Migrations Done Right: Lessons from Decades of Data Migrations

Introduction: Why Migrations Deserve More Respect

Over the past few decades, I’ve worked on countless data migrations — from small internal projects to large-scale infrastructure overhauls. I’ve also been called in to clean up after others' botched migrations more times than I can count. Too often, organizations treat migrations like a simple “copy and paste” operation. That mindset can be devastating — to data integrity, security, and even revenue. 

This blog kicks off a series where I’ll share hard-won lessons from the trenches of IT migrations. Today’s focus: why planning, testing, and clear ownership are non-negotiable for successful data moves.

My Background: From Waterfall to the Wild West of Modern IT

I started programming and scripting several decades ago, back when carefully planning your flow was considered standard practice. I studied the waterfall method in college, which emphasized upfront design before a single line of code was written. That mindset — plan first, build later — shaped how I try to approach everything, including migrations. Although I've also assisted in securing and rescuing actively compromised servers and other emergencies where muscle memory and live ingenuity were necessary, but it's far more ideal to plan first wherever/whenever possible.  

My background isn’t just in development. I also trained and certified as a Novell network administrator, back when Novell set the bar for serious security and administration practices. Later, I added Red Hat training to my resume, giving me a front-row seat to the rise of Linux in enterprise environments. What struck me — even back then — was how much emphasis Novell placed on responsible administration, while Red Hat’s security and administrative processes already felt tangled in legal language and loopholes. Sound familiar? Big Tech still struggles with this today.

Why Migrations Fail: The Same Mistakes, Over and Over

• Skipping Discovery and Scope Planning: Treating migrations as “just a move” instead of a critical project.
• Superficial or Nonexistent Testing: Rushing to go live without meaningful pre-migration tests.
• No Immediate Backups: Trusting luck instead of keeping verified backups just before the switchover.
• Blind Faith in Project Management Tools: Tools like Jira or Asana are useful, but they don’t replace actual project leadership.
• Assuming IT Will Magically Fix It: Developers, admins, and the NOC can only work with what they’re given. They can’t salvage a project with no clear plan.

Who Owns Migration Success? (Hint: It’s Not Just IT)

The ultimate responsibility for migration success doesn’t sit with developers, administrators, or even migration techs — it sits with leadership. Whether it’s the CTO, project manager, or site owner, they need to own the process. That means defining scope, setting clear expectations, and refusing to let scope creep sneak in mid-project.

The SEO and Integrity Nightmare of Botched Migrations

Migrations aren’t just about moving data — they’re about preserving trust. Broken links, missing content, and disrupted permalink structures can permanently damage both search rankings and user trust. It’s shocking how often this is treated as an afterthought. When government agencies, research institutions, or major news outlets lose their own link history, they aren’t just losing traffic — they’re actively eroding public trust in their credibility.

The Professional’s Migration Checklist: What Actually Works

1. Thorough Discovery: Know exactly what you’re moving, why, and how.
2. Set Clear Expectations: No hidden assumptions — everyone understands the scope and stakes.
3. Test in a Safe Environment: Always perform full test migrations before touching production.
4. Backups at Every Stage: Verified, easily restorable backups — before, during, and after.
5. Controlled Migration Window: Clear schedule with rollback plans ready.
6. Post-Migration Testing: Test immediately after go-live — manually and with automated tools.
7. Document Everything: Leave behind clear records for future admins and audits.

Lessons from the Field: When Bad Migrations Ruin More than Data

I’ve seen first-hand how reckless migrations destroy more than just files. Years ago, my own college — where I later became a faculty lab tech — botched a series of migrations so badly they disrupted entire programs. One disaster directly destroyed my curriculum path, costing me the chance at the bachelor’s degree I had worked for.

What makes it even worse? "All talk" — shallow tests done just to check a box. One migration used a supposedly “unique identifier” that wasn’t unique at all, corrupting student curriculum in the process. That wasn’t just a small technical failure; it was a human failure — a lack of ownership and care at every level. And sadly, it’s a similar story I’ve seen repeated in businesses of all sizes.

Final Takeaway: Professionalism Isn’t Optional

Thorough planning, real testing, and clear responsibility aren’t “nice to have” — they’re what separates successful migrations from expensive, embarrassing disasters. Modern tools can help, but they can’t replace discipline.

Every broken migration proves that someone, somewhere skipped a step they shouldn’t have. If you want a clean migration, plan for a clean migration. There’s no shortcut.

Coming soon: Preview of an upcoming Blog

In an upcoming blog, I’ll shift gears to talk about technology choices — specifically the growing role of AI in development and operations. Whether you like it or not, AI is becoming essential to staying competitive. But just like migrations, using AI responsibly requires planning, testing, and ownership.