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Knowledge Base  /  General  /  LumenCloud

Migrating Data to and from Lumen Cloud

Updated by Mason Elliott on Dec 22, 2016
Article Code: kb/1360

Overview

There are various ways to migrate data to and from the Lumen Cloud. This article lists the most commonly used methods, highlighting factors to consider when making that decision.
Lumen Cloud partners may use this resource as a reference when advising their customers on data migration options.

Physical Media - Service Task

Lumen Cloud supports importing and exporting data through portable storage devices into our data centers by shipping removable media directly to Lumen. Data imports typically supported by Lumen Cloud include, OVFs, OVAs and unstructured data.
This is a relatively cost effective method to unburden the customer from the migration activity.
On the other hand, shipping of data creates delays, as new data continues to be written in the primary location. There is also the possibility of loss or damage of disk during transportation.

Self-Service VM Import (OVF)

Customers can import OVFs from VMware environments into Lumen Cloud when they meet the self-service import requirements listed here. This is a low cost method and the customer is in control of the transfer of their data. It is important to note that length of import depends on connection speed /bandwidth at both ends, and the amount of data that needs to be transferred.
There is no cost to OVF since Lumen Cloud does not charge for the transfer of data into the Lumen Cloud

Native Application Tools

  • Microsoft SQL AlwaysOn is a preferred method to migrate an existing MS SQL database to CLC. Click here for more information.

  • AD Replication: Customers can configure a new Windows Domain Controller in CLC as an addition to their domain controller on-premises via a site-to-site VPN. Replication can automatically be administered to migrate all directory services to CLC.

  • MySQL Replication: There are many ways to replicate MySQL data natively, including Binary Log File Replication and utilizing Global Transaction Identifiers.

  • Couchbase Replication: Couchbase is a popular NoSQL database that is available for deployment within Lumen Cloud. Couchbase utilizes clusters for active and replica data and can also replicate data between clusters utilizing XDCR. Click here for more detail.

Third Party Tools

  • Rackware Management Module: Find it here.

  • Backup & Restore: Many 3rd party backup solutions such as Cloudberry allow you to back up your on-premise files and restore them into the Lumen Cloud via a simple backup and restore procedure. This can be done with a file level backup solution that will allow you to layer the data onto a new CLC VM or utilizing an image level backup solution such as Double-Take to restore the entire image.

File Copy

Robocopy is a popular tool included with Windows that allows for easy file transfer at scale.

Migration Options Matrix

Migration
Option
Description Reference Articles Cost Deployment Complexity
Physical Media
(Service Task)
Users can import and export data through portable storage devices into Lumen data centers by shipping removable media to Lumen. Service Task: Data Import-Export
Importing and Exporting Data Using a Portable Storage Device
$390 initial,
$195 each additional hour
Long
Days / Weeks
Low
VM Import
(Self-Service)
Users can import OVFs from VMware environments into Lumen Cloud Using Self-Service VM Import

Self-Service VM Import / OVF Requirements
Free to import.
Cost for VM resources.
Short
Hours
Mild
VM Import
(Service Task)
Best option for virtual appliances or other OVF files that do not meet self-service import requirements listed here. Convert a virtual machine to (a) a running virtual machine or (b) a reusable template. The customer will be asked for details about which account, group, VLAN, and storage type to apply to the imported server. Service Task: VM Import $195 per hour Hours / Days Low
Native
Replication Tools
Microsoft SQL AlwaysOn: Preferred method to migrate an existing MS SQL database to CLC.

AD Replication: Customers can configure a new Windows Domain Controller in CLC as an addition to their domain controller on-premises via a site to site VPN. Replication can automatically be administered to migrate all directory services to CLC.

MySQL Replication: Native tools for replicating MySQL

NoSQL (Couchbase): Using XDCR for cluster replication
Configure AlwaysOn (SQL Server)

Configure MySQL Replication

Cross Data Center Replication
Free Hours / Days Mild
Rackware Management Module RMM is a software product that decouples the application stack from the underlying platform, allowing it to be ported to any new platform. RMM includes discovery, analysis and automation features, allowing the migration process to be fast, easy and error‐free. Rackware for datacenter migration and DR Custom Quote Required Days / Weeks High
Backup &
Restore
Many 3rd party backup solutions such as Cloudberry allow you to back up your on-premise data and restore it into the Lumen Cloud via a simple backup and restore procedure. This can be done with a file level backup solution that will allow you to layer the data onto a new CLC VM or utilizing an image level backup solution such as Double-Take to restore the entire image. Cloudberry Lab Backup Enterprise - Blueprint

Double-Take
Varies by Provider Hours / Days Mild
File Copy Robocopy is a popular tool included with Windows that allows for easy file transfer at scale.

Rsync: File Copy for Linux machines
Robocopy for File Management Free Hours Mild