What role does the self-hosted integration runtime play in data migration?

The self-hosted integration runtime is a vital component in Azure Data Factory, particularly in scenarios involving data migration. Its primary function is to establish a secure and reliable connection between on-premises data sources and cloud-based destinations, or between different cloud sources. This capability allows it to effectively facilitate the transfer of data from the source system to the target system, making it essential for migration tasks.

When data needs to be moved, especially from on-premises environments to Azure or between multiple on-premises data stores, the self-hosted integration runtime is responsible for managing the orchestration of this data flow. It ensures that data is securely transmitted, using encrypted connections, and can handle various data integration operations that take place during the migration process.

In contrast, the other options relate to functionalities that are not the primary focus of the self-hosted integration runtime. While performance monitoring and data format conversions are relevant to data management and integration processes, they are typically not the main role of the self-hosted integration runtime. Additionally, storing backup data securely is a different aspect of data management that does not relate directly to the integration runtime's purpose in facilitating data migration.