Cloud file migrations are complex because unstructured data is massive, distributed, and constantly in use. Unlike databases, files and objects don’t move as a single unit—they come with permissions, access controls, and dependencies that must remain intact. Migrating petabytes of active data without disrupting users, breaking paths, or causing downtime is one of the biggest challenges for IT teams. Performance bottlenecks, limited visibility into what data should move, and cost overruns add to the difficulty.

Common cloud file migration tools include vendor-native utilities such as AWS DataSync, Azure File Sync, and Google Transfer Service, along with third-party solutions like rsync-based tools, storage gateway appliances, and managed service offerings. These can work well for smaller or homogeneous environments, but they often struggle with large-scale, heterogeneous file and object datasets, complex permissions, and ongoing migrations where users continue to access data during the move.

Komprise Elastic Data Migration is designed specifically for large-scale, enterprise-grade file and object migrations. Unlike traditional tools, it runs in parallel across a distributed, elastic architecture to deliver high-performance migrations without bottlenecks. Komprise tracks file integrity, preserves permissions, and provides detailed reporting every step of the way. Even more importantly, Komprise delivers continuous cutover—users can keep accessing data while it’s being migrated, minimizing downtime and disruption. With analytics built in, IT teams can identify and migrate only the data that matters, saving time, reducing costs, and accelerating cloud adoption.

Migrating files and unstructured data to the cloud requires careful planning and execution. Here are the four main cloud data migration steps: