Data migration is one of the most critical phases in any digital transformation journey. Whether you’re transitioning from a legacy CRM system to a modern cloud platform like Microsoft Dynamics 365, integrating multiple data sources, or performing a system upgrade, ensuring a smooth, secure, and reliable data migration process is essential. One of the most trusted tools for executing complex migrations is KingswaySoft, a powerful data integration software built on Microsoft’s SSIS (SQL Server Integration Services) platform.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of using KingswaySoft for data migration, highlighting its capabilities, benefits, setup process, use cases, and best practices for ensuring successful data transfer.
What is KingswaySoft?
KingswaySoft is a third-party data integration tool designed to work with Microsoft SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS). It provides a suite of high-performance data connectors that allow seamless data migration, integration, and transformation between various systems—including CRM platforms, ERP systems, databases, cloud applications, and flat files.
Key Highlights:
- SSIS-based integration platform
- No-code/low-code environment
- Extensive support for Microsoft Dynamics 365, Salesforce, SharePoint, HubSpot, NetSuite, and more
- Rich transformation and error-handling capabilities
- Ability to handle high-volume data transfers
KingswaySoft is widely used in Microsoft Dynamics 365 migrations because of its deep native support for Dataverse, on-premise Dynamics, and the Common Data Service (CDS).
Why Use KingswaySoft for Data Migration?
1. Scalability and Performance
KingswaySoft can process millions of records efficiently using multi-threaded processing and bulk data handling features.
2. Extensive Connector Library
It supports 100+ applications and data sources—making it ideal for organizations with complex or hybrid environments.
3. Customizable ETL Process
You can extract, transform, and load data with full control using SSIS packages tailored to your business logic.
4. Incremental Loads and Delta Tracking
Avoid moving all data each time with support for incremental updates and change tracking.
5. Error Handling and Logging
Built-in error redirection and retry logic ensure that the migration is resilient and traceable.
6. Security and Compliance
It supports secure connections (OAuth, Azure AD, etc.) and encryption protocols to maintain data integrity and compliance.
Common Use Cases for KingswaySoft
- Migrating from legacy CRM (e.g., Siebel, GoldMine, or Dynamics CRM On-Premise) to Dynamics 365 Online
- Data warehouse population for reporting and BI (e.g., Power BI integration)
- Integrating ERP and CRM systems (e.g., Dynamics 365 + SAP)
- Consolidating data from multiple platforms during mergers and acquisitions
- Backing up Dynamics 365 data to on-prem SQL Server
Setting Up KingswaySoft for Migration
To use KingswaySoft, you’ll need a basic SSIS development environment and the appropriate components from KingswaySoft.
Step 1: Install Prerequisites
- SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) – for developing SSIS packages
- Microsoft Visual Studio – SSDT integrates into VS for development
- KingswaySoft SSIS Integration Toolkit – install the product specific to your target system (e.g., Dynamics 365 Toolkit)
Step 2: Configure Source and Destination
- Set up a source connection (e.g., legacy CRM database, Excel file, SQL Server, Salesforce)
- Set up a destination connection (e.g., Microsoft Dataverse or Dynamics 365 Online)
KingswaySoft connectors use Connection Managers to authenticate and define connection properties.
Step 3: Build SSIS Data Flow
Drag and drop Data Flow Task in the SSIS package:
- Use a Source component (e.g., OLE DB Source or KingswaySoft-specific source)
- Apply Transformations (e.g., Data Conversion, Derived Column, Lookup)
- Use a Destination component (e.g., Dynamics 365 Destination)
Step 4: Run and Monitor
- Execute packages in debug mode within Visual Studio or deploy them to SQL Server Agent for scheduling
- Monitor for errors and review logging outputs
Key Components in KingswaySoft Migration Toolkit
1. Connection Managers
- Connect to source/destination systems using supported authentication types (OAuth, basic, ADFS)
- Supports environment variables for Dev/Test/Prod flexibility
2. Source and Destination Components
- Read/write data from Dynamics 365, Salesforce, NetSuite, SharePoint, and more
- Use FetchXML or OData queries for filtered data access
3. Transformation Tools
- Derived Column, Conditional Split, Lookup, Multicast, and more
- Useful for reformatting or enriching data before loading
4. Error Output and Logging
- Redirect failed records to a different path for reprocessing
- Enable verbose logging for auditing and debugging
Best Practices for Using KingswaySoft in Migration Projects
1. Start with a Data Assessment
Review your legacy data structure:
- Which fields are still relevant?
- What data quality issues exist (duplicates, nulls)?
- What is the volume and format of the data?
2. Design for Reusability
- Use template packages for reusable tasks like logging or error handling
- Modularize your SSIS packages for ease of maintenance
3. Use Incremental Loads
When possible, use timestamps or change-tracking fields to load only modified or new records.
4. Handle Lookups and Relationships Carefully
If migrating related data (e.g., contacts linked to accounts), ensure GUIDs or lookup values are correctly mapped. Use KingswaySoft Lookup components or pre-stage lookups using staging tables.
5. Batch Processing
Use KingswaySoft’s Batch Size setting to improve performance and reduce API call volume.
6. Implement Retry Logic
Enable retry attempts for failed records, especially when working with Dynamics 365 Online where throttling can occur.
7. Use Logging Extensively
Capture:
- Row counts
- Success/failure rates
- Error messages
This helps in rollback planning and ensures traceability.
8. Test in Phases
Start with:
- Small data subsets
- One entity at a time
- Validate record counts and field mappings
Then move to full data loads.
Example: Migrating from Dynamics CRM On-Premise to Dynamics 365 Online
Scenario: A company is migrating from Dynamics CRM 2016 On-Premise to Dynamics 365 Online using KingswaySoft.
Migration Process:
- Install KingswaySoft Dynamics 365 Toolkit
- Connect to CRM On-Prem via SQL Server or Web API
- Set up destination connection to Dynamics 365 Online using OAuth
- Build data flows for Accounts, Contacts, Leads, Activities
- Use GUID mapping tables for lookups (e.g., parent customer, owner)
- Enable error outputs to catch and fix failed rows
- Schedule incremental loads for changes during the go-live window
Result:
- All core data moved with minimal downtime
- Audit trails and activity history preserved
- Replaced unsupported plugins with Power Automate flows
Licensing and Editions
KingswaySoft offers:
- Free version with limited features (suitable for small test migrations)
- Licensed editions with full functionality, support, and performance features
Pricing is typically per server or per integration project, making it accessible for projects of different sizes.
Advantages Over Other Tools
| Feature | KingswaySoft | Native Tools / Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | High (multithreaded) | Moderate |
| Customization | High (SSIS-based) | Limited |
| Supported Sources | 100+ connectors | Often platform-specific |
| Error Handling | Granular, retry supported | Basic |
| Transformation Capability | Extensive (SSIS) | Limited or requires scripting |
| Cost Efficiency | One-time licensing available | Subscription-based (in some tools) |