Cloud migration strategies are approaches that organizations adopt to move their applications, data, and workloads from on-premises or existing IT environments to the cloud. These strategies vary based on factors like the complexity of existing systems, the need for downtime, and cost considerations. Here are some common cloud migration strategies:
Rehost (Lift and Shift):
- Description: In this strategy, organizations migrate their applications and data to the cloud with minimal changes. It involves moving virtual machines (VMs) or entire server instances to cloud infrastructure.
- Use Case: This strategy is suitable for legacy applications that are difficult to refactor or when a quick migration is needed.
Replatform (Lift, Tinker, and Shift):
- Description: Organizations make some optimizations or modifications to their applications during migration to make them more cloud-friendly. This may involve minor code changes or adjusting configurations.
- Use Case: Suitable for applications that can benefit from basic cloud features without major redevelopment.
Refactor (Re-architect):
- Description: In this strategy, applications are redesigned and rebuilt to take full advantage of cloud-native features and architectures. It often involves breaking monolithic applications into microservices.
- Use Case: Ideal for organizations looking to modernize and optimize applications for the cloud, making them more scalable and efficient.
Rearchitect (Redevelop):
- Description: Organizations completely rebuild applications from scratch, creating cloud-native solutions. This approach can maximize the benefits of the cloud but is the most resource-intensive.
- Use Case: Appropriate for applications that require significant innovation and scalability.
Repurchase (SaaS):
- Description: Instead of migrating existing applications, organizations choose cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions to replace them. This eliminates the need to manage and maintain the software.
- Use Case: Common for non-core applications like email, CRM, and collaboration tools.
Retire (Decommission):
- Description: Some applications or workloads may no longer be needed and can be retired during migration. This simplifies the migration process and reduces costs.
- Use Case: For applications that are obsolete or no longer serve a purpose.
Hybrid Cloud:
- Description: Organizations maintain a combination of on-premises and cloud resources, often with some workloads residing in both environments. This strategy allows for gradual migration and integration.
- Use Case: When organizations want to maintain specific on-premises resources while expanding into the cloud.
Multicloud:
- Description: Organizations distribute workloads across multiple cloud providers. This strategy can enhance redundancy, reduce vendor lock-in, and optimize costs.
- Use Case: Suitable for organizations looking to leverage the strengths of different cloud providers for specific workloads.
Data Migration Only:
- Description: In some cases, organizations may migrate only their data to the cloud, leaving the applications in the existing environment. This can reduce downtime and simplify migration.
- Use Case: When data needs to be accessible from the cloud while keeping applications on-premises.
Selecting the appropriate cloud migration strategy depends on factors such as the organization’s goals, the complexity of existing systems, resource availability, and the desired level of cloud optimization. It’s essential to conduct a thorough assessment and planning phase before executing a migration to ensure a successful transition to the cloud.
Key terms in plain language
Open a term for a concise explanation of language used on this page.
Cloud Computing
Computing resources—such as applications, servers, storage, or databases—delivered from remote infrastructure and scaled as requirements change.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Software accessed as an online service instead of being installed and maintained entirely on the customer’s own computers or servers.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Cloud-based servers, storage, and networking that customers configure and manage without owning the underlying data-center hardware.
Disaster Recovery (DRaaS)
A plan and service for restoring applications, data, and operations after an outage or disruption. DRaaS provides recovery infrastructure through a managed cloud service.
Identity and Access Management (IAM)
The systems and policies that determine who a user is, what resources they may access, and how that access is authenticated and reviewed.
API
An application programming interface is a defined way for software systems to exchange data or request functions from one another.