Data conversion is the process of changing data from one format to
another, or migrating data to and from various formats. Conversion is used
to change data to the correct format to work with the system and software
specified by the customer, or to convert data from an original application
format to a more accessible form . The process of Media Conversion varies
according to the situation. Different conversion methods are utilized
according to cost and data accuracy.
There are various types of Media Conversion, including word processor
conversion, file conversion, image conversion, data base conversion, and
computer systems conversion.
Word processor conversion may be necessary when developing an application
that needs to read and/or write various file formats. Word processor file
formats are very complex and new formats are constantly being introduced,
so the demand for conversion is high.
File conversion is just converting files to a different format. It may be
necessary in order to view multiple file types without the related application.
For instance, instead of having to buy ten different types of word-processing
software to view ten different files, the files can be converted to fit one
word processing system.
Image conversion may be used to gain access to the various image processing
methods from your favorite application development environment. Some popular
image formats are JPEG, Photo CD, PNG, PDF, and GIF. It may be necessary
to convert an image to a different format in order to resize, sharpen, change
color, or add certain special effects to meet your standards.
Data base conversion is needed to change any files saved in an out-of-date
database to a more modern data base program. More modern databases are generally
more convenient and dependable so the advantage of data base conversion is
obvious.
Basically, there are two very general methods of conversion: data and media.
In general, Media Conversion is extracting the files off of the source media,
followed by backing up the files to the destination media. Two types of Media
Conversion are media transfer and media migration. The reasons for media
transfer may be to transfer archived data into a more convenient format or
to save on cost of equipment, and media migration may be utilized for a greater
storage capacity, a more reliable media type, less expensive media cost per
GB or flexibility of media. However, a full Media Conversion can be much
more
complicated, possibly including processing the data well beyond just copying
files to a different type of media.
