How to Migrate to Another Cloud Provider Without Losing Data

Cloud storage has proven to be a game-changer for anyone who manages data. Some people are using the cloud alongside local storage to minimize data loss. Regardless of how you the cloud storage, needs tend to change over time and so, you may want to switch from one cloud storage provider to another. But the question is how to switch to providers without losing data? Tag along to find how.

The idea of moving a shit load of data between cloud providers seems daunting but it’s not. To get this job done, however, you will need local hard drive space (like lots of it), a good amount of time, and some patience.

 Plan in Advance

When you are to call Cox customer service phone number or any customer support for help, you are supposed to prepare questions in advance, right? The same applies here. It is advised to keep your data in your old as well as new cloud storage for at least a month. This can be expensive but it’s worth it. With some planning, you can make it work. For instance, if you have an annual plan, check when renewal date. if you will be switching in another month, why pay for another year? Isn’t it better to switch to a monthly contract? Go check your provider’s billing section to find more details on this.

When the time for renewal comes near, sign up for a different cloud storage provider. It’s important to get the same amount of storage space you currently have. Initially, sign up for a monthly contract so that you can test if you really want to stick to this new provider permanently.

 Download and Keep a Local Backup of All Your Files

at this point, there is no app or tool that you can use to transfer files directly from one cloud to another. You will have to download all the data stored in the cloud manually to be able to upload it to another cloud.

Make sure all the data that’s in the cloud is stored on your PC’s hard drive. Most Cloud providers have the option of syncing the tools on the hard drive of your PC. Double-check everything. If some files are missing, download them.

 Time to Upload the Files

The next step is to upload all these files to your new cloud storage provider. If you are switching between Windows and macOS, then cloud providers like Dropbox let you switch operating systems. You can also use iCloud for Windows for this purpose.

Carefully follow all the instructions inside the new app for uploading the files. If the number of files that you want to download is larger in size and then uploading can take up to 24 hours. In some cases, the uploading can take several days to complete.

While your files are uploading, make sure you are not making any duplicates. Once the process of uploading files is complete, you will get a notification. Keep the local backup in place until you are certain that everything has been uploaded.

 Perform the Final Checks

As recommended above too, keep your old and new cloud storage running for a month or so. You have to be certain that all your data is transferred. Once you are satisfied with it, you are ready to cancel the subscription to the original cloud provider.

If for some reason, you have to delete all files on the old cloud storage provider’s account before canceling the services, do it via the web interface. You can’t possibly move a significant chunk of data in one go. You will have to do so in batches. It helps to buy an external hard drive if your PC doesn’t already have enough space.

Don’t delete the local backup even if you have successfully uploaded all files to the new cloud provider. It’s always a good practice to keep extra copies of important data stored on different hard drives because you never know if something happens.

 Summing Up

Switching data between cloud storage providers is painful especially if you haven’t planned in advance and there is a whole lot of data to be transferred. Hiccups can happen no matter how carefully you have planned it all. You could just be trading headaches if you are just chasing shiny things like switching providers because someone told you to you.

That’s why keeping the subscription of both cloud storage providers will help you decide whether to keep the old storage or let it go completely. Also, don’t rely on the cloud completely. If your business can afford it, do keep external backup services because files from the cloud can disappear by a human error. Keep multiple copies of important data and store it in different locations, which you can easily access anytime you want.