The Art and Science of Data Migration: Strategies for Scalable Enterprise Systems

Abstract

Data migration is both an art and a science, representing one of the most critical undertakings in modern enterprise system evolution. As organizations shift from legacy architectures to cloud-native or hybrid environments, the movement of massive, complex, and interdependent datasets has become an inevitable necessity. The science of migration lies in the algorithms, frameworks, and technologies that ensure accuracy, scalability, and integrity, while the art involves aligning migration with organizational goals, minimizing disruption, and fostering adoption. This paper explores strategies for scalable enterprise data migration by examining its dual dimensions: the scientific foundations that enable secure, efficient data transfer, and the practical, human-centric strategies that ensure sustainability and business alignment. By integrating computational rigor with organizational insights, enterprises can transform data migration into a driver of digital resilience and long-term scalability.