Best 7 Cloud Data Migration Tools

Cloud data migration is the process of moving data, applications, or other business elements from one location to a cloud computing environment. Many organizations are moving to the cloud because they want to:

• Upgrade or replace legacy hardware / software

• Reduce environmental impact and operational costs

• Keep data centralized and easy to manage

• Maintain backup data

Migrating to the cloud requires careful planning and implementation. That’s why organizations turn to cloud data migration tools, to efficiently migrate their data into a cloud-based system without hassle.

In this post, we’ll cover the best cloud data migration tools to help you find the right one for your organizational needs.

Cloud data migration tools are specialized software solutions. They facilitate the efficient and secure transfer of data from on-premises infrastructure to a cloud environment. Here’s a list of the best data migration tools to complement your cloud migration process:

data.world offers a powerful cloud data migration solution to help organizations streamline their move to the cloud. It’s a centralized platform for cataloging all data assets, whether they’re on-premises or in the cloud. 

Data.world enables companies to prioritize and migrate only the most relevant data. After all, there are costs and risks associated with migrating unnecessary data.

The data.world cloud migration solution leverages a knowledge graph to identify relationships and dependencies between data assets. Learn more about how next generation data catalogs like data.world support cloud-native environments and knowledge-first architectures.

You’ll find the following features in data.world’s cloud migration solution:

• Time to value, accelerated: Prioritize important assets, and streamline the migration process to reduce downtime and onboard teams faster

• Collaboration for stakeholders: A centralized platform for collaboration where stakeholders can easily explore and tie data to business processes throughout the migration journey

• Analysis of on-premises data: Catalog and understand on-premises data 

• Cloud ecosystem enablement: Quickly set up a cloud ecosystem that supports ongoing business processes and data governance so that the migration delivers sustainable value

• AI-powered data governance: Automates data governance and create customizable workflows

• Data cataloging: Uses AI to provide context-specific search results that make it easier to find relevant data quickly

Learn how data.world can optimize your Snowflake’s cloud data migration.

Data.world recently helped Prologis move its data to the cloud. The Prologis team said, "Where data really becomes powerful is when you can tie data to business processes, and business processes to decision-making processes within the organization. And that's where the power of the Knowledge Graph behind data.world, was one of the key things that really drew us in and made us take a zoomed in look on the platform, because with the knowledge graph, we had the ability to establish these relationships between data elements, business elements, and decision elements."

According to customer reviews on G2, data.world helps users understand and examine information in a cloud environment.

Pros

• Can integrate data from multiple sources into a single platform

• Uses a knowledge graph to provide actionable insights and data governance

• Efficient team collaboration and metadata usage 

• Supports third-party tool integration like Tableau and BI

• Provides a single place to access diverse data types

• Shares actionable insights for better data utilization

Cons

• May be improved by additional pricing options with more flexible tiers

data.world’s pricing is simple and customizable. Plans range from Essentials, to Standard, to Enterprise, to Enterprise+.Contact the Sales team to identify which plan is right for you. 

Ready to make your data accessible and actionable? Request a demo with data.world and see how we can help with cloud data migration.

Azure Migrate is a unified platform that simplifies migrating on-premises infrastructure, applications, and data to the cloud. Its discovery and assessment tools give detailed visibility of on-premises environments. It integrates with both Microsoft and third-party solutions, to support a broader range of workloads and data environments. 

Here are some of the key cloud data migration features of Azure Migrate:

• Comprehensive discovery: Automatically discovers and assesses on-premises environments, including servers, applications, and data, without installing agents on your VMs

• Dependency mapping: Visualizes dependencies across applications and workloads to identify potential issues and optimal migration strategies

• Migration strategies: Supports various migration strategies, such as rehosting ("lift and shift"), refactoring, rearchitecting, or rebuilding applications in Azure

Data migration: Includes tools like Azure Data Box for large data transfers when online transfer isn't feasible

According to customers, Azure Migrate is great at migrating their data into the cloud.

Azure also supports bulk migration with automated features.

Pros

• SLA of 99.95%, meaning little downtime across global data centers

• Robust security measures include multi-factor authentication and application password requirements for a secure migration pathway

• Flexible scaling during data migration when workloads might fluctuate

• Comprehensive backup and recovery solutions for data loss prevention

Cons

• Azure environments need active management and maintenance like regular monitoring and patching, which increases operational overhead

• Requires specific knowledge and expertise to optimize resource use

MS Azure has not listed specific pricing for Azure Migrate. Instead, it’s offered as part of the broader Azure billing model.

AWS Migration Hub provides a suite of cloud data migration services to streamline apps and data migration to the cloud. To simplify migration, it provides a single location to oversee the entire process, including assessment, migration, and tracking.

With its centralized dashboard, business users like you can track the progress of their migrations in real time. You will also get insights into the status of each application being moved which helps manage large-scale migrations.

Here are some of the unique features you get with the AWS migration hub:

• Centralized dashboard: Provides a single pane of glass to monitor the progress of data components being moved to AWS from different locations

• Integration with migration tools: Integrates with AWS native migration tools and third-party tools to provide flexibility in migration strategy

• Migration status tracking: Helps track the migration status and provide updates on each phase of the migration process 

• Automated workflows: Automates migration processes to reduce the manual effort required and minimizes the risk of human errors

Business users praise AWS Migration Hub’s ability to easily track migrations.

Another customer says AWS Migration Hub is a cost-effective tool for cloud data migration.

Pros

• Provides scalable solutions to enhance the efficiency and speed of your infrastructure

• Supports strong disaster recovery options to restore critical data

• Reduces the complexity associated with large migration projects

• Minimize human intervention to reduce the likelihood of errors during the migration process

Cons

• Potential risk of data leakage during the migration process which could compromise sensitive information

• Certain server configurations and applications can face compatibility issues 

The AWS Migration Hub service itself is free. You can use it to gather and store data pertaining to your existing infrastructure. However, you will pay the costs associated with the specific migration tools you employ and any AWS resources consumed during the migration process.

They have a pricing calculator available where you can calculate the total cost for needed services.

AppDynamics is another tool that provides cloud data migration services to streamline and de-risk the process of migrating applications to the cloud. It empowers organizations with real-time performance monitoring capabilities so they can identify and address potential issues promptly during the migration journey. 

Prior to migration, it also facilitates accurate planning and prioritization by providing a baseline assessment of every application, end-user experience, and key infrastructure metrics. 

Here are some of AppDynamics’ key features that come with its cloud data migration: 

• Full-stack observability: Provides visibility into the full technology stack, from the application layer down to the infrastructure

• Cloud migration monitoring: Monitors the performance of applications during the transition to cloud

• Smart agent technology: Streamlines the monitoring setup across various environments without heavy manual intervention

• Accurate assessment and planning: Enhances performance management by baselining every application before migrating to the cloud

MultiChoice used AppDynamics’ cloud migration service and here’s what they reviewed: 

"It's impossible to overstate the collaboration achieved between the AppDyanmics and Devcon Solutions team and our team at MultiChoice. They went out of their way to help us with our cloud migration, and we could not have moved as quickly as we did without guidance support from them."

Vodafone Italia’s team also shared their review on AppDynamic’s cloud migration features.

"It's amazing how smoothly a business runs when everyone has access to the same detailed information."

Pros

• Integrates well with other tools such as load runners for performance testing

• Monitors servers and databases to send alerts and manage systems 

• Provides end-to-end visibility of data so users can plan with accuracy before migrating to the cloud

• Prevents technical issues from sabotaging the migration process by using AI for root cause analysis and anomaly detection

Cons

• Depth and bredth of data available can sometimes be overwhelming

• Leads to potential difficulties in data navigation and interpretation

• Pricing is a concern for smaller organizations or those with extensive monitoring needs across multiple platforms

AppDynamics cloud migration feature comes with the subscription plan of AppDynamics. But you can get in touch with their team to learn more details. 

Here are its pricing modules:

Carbonite Migrate provides advanced features to streamline the cloud migration process and minimize disruptions. Its strength lies in real-time replication, which allows for continuous mirroring of data, applications, or entire servers. They claim a near-zero downtime migration process.

Here are some of the key cloud migration features that come with Carbonite Migrate: 

• Continuous and reliable replication: Ensures data, files, and system settings are replicated continuously and reliably 

• Automated cutover: Minimizes manual intervention by automating the cutover process 

• Unlimited testing: Allows unlimited testing of the new environment without disrupting ongoing operations 

• Eliminate vendor lock-in: Avoids lock-in with any specific hypervisor, cloud vendor, or hardware to give freedom in IT investment and strategy

Here’s what business users think of Carbonite Migrate on G2: 

Pros

• Uses byte-level replication technology to ensure data, applications, and databases are continuously aligned with the production system

• Migrated data can be validated without affecting ongoing business operations 

• Provides active assistance with migrations and resolves issues efficiently

• Enhances cost-efficiency by optimizing data storage costs and operational expenses associated with traditional migration methods

Cons

• Slow in adding servers or authenticating anything on the portal

• Migration in RHEL and Linux environments requires setting up a similar environment at the destination

• Difficult to understand and operate for new users

Carbonite Migrate’s pricing is private, so you have to contact their team for more information.

Cloudsfer is another cloud data migration tool that caters to diversified needs—such as user migration, file storage copying, and cloud sync services. What makes Cloudsfer unique is its ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and strict security measures which make data transfers affordable and safe. 

It currently supports integration with over 20 cloud storage providers, which makes it highly versatile. Additionally, it can handle complex migrations from multiple sources, such as NAS, Google Drive, and Enterprise Content Management (ECM) systems.

Here are some of Cloudsfer’s prominent features:

• Multi-user transfer: Transfers data between cloud storages while maintaining or customizing permissions to maintain security 

• Real-time data migration: Facilitates the continuous transfer of data from on-premise systems to cloud environments to minimize the risk of data loss during migration

• SharePoint migration tool (Tzunami deployer): Specifically designed for migrating data from older ECM systems to modern platforms like SharePoint Online, OneDrive, and Microsoft Teams

• Flexible backup solutions: Provides customizable cloud backup solutions to run even on an hourly basis so that data is backed up as frequently as needed

Here’s a real review from one of Cloudsfer’s customers on its data migration: 

Customers on G2 also think Cloudsfer is a good starting point for data migration.

Pros

• Supports data transfer from various ECM systems like FileNet, eRoom, Documentum, LiveLink, and more

• Filters and maintains permissions during the backup and migration process

• Enables incremental data updates to keep the migrated data synchronized without full re-transfers

• Operates effectively in real-time to ensure that data migrations are performed promptly

Cons

• Cloudsfer lacks some advanced security features like two-step authentication and zero-knowledge encryption

Cloudsfer has three paid plans. They are: 

• Basic: $25 for 25GB per month

• Standard: $100 for 100GB per month

• Pro: $250 for 250 GB per month 

Google Cloud Migration (GCM) provides many avenues for integrating data from different servers. Its unified cloud platform is a primary hub for data migration and management where it automates data movement into BigQuery. 

GCM provides a zero-coding foundation for setting up a BigQuery data warehouse. Here are some of its key features: 

• Unified migration platform: Serves as a central hub for all migration activities, including tools for cost estimation, asset discovery, and migration planning

• Cross-database migration support: Supports migration from various database systems so users can switch from proprietary or traditional databases to fully managed cloud-native solutions

• Migration center utilities: Provides additional tools and scripts via GitHub to enhance the migration process with custom scenarios

• Flexibility and scalability: Allows for the migration of various types of workloads, including VMs, applications, and databases, to Google Cloud

MLB leverages Google Cloud to manage around 15 million data points. Here’s how they have described their experience:

"The partnership with Google Cloud provides us with technology that will drive us to be better. As big as we are, we knew we needed someone bigger to help us. And we thought Google Cloud was the best partner for us.

Evernote also migrated to Google Cloud. Their Ops manager shared his reviews on this transition. 

"Our technology strategy boils down to how fast we can empower our engineers to focus on building high-quality, innovative productivity tools. By moving to Google Cloud Platform and using Datadog to improve application monitoring, we can quickly launch new services and features that will help us succeed in a changing market."

Pros

• Optimize the cost and performance of cloud resources post-migration for efficient use of cloud investments

• Provides tools to scan and assess the current infrastructure to identify what can be migrated

• Allows creating detailed pricing reports to analyze costs for different configurations and hosting options

• Facilitates a streamlined migration process that doesn’t require changes to applications or workloads during the migration

Cons

• The range of tools and detailed options can overwhelm new users or small teams 

• Not ideal for businesses looking for provider flexibility other than Google

The cost of the Google Cloud Migration Center is covered in the Google Cloud pricing plan. It also has a free version. Estimate your cost or get a custom quote by contacting their team. 

Cloud data migration involves moving databases, applications, and other workloads to the cloud. Without the proper tools, cloud data migration can be a complex and tedious process that creates long-term hurdles for data integrity.  Cloud data migration tools provide the necessary edge through: 

• Reducing risks

• Streamlining the migration process

• Enabling businesses to scale, be flexible, and save money 

Cloud data migration tools provide several key benefits for IT and data teams and some of these are:

• Scalability and flexibility: Cloud environments allow businesses to scale their IT resources up or down according to their current needs

• Accessibility: With cloud data migration, data becomes accessible offsite and onsite

• Data backup and recovery: You can ensure that data is routinely backed up and protected against hardware failures or other disruptions

• Cost-effectiveness: Instead of investing in extensive hardware setups and maintenance, businesses can use the cloud provider’s resources, paying only for what they use

• Improved security: Cloud migration tools ensure data is encrypted during transfer and remains secure with advanced firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits

• Integration opportunities: Migrating to the cloud opens up many integration opportunities with other cloud-based applications and services

Cloud data migration tools streamline data transition with automated processes but also pose several challenges when you don’t use the right tools:

• Downtime: Depending on the complexity and scale of the migration, periods of downtime or reduced performance may disrupt critical business operations 

• Poorly defined strategy: A poorly defined migration strategy can lead to inefficiencies, delays, and potential data loss

• Lack of a backup system: Data is vulnerable during the migration process. Without a robust backup and recovery system in place, any data loss or corruption could have severe consequences

• Security risks during migration: The transfer of sensitive data over the internet or between different environments can expose it to potential security threats like unauthorized access, data breaches, or man-in-the-middle attacks. 

With numerous options available in the market, evaluate your specific requirements and priorities to identify the tool that best fits your cloud migration needs. 

Here are some key considerations for choosing the right cloud data migration tool:

Look for must-have features

When choosing a cloud data migration tool, make sure to look for the following features:

• Real-time data replication: Guarantee that data remains synchronized between the source and destination during migration

• Metadata validation: Maintain the accuracy and integrity of data throughout the transfer

• Automated data mapping: Find anomalies and patterns in your data

• Comprehensive error logging: Ensure transparency and traceability by monitoring every step to diagnose and rectify issues 

• Support for incremental data loading: Support continuous synchronization of new or changed data without needing full reuploads 

Set a pricing budget

Cloud data migration tools differ in cost depending on their capabilities and the scale of the migration. Set a proper budget by understanding the upfront costs and any potential ongoing expenses,like charges for data storage or additional security features.

Prioritize usability

A cloud data migration tool with a steep learning curve can slow down your project and increase the risk of errors. Look for tools with the following features: 

• Intuitive user interface

• Clear documentation

• Well-designed dashboard 

• Drag-and-drop functionality 

• Visual workflow builders

Are you ready to accelerate your cloud data adoption journey? Book your personalized demo today and discover how data.world can help with cloud data migration.