise deployment—even down to individual records—without affecting unrelated schemas or data.

Hybrid cloud migration

Hybrid migration is a strategy that balances the use of cloud services with on-premises resources. This architecture enables businesses to combine the advantages of cloud platforms—such as scalability and operational efficiency—with greater control over sensitive data and critical systems stored in their own data centers. It also plays a key role in many data protection protocols.

The first step is to determine which components should be migrated to the cloud and which should remain on-premises. Hybrid cloud migrations can follow various strategies. The simplest is rehosting, where applications and data are moved to the cloud with minimal changes to code or architecture. This is a fast and straightforward method, suitable for full migrations. Another strategy is replatforming, which involves modifying the application to better align with the cloud environment. While more complex, it suits incremental migrations, allowing organizations to gradually adopt cloud features and optimize performance.

dbForge Edge, with its robust schema and data comparison tools, supports both approaches. It ensures quick, accurate, and efficient database deployment to the cloud—whether as a one-time migration or a continuous, phased process.