Data Migration Overview
Data migration is the process of transferring data from one hardware or software configuration to another. It can be a standard yet crucial element of IT operations, allowing organizations the ability to maintain the integrity of important data while moving forward to face constantly changing technologies. The downside being that data migration is often times consuming and causes major disruptions as a result of downtime or application performance problems. To tackle such an issue, Automate BPA Server 8 comes equipped with a new Data Store Migration utility designed to dramatically reduce the effort, time and risk of migrating data between BPA Server 7 and BPA Server 8. This simple yet powerful tool exports the designated repository from the source database, imports it into the target database and synchronizes the physical schema of the target database with the original schema definition of the source database. It can also be used during database upgrades or changes in database technologies by converting the BPA data store from one database format to another without affecting the database functionality.
Operation Instructions
The Data Store Migration utility is a stand-alone program which can be accessed on the same system where the BPA Execution Server or Management Server component was originally installed. The method of starting this utility may vary slightly by operating systems, however, once started, the parameters that are displayed are the same on all operating systems. On a Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows Server 8 operating system, the Data Store Migration utility's default path and file name is C:\Program Files (x86)\Automate BPA Server 8\DatastoreMigrationUtility.exe.
To use the Data Store Migration Utility:
- Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\Automate BPA Server 8 directory and double-click DatastoreMigrationUtility.exe (the path to the executable may differ slightly on legacy operating systems).
- Adialog window titled Datastore Migration Utility appears (illustrated below).
3. In the screen titled Step 1 — Define source connection string, the BPA 7 Data Store parameter should be toggled by default. If it is not, make sure to toggle it at this time.
4. Enter the preferences that best fits your scenario:
Toggle the Specify BPA Server 7 "Server Properties.xml" fileoption if your BPA Server 7 data store originates from the XML file specified. On a Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows Server 8 operating system the full path and file name to this file is C:\ProgramData\Network Automation\Automate BPA Server 8\Server Properties.xml (the path may differ slightly on legacy operating systems).
Manually enterthefull path and file name of the Server Properties.xml filein the text box or click the provided button to navigate to the location of the file.
OR
Toggle the Define data store connection string option if your data store originates from an external database.
Select the proper database under the Data store type parameter.
In the Server parameter, enter the machine name or IP address on which the database runs.
In the Database parameter, enter the name of the database server.
In the Username parameter, enter the username used to connect to the server (if required).
In the Password parameter, enter the password used to connect to the server (if required).
Click the Test button to test the database connection.
After successfully testing the connection, click the Next button to continue.
5. The next screen should be titled Step 2 — Define destination connection string (shown below). Enter preferences related to the option that best fits your scenario:
Toggle the Specify BPA Server 8 "ExecutionServer.config.xml" fileoption if your BPA Server 8 data store points to the XML file specified. On a Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows Server 8 operating system, the full path and file name to the "Server Properties.xml" file is C:\ProgramData\Network Automation\Automate BPA Server 8\ExecutionServer.config.xml (the path may differ slightly on legacy operating systems).
Manually enterthefull path and file name of the ExecutionServer.config.xml filein the text box or click the provided button and navigate to the location of the file.
OR
Toggle the Define data store connection string option if your BPA Server 8 data store points to an external database.
Select the proper database under the Data store type parameter.
In the Server parameter, enter the machine name or IP address on which the database runs.
In the Database parameter, enter the name of the database server.
In the Username parameter, enter the username used to connect to the server (if required).
In the Password parameter, enter the password used to connect to the server (if required).
Click the Test button to test the database connection.
Click the Back button to revert back to the previous screen or click the Next button to continue.
6. A pop-up window titled Confirm? appears next allowing you to verify if all source and destination preferences are correct. If so, click Yes to continue with the migration. Otherwise, click No to make proper corrections.
7. The migration's progress is displayed in the Step 3 — Migrate Data screen. The Finish button (which is initially grayed out during the migration process) becomes active upon completion.
8. Click the Finish button to end the operation and close the dialog window.
