Overview
Delta pass is an incremental synchronization feature that allows you to capture changes made after your initial migration. Instead of re-migrating all data, delta passes efficiently transfer only new or modified content, reducing migration time and minimizing user disruption.
Key Benefits
- Capture changes made during extended migration windows
- Minimize data loss by running final syncs close to cutover
- Reduce migration time compared to full re-migration
- Enable phased migration strategies
How It Works
The Cloudiway File Migration tool enables unlimited delta passes within 90 days of the initial migration. Each subsequent pass after the first migration is considered a delta pass.
Delta Pass Process
During a delta pass, the system performs these steps:
Check Migration Status
The platform determines if a file has already been migrated by checking its migration record.
Compare Timestamps
The system evaluates the migration timestamp against the file's last modification time.
Remigrate if Needed
If the file's timestamp is more recent than the migration timestamp, the system remigrates (overwrites) the file in the target.
What Gets Synced
- New files - Files created after the initial migration
- Modified files - Files with changes since last migration pass
- Content updates - Changed file content is overwritten in target
Time Limit
Delta passes are available for 90 days from the date of the initial migration. After this period:
- Delta passes are no longer available for that item
- The migration is considered complete
- Licenses are released for reuse
Plan Your Cutover
Important Limitations
Understanding delta pass limitations is crucial for migration planning:
Permissions Not Updated
Critical: Delta passes do not migrate new or modified permissions on files. Permissions are only transferred during the initial file migration, not during subsequent delta passes.
This means:
- Permission changes made after initial migration won't sync to the target
- New sharing settings applied in the source won't be applied to target files
- The original permission structure from the first migration is preserved
Workaround
Best Practices
Schedule Regular Delta Passes
Run delta passes periodically (weekly or bi-weekly) during long migration projects to keep data synchronized and reduce final cutover time.
Final Delta Pass Close to Cutover
Run your final delta pass as close to the user cutover as possible to minimize the window of potential data loss.
Finalize Permissions First
Since permissions don't sync during delta passes, ensure file permissions are finalized before your initial migration.
Monitor Delta Pass Results
Review delta pass reports to verify which files were synced and identify any errors that need attention.