What Is Content Migration?

Content migration is a process by which content on a server or other storage medium, often online content, is moved from one existing system onto a new one. This process can be required in a number of different situations, such as when a company wishes to streamline information from multiple locations to a single location or when upgrading from older, or inexpensive, technology to a more powerful system. Content migration can be done in a number of different ways, though it usually involves properly documenting content from the existing location, appraising new content to be incorporated into the new system, and ensuring all of this information ends up in the final system.

The process of content migration often begins with a thorough inventory of all data and information that exists on the current system. This allows those involved in moving the data to ensure that all necessary information is transferred properly. There may also be new data or information that needs to be generated during this process, such as new databases or tables for managing information. This part of content migration allows the team handling the migration to identify these needs and ensure they are met during the process.

The creation of new data can be an integral part of effective content migration, and may involve numerous programmers and information technology (IT) specialists. Other types of new data may be involved with this process as well, including new content that is desired for the new system. If a website is being upgraded from older servers to newer servers, for example, then the administrators of the site might take the transfer as an opportunity to alter the overall design of the site with new art assets or a different layout. It is important for the team responsible for content migration to have this type of new data as well.

Once the various assets and files are compiled and accounted for, then the actual process of content migration can begin. This typically involves copying all of this data from one system onto a new system, though it might also be backed up on a separate system before the transfer. Once the content migration is complete, then tests can be performed to ensure all of the content was transferred properly and that nothing was lost or needs to be added to the new system. This process can be done over time, allowing any errors to be fixed prior to the new system going online and being accessed by users or clients.