Migrating Your Data

Unless you are just starting your business, one of the considerations you have when purchasing software is migrating your data from one database or file system to another. This can be a show stopper and force you to postpone changing to new software you really need to grow your business. Micro Key makes this easier, not totally painless, but much easier. We have data conversion specialists that have experience in converting from all the major software companies in the alarm industry.

Here is what we do

First we evaluate your data. Identify the key fields and match them with our Sybase database. We identify data that is going to be an issue and work with you on resolving these issues. Example: Some software companies don't use formatted phone numbers. They use straight text. Users of the data don't always enter phone numbers consistently the same way. Also, we have found if it's a text field some times they don't use the field for a phone number, instead they use the field for a note or some other piece of information. We identify all these nuances in your data and create scripts to correct the issues.

Next we will run the conversion and load a Micro Key Millennium database with your data. This is placed on a stand alone machine where you can review the data and insure it's what you expect. We repeat these steps until you're satisfied the data has been converted properly.

Central Stations

For central stations we go one step further. Because, as you know. if your data isn't correct you can have all kinds of problems when processing signals. What we do at Micro Key is bridge your old software with Micro Key Millennium Monitoring. What this means is when a signal is received it will be sent to both systems. You will see the results in real time.  If there are issues in the data that appear during this process we script your data until Micro Key Millennium Monitoring is processing signals properly. At that point we remove the bridge and shutdown your old software.

One of the greatest advantages of bridging is that your operators and supervisors will be working with the software using live data in a test mode. While bridging, your signals will be processed by operators on your old software while other operators review the results in Millennium. Usually during this phase not only is your data cleaned up but your operators and supervisors will become familiar with Millennium Monitoring. So by the time we drop the bridge your staff is trained!