Difference between Data Migration and Data Conversion

 

Data Migration

Data migration is the process of transferring data from one system to another, usually with minimal changes.

Focus

§  Transfer

§  Movement

§  relocation of data

Example

• Moving data from SQL Server to Oracle
• Moving customer data from on-premise system to cloud (AWS/Snowflake)
• Copying tables from one database to another as it is

Key Point

  Data stays same, only the location/system changes.

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 2. Data Conversion

Data conversion is the process of transforming data into a new format, structure, or business definition so it fits into the target system.

Focus

§  Transforming data

§  changing structure or meaning

§  reformatting

Example

• Converting date format from MM/DD/YYYY → YYYY-MM-DD
• Changing code values (e.g., gender “M/F” → “Male/Female”)
• Changing file structure (CSV → XML, Fixed width → CSV)
• Converting data types (VARCHAR → INTEGER)

Key Point

 Data itself changes form/structure to fit the new system.

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