This book is for executives and practitioners tasked with the movement of data from old systems to a new repository. It uses a series of steps developed in real life situations that will get the reader from an empty new system to one that is working and backed by the user population. Recent figures suggest that nearly 40% of Data Migration projects are over time, over budget or fail entirely. Using this proven methodology will vastly increase the chances of achieving a successful migration.
If you find yourself in a position to need to know about data migration, this is an excellent resource and an excellent on-the-desk reference book. Which is good, since there aren't a lot of books on the topic that I could find.
It presents a solid framework with definite, discrete tasks that build on each other, but can be employed independently.
Second edition, updated with changes in the industry in the last few years, and clearly working towards a more concrete, unified methodology. The introduction of new terms and a mapped out process flow perhaps points to some sort of certification process being licensed in the future, but otherwise I don't think there's a tremendous amount to surprise the battle-hardened practitioner of version 1's modus operandi.
Definitely your go-to guide if you want to know how to survive a data migration project. When it says "Practical" it really means it - it's real hands-on, dirt-under-the-finger-nails stuff. I've taken notes and applied some of the tips to my own situation.