1. Migration Strategies

Lift-and-Shift (Rehosting)

  • Move your applications and data to the cloud with minimal changes.

  • Fastest, least disruptive option—good for straightforward systems or when you need to move quickly.

Replatforming

  • Make some adjustments to better fit the cloud environment, such as switching to managed databases or storage.

  • Balances speed with some modernization, reducing your maintenance needs.

Refactoring (Rearchitecting)

  • Redesign or rewrite applications to fully use cloud features.

  • Takes more time and resources but gives you the biggest long-term benefits in performance, flexibility, and cost savings.

Hybrid Cloud

  • Keep some systems on your own hardware while moving others to the cloud.

  • Useful when certain legacy systems can’t be moved right away or need to stay on-site for compliance reasons.

2. Step-by-Step Migration Approach

Assess and Plan

  • List all your hardware, software, and network components.

  • Map out how your applications and data interact.

  • Set clear goals for your migration—think about cost, speed, security, and future needs.

  • Make sure you understand any legal or security requirements.

  • Get buy-in from everyone involved.

Choose Your Strategy

  • Decide which migration approach fits each system.

  • Design your new cloud setup.

  • Pick a cloud provider that matches your needs.

  • Plan for security, compliance, and backup.

  • Identify any skills or training your team might need.

Prepare for Migration

  • Create a detailed migration plan with clear steps and timelines.

  • Start with less critical systems to test your process.

  • Set up backups and data checks to protect against loss or errors.

Execute the Migration

  • Move your data and applications using your chosen method.

  • Watch for issues like downtime or data problems.

  • Test everything in the cloud before you shut down your old hardware.

Optimize and Modernize

  • Review performance, security, and costs after migration.

  • Adjust your setup to get the most out of the cloud.

  • Consider further updates, like using containers or microservices, for added flexibility.

3. Common Challenges and Solutions

  • Legacy Compatibility: Older systems might not fit easily into the cloud. Solutions include updating, containerizing, or using a hybrid approach.

  • Security and Compliance: Protect your data with encryption and strong access controls. Make sure you meet any legal requirements.

  • Downtime and Data Loss: Minimize disruption by migrating in phases and keeping backups.

  • Skill Gaps: Train your team or bring in outside help if needed.

  • Cost Control: Track usage and spending, and use built-in cloud tools to optimize costs.

4. Actionable Advice

  • Start Small: Begin with non-critical systems to learn and refine your process.

  • Document Everything: Keep records of what you move, how you move it, and any changes made.

  • Test Thoroughly: Make sure everything works as expected in the cloud before retiring your old hardware.

  • Think Ahead: Use migration as a chance to modernize and improve, not just copy old systems to a new place.

Real-Life Example

Imagine a company running an old accounting system on aging servers. They start by listing all related hardware and software, then choose a lift-and-shift approach to move it quickly to the cloud. Once it’s running smoothly, they switch to a managed cloud database to save on maintenance. Over time, they update parts of the system to take full advantage of the cloud’s scalability and new features.

THE CLOUD

IS IN OUR DNA.