More businesses are turning to Amazon Web Services for improved performance, cost savings, and fast scalability.
However, migrating to AWS is not as simple as flipping a switch. It requires careful planning and the right strategies to ensure a smooth transition. By understanding the migration phases, strategies, and best practices, your company can unlock the full potential of cloud computing.
AWS customers have reported a 62% boost in IT staff productivity, 7 times less downtime, and a threefold increase in feature delivery. With storage solutions like Amazon S3 Intelligent-Tiering and Glacier, companies are also saving up to 69%.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the key phases of AWS migration, share proven strategies, and provide best practices to help you lower costs, increase productivity, and more.
What is AWS Migration?
When you migrate to Amazon Web Services (AWS), you move your company’s digital assets from on-premises environments or other cloud platforms to AWS’s secure and scalable cloud infrastructure. These assets include data, applications, and IT resources.
This transition lets you take advantage of AWS’s wide range of services to maximize efficiency, reduce expenses, and drive innovation.
However, careful preparation and a clear plan are essential for a successful AWS migration to reduce risks and optimize gains. Here’s how you can do that:
- Thorough Assessment: Start by assessing your current IT environment to identify workloads that can be migrated. This evaluation helps in learning dependencies and possible challenges, ensuring a smoother transition.
- Unambiguous Goals: Clearly define the objectives you aim to achieve with the migration, such as improved security, improved performance, or cost savings. Well-defined goals guide the migration strategy and help measure its effectiveness.
- Choosing the Correct Migration Strategy: Depending on your applications’ requirements and business objectives, select a suitable migration strategy, such as rehosting, re-platforming, or refactoring. Each strategy has its benefits and considerations.
- Risk Mitigation: Develop a comprehensive risk management plan addressing potential challenges like compatibility issues, data loss, and outages. Implementing robust backup and disaster recovery measures is crucial.
- Continuous Optimization: After migration, continuously monitor your AWS environment to ensure it aligns with evolving business needs and uses AWS’s latest features and services.
By taking a structured and well-planned approach to AWS migration, your company can fully benefit from the cloud, promoting innovation and achieving business goals.
After covering the fundamentals of AWS migration, it’s time to discuss the many benefits of cloud migration AWS. Beyond merely saving money, we will highlight how AWS can help your company access secure, scalable, and adaptable cloud solutions.
Benefits of AWS Migration
Migrating your company’s data and applications to AWS offers numerous benefits that significantly better security, scalability, and operational efficiency.
1. Cost Savings
Eliminating the need to maintain on-premises data centers, including expenses for cooling, power, and hardware, can lead to significant cost reductions. AWS’s pay-as-you-go pricing model ensures you only pay for the resources you use, allowing for better IT budget allocation.
2. Increased Productivity and Agility
AWS provides a scalable and flexible environment, enabling development teams to build and deploy applications faster. This agility boosts productivity, allowing teams to focus on delivering value rather than managing infrastructure.
3. Better Security and Compliance
AWS invests heavily in security measures, including identity and access management, data encryption, and continuous monitoring. Migrating to AWS strengthens your company’s security posture and simplifies compliance with industry regulations, ensuring your data remains protected.
4. Scalability and Flexibility
AWS’s global infrastructure allows you to scale IT resources up or down based on demand, ensuring optimal performance without significant upfront hardware investments. This elasticity provides the flexibility to adapt quickly to changing business needs.
5. Improved Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
AWS offers robust disaster recovery solutions, ensuring data and applications remain protected against disruptions and hardware failures. This improves business continuity, enabling rapid recovery from unexpected events.
As we continue our investigation, it’s essential to know the chief stages of the AWS migration. These stages ensure a smooth transition for your company by laying the groundwork for a structured approach to cloud migration AWS. Let’s explore the phases and their respective components.
AWS Migration Phases
Starting your AWS migration process requires a methodical approach to ensure a smooth transition and optimal cloud adoption. AWS defines an extensive five-phase migration process:
Phase 1: Business Planning and Migration Preparation
Evaluate your company’s preparedness for cloud adoption first. In this phase, you must understand your current infrastructure, establish specific business goals for the migration, and create a strong business case that supports your strategic objectives. Working with AWS Partners during this stage can provide specialized expertise tailored to your needs.
Phase 2: Discovery and Planning of the Portfolio
Conduct a comprehensive assessment of your current IT portfolio. Identify dependencies between applications, evaluate performance indicators, and choose the best migration strategies for each workload.
To streamline this process, use AWS tools like the Application Discovery Service and AWS Migration Hub.
Phase 3: Designing Your Apps for the Cloud
In this step, you get your apps ready to work well in the cloud. You’ll choose a method to move them, like moving them as-is (rehosting), making small changes (re-platforming), or rebuilding parts (refactoring).
The goal is to ensure your apps run smoothly, are easy to grow, and don’t cost too much once they’re in the cloud.
Phase 4: Moving and Testing Your Apps
Now, it’s time to move your apps to AWS. Use AWS tools to make the move as fast and safe as possible. After everything is moved, test your apps to make sure they work properly, the data is correct, and there are no issues. This helps make sure your cloud setup is successful.
Phase 5: Cloud-Based Operations
After migration, shift your focus to managing and optimizing your AWS cloud applications. This phase emphasizes performance monitoring, security implementation, and operational efficiency to maximize cloud capabilities. AWS offers frameworks and tools to help advance your operating model, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with business goals.
By carefully navigating these phases, you can successfully migrate to AWS, fully leveraging cloud technologies while aligning your IT infrastructure with your company’s strategic objectives.
Now that we’ve covered the entire process from start to finish let’s look at the different types and strategies you can use for your AWS migration. Let’s examine each strategy in detail and see how it aligns with different migration objectives.
Types of Cloud Migration, AWS Migration Strategies: The 7 Rs
When migrating your data and applications to cloud migration AWS, studying the 7 Rs of migration is necessary. These strategies offer tailored approaches for efficiently transitioning workloads, each with its advantages and considerations.
1. Rehost (Lift and Shift)
Rehosting involves migrating applications to AWS without modifying their codebase or architecture. It is akin to moving existing applications from an on-premises environment to the cloud.
Method and Examples
Rehosting deploys workloads on cloud instances using cloud migration AWS’s Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) offerings. For instance, migrating a web application from on-premises servers to Amazon EC2 instances without code modifications is a common rehosting scenario.
When to Use Rehosting?
Rehosting is beneficial when:
- Migrating legacy applications to the cloud.
- Decommissioning on-premises data centers while ensuring minimal disruption.
- Seeking quick migration with minimal changes.
2. Replatform (Lift, Tinker, and Shift)
Replatforming involves making slight modifications to applications to use cloud-native features without requiring a complete re-architecture. This method boosts cloud performance and cost efficiency.
Method and Examples
A common example is migrating a relational database to Amazon RDS, which offloads database management tasks while maintaining application functionality.
When to Use Replatforming?
This strategy is ideal when you want to:
- Gain cloud benefits like scalability and managed services.
- Minimize changes while improving efficiency and cost savings.
3. Repurchase (Drop and Shop)
Repurchasing involves replacing existing applications with cloud-native alternatives, often through Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions.
Method and Examples
A common example is moving from an on-premises CRM system to Salesforce, a cloud-based CRM solution.
When to Use Repurchasing?
This strategy works best when:
- Upgrading to modern cloud-based solutions.
- Reducing operational overhead by eliminating infrastructure maintenance.
- Addressing outdated applications that no longer meet business needs.
4. Refactor (Re-Architect)
Refactoring involves redesigning applications to fully use cloud-native features, enhancing agility, scalability, and performance. This often includes adopting serverless computing or microservices architectures.
Method and Examples
An example is breaking a monolithic application into microservices that run on AWS Lambda functions, allowing independent scaling and efficient resource utilization.
When to Use Refactoring?
Refactoring is suitable when:
- Applications need higher scalability and agility.
- Updating legacy systems to match with cloud-native architectures.
Also Read: Cloud Migration Strategies: The 7 Rs of Cloud Migration
5. Retire (Decommissioning Unnecessary Applications)
Retirement involves discontinuing applications that are no longer useful, reducing complications and costs.
Method and Examples
An example is identifying legacy applications that are obsolete or have been replaced by more efficient cloud solutions and decommissioning them.
When to Use Retiring?
This strategy is applicable when:
- Applications no longer serve business needs.
- Legacy systems require high maintenance but provide low value.
6. Retain (Hybrid Cloud Strategy)
Retaining refers to keeping certain applications on-premises due to technical constraints, compliance requirements, or strategic business decisions.
Method and Examples
For instance, retaining an on-premises database to comply with data residency regulations while migrating other workloads to AWS.
When to Use Retaining?
Retention is beneficial when:
- Applications face migration challenges (e.g., regulatory constraints).
- The cost-benefit of migration is not justified.
7. Relocate (Hypervisor-Level Lift and Shift)
Relocation involves moving applications to AWS with minimal modifications, typically through virtualization technologies. This method enables rapid migration without significant reconfiguration.
Method and Examples
A common example is using AWS VM Import/Export tools to migrate virtual machines from on-premises VMware environments to AWS EC2 instances.
When to Use Relocating?
Relocation is ideal for:
- Data center consolidation projects.
- Disaster recovery planning, where quick migration is essential.
Despite its many advantages, cloud migration AWS does come with its own set of challenges. Let’s explore common issues and their solutions to ensure your cloud migration AWS is seamless and resilient.
AWS Migration Challenges and Solutions
Migrating to AWS offers many benefits, but to ensure a smooth transition, it’s critical to anticipate and address potential challenges. Here are some strategies to overcome common cloud migration AWS obstacles.
1. Ensuring Resilient Networking and Computing Resources
Challenge: Cloud instances are dynamic and may not last indefinitely, making it difficult to maintain high availability and application resilience during migration.
Solution: Use AWS services like Elastic Load Balancing and Auto Scaling, along with replication techniques, to improve resilience. These services distribute traffic across multiple instances, ensuring consistent availability and performance.
Additionally, establishing redundant networking connections, such as AWS Direct Connect, provides reliable and secure connectivity.
2. Data Collection and Log Analysis
Challenge: In a dynamic cloud environment, tracking application health and performance can be difficult, as traditional logging and monitoring techniques may become ineffective.
Solution: Use centralized logging and monitoring tools like Amazon CloudWatch to collect and analyze logs and metrics from various AWS services. This approach provides real-time insights into application performance and aids proactive issue resolution.
3. Managing Cloud Costs
Challenge: Due to dynamic scaling and AWS’s consumption-based pricing model, cloud costs can increase rapidly without proper oversight.
Solution: Implement cost management strategies by setting up AWS Budgets and using AWS Cost Explorer to monitor and analyze expenses. Regularly review resource utilization and adjust instance sizes or services to align with budget constraints.
4. Security Planning During Migration
Challenge: Migrating sensitive data to the cloud can introduce security risks, making it essential to ensure data security and compliance.
Solution: Use AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) to establish strict access controls and develop a comprehensive security plan that includes data encryption in transit and at rest. Conduct regular security audits and adhere to industry-specific compliance standards to protect sensitive data during migration.
5. Data Transfer and Storage Management from On-Premises
Problem: Moving large datasets from on-premises systems to AWS can be time-consuming and may impact operational efficiency and bandwidth.
Solution: Use AWS data transfer services such as AWS Direct Connect for dedicated network connections and AWS Snow Family for large-scale data migrations. These services minimize downtime and ensure data integrity throughout the migration process.
By addressing these challenges with AWS’s tools and best practices, you can have a successful migration that improves flexibility, growth, and overall efficiency.
Next, we’ll explore the tools and services that will help you during the cloud migration process on AWS, keeping in mind the strategies and challenges. Let’s check out the key services that make moving to the cloud easier.
Tools and Services for Migration to AWS Cloud
Cloud Migration AWS offers a range of migration tools and services to expedite the transition of applications and data to the cloud. Here’s how you can use them:
1. Database Migration Service (DMS) and Server Migration Service (SMS)
- SMS: Automates the transfer of on-premises servers to AWS, reducing downtime with incremental replication.
- DMS: Supports both homogeneous and heterogeneous migrations, ensuring minimal downtime while preserving the functionality of the source database.
2. AWS Direct Connect for Data Migration
AWS Direct Connect establishes dedicated network connections between your location and AWS, improving data transfer speed and reliability. This service is especially useful when migrating large datasets or requiring consistent network performance.
3. Amazon CloudWatch for Logging and Performance Monitoring
Amazon CloudWatch provides extensive monitoring and logging capabilities for AWS resources and applications. It translates raw data into near real-time metrics, allowing you to set alerts for anomalies and proactively manage performance during and after migration.
Also Read: All You Need to Know About EKS (AWS Elastic Kubernetes Service)
By using these cloud migration AWS services, you can effectively plan and execute a migration strategy with minimal operational disruption.
Now that we’ve discussed the strategies, challenges, and resources, let’s talk about how CrossAsyst can help you at every step of your cloud migration AWS. With their expertise, your migration will be both effective and aligned with your company’s objectives.
How Can CrossAsyst Help You with Cloud Migration AWS?
Although moving to AWS Cloud may seem like a difficult undertaking, you can ensure a successful and seamless transition by using the appropriate strategies. CrossAsyst can assist in the following ways:
1. Cost Optimization
By using automation tools to prevent over-provisioning and underutilization, CrossAsyst ensures your AWS resources are allocated efficiently and cost-effectively.
2. Comprehensive Cloud Assessment
CrossAsyst evaluates your existing infrastructure and develops a tailored migration strategy to meet your company’s requirements while preventing operational disruptions.
3. Expertise in Migration and Modernization
CrossAsyst specializes in migrating workloads to AWS using modern cloud-native technologies, from rehosting to re-architecting, ensuring you fully use cloud migration AWS’s capabilities.
4. Ongoing Support and Monitoring
CrossAsyst integrates advanced monitoring tools to track the performance and health of your cloud environment post-migration, ensuring seamless operations.
Conclusion
Migrating to AWS isn’t just about adopting new technology, it’s about transforming how your team works. To foster a cloud-first mindset, everyone needs to collaborate, rethink their roles, and learn new skills. Training and support are essential to help your teams adapt and fully leverage the cloud.
Ensure your AWS migration is secure by following best practices for data protection. AWS provides tools for managing access, encrypting data, and securing networks.
By following the right steps, you can overcome migration challenges and use AWS to enhance operations and achieve your business goals.
At CrossAsyst, we offer an efficient AWS migration experience with services designed to optimize your cloud environment. Through automation, cost-effective strategies, and security protocols, we help you build a strong AWS infrastructure.
Our expertise in migration and modernization, combined with logging and monitoring tools like AWS CloudWatch, ensures a smooth cloud transition. Contact CrossAsyst today to explore scalable, secure, and efficient cloud solutions that accelerate time to market and drive long-term success.