Conduct a Migration
Learning Objectives
After completing this unit, you’ll be able to:
- Explain how to prepare for a migration.
- Describe the factors that make migrations complex and how to simplify your migration.
- List three migration tools.
- List the key migration steps.
Introduction
You’ve got the background information you need and you’re nearly ready to migrate. In this unit, learn the steps it takes to migrate from Tableau Server to Tableau Cloud, including migration tools, preparation, best practices, and options for self-migration.
Prepare for Your Tableau Server to Tableau Cloud Migration
The migration process requires some effort due to the inherent difference between the two platforms. Some migrations are more complex than others. But don’t fret. There are a variety of options to help you migrate, whether you use self-migration tools or the partner ecosystem that’s ready to jump in and help.
Lets start with a video on preparing for your cloud migration.
Assess Migration Complexity
The complexity of your migration depends on the structure of your Tableau Server environment. For example, the more content you have on your Tableau Server, the more there is to move over to Tableau Cloud, and the more unused content you can purge premigration. Factors like the number of users, projects, workbooks, flows, data sources, permissions, subscriptions, and so on, dictate complexity. Several free evaluation tools on the Tableau Exchange can help you evaluate your migration’s needs. And, remember, you should have already cleaned up your content and simplified your environment.
If your migration seems too complex or time-consuming, consider working with Tableau Professional Services or a trusted Tableau Migration Partner. These experts specialize in migrations and can help ensure a smooth transition. A migration from Server to Cloud is a one-time effort, and professional assistance is a valuable investment to get it done correctly and as efficiently as possible.
Tools for Your Migration
As you navigate through the various stages of your migration process, be sure to make use of the array of tools at your disposal to ensure a seamless and efficient transition. The right tools can significantly simplify migration, mitigate potential risks, and enhance overall productivity. We recommend the following Salesforce tools for your Tableau Cloud migration.
Manual Migration Guide
This comprehensive resource provides step-by-step instructions for manually migrating Tableau Server to Tableau Cloud. It covers everything from planning to postmigration validation.
Cloud Migration App for Small Deployments
This dedicated tool facilitates the migration process for small deployments. It offers a centralized landing page with resources, tools, and support options tailored to your migration needs.
Tableau Cloud Migration SDK
The Tableau Cloud Migration SDK is a powerful toolkit designed to automate and simplify migration tasks like exporting/importing content, reconfiguring data sources, and validating the migration. This solution requires your own custom programming to fit your specific migration scenario. Be sure to evaluate the time and resources required to develop and test your custom application against other migration options, such as a professional services or migration partner engagement.
Migration Preparation
Before you start the Tableau Cloud migration, there are a few steps to take to prepare (these are also noted in the Manual Migration Guide).
The site administrator needs to:
- Ensure licensing is converted and enough licenses exist for the use cases.
- Create and activate the Tableau Cloud site.
- Configure user management to meet company policies and tools.
- Configure authentication to meet company policies and tools.
- Configure data connectivity:
- For cloud data sources using OAuth, the site admin configures this for the entire site.
- Site admin configures an allowlist for Tableau Bridge for any private network connections.
- For cloud data sources using OAuth, the site admin configures this for the entire site.
With the prep work done, you’re ready to start the migration! Let’s explore the key steps.
Content Migration
- Export and import workbooks: Start by exporting Tableau workbooks, data sources, and other content from your Tableau Server. Then, import them into Tableau Cloud.
- Reconfigure data sources: Adjust data source connections to align with cloud-based data sources or a private network, ensuring all connections are working correctly to preserve data integrity.
Testing and Validation
- Functional testing: Test all dashboards, reports, and data sources to ensure they perform as expected in the cloud. Verify that user roles and permissions are configured correctly.
- Performance testing: Compare the performance of Tableau Cloud to your on-premises setup. Adjust configurations as necessary to ensure optimal performance.
- User acceptance testing (UAT): Engage end users in testing to validate the new environment. Gather feedback and make the necessary adjustments.
Go-Live and Optimization
- Cutover plan: When you’re ready to make the big move from Tableau Server to Tableau Cloud, create a detailed plan to ensure a smooth transition. Your plan outlines how you can keep all your stakeholders in the loop about the timing and process, so everyone knows what to expect and when. And it ensures your critical content is backed up from Tableau Server as noted in the video below.
- Monitor and optimize: Once you’re in the cloud, it’s all about keeping things running smoothly. Tableau uses monitoring tools to keep an eye on performance and tweak resources as needed to get the best bang for your buck. Regular check-ins help us maintain peak efficiency and keep everything humming along nicely. More about maintenance in the next unit.
By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth migration from Tableau Server to Tableau Cloud, maintaining data integrity and delivering an optimized user experience.
Let’s Recap
No migration is the same, but with the recommended tools or some assistance, you can be using the power of Tableau Cloud in no time. Next, learn some postmigration best practices for a great Tableau Cloud experience.