Choosing the right cloud migration strategy for your organization is crucial for modernizing your IT infrastructure, improving operational efficiency, and reducing costs. Whether you handle it in-house or work with a cloud managed services provider like CMIT Charleston, the right strategy can pave the way for enhanced customer experience and revenue growth.
This blog will guide you through the essentials of cloud migration, focusing on the 7 R’s framework provided by AWS and outlining four key principles to help you choose the right strategy. By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of cloud migration strategies and be better equipped to make informed decisions for your business.
The 7 R’s of Cloud Migration Strategy
AWS provides a helpful framework for understanding cloud migration strategies known as the “7 R’s.” This model builds on Gartner’s original “5 R’s” and includes the following strategies:
1. Retire
When an application is outdated, unsupportable, and not worth maintaining or migrating, the best option is to retire it. While this technically isn’t a cloud migration strategy, it’s important to identify systems that shouldn’t be migrated.
2. Retain
You may choose to retain an application in its current delivery model if it’s still useful, but a cloud migration doesn’t make sense. This may happen if there isn’t a strong business case for migration or if it introduces unacceptable risks.
3. Rehost
Also known as “forklifting” or “lift and shift,” this strategy involves moving an entire system to a cloud environment, preserving the same architecture as the on-premises version. This is rarely a good idea for midmarket companies, as hosting servers in the cloud can become expensive quickly. Explore cybersecurity strategies for protecting migrated systems.
4. Relocate
If you need to move a system to a different cloud environment with the same provider, you may choose to relocate it.
5. Repurchase
In some cases, it makes sense to license the cloud version of an on-premises application that you already have, retire the on-premises version, and shift users to the cloud version.
6. Replatform
Sometimes, migrating an application gives you the opportunity to optimize it for the cloud without totally refactoring it. This strategy works if a cloud migration offers certain advantages, like more robust cybersecurity controls, and you can achieve this with only minor changes to the application. Learn more about IT solutions for streamlining replatforming processes.
7. Refactor or Re-architect
Some applications shouldn’t migrate to the cloud without significant changes. In these cases, refactoring or re-architecting the application allows you to take full advantage of cloud-native capabilities, making the application optimized for the cloud from day one. This process can be complex but is often necessary to fully leverage the benefits of cloud computing. Discover how cloud migration strategies are evolving to include advanced capabilities for businesses.
Four Principles to Help You Choose the Right Migration Strategy
While there are no universal solutions in IT—only trade-offs—keeping these four principles in mind can help you determine the best cloud migration strategy for your organization.
1. Retire as Much as You Can
Not all applications should be migrated to the cloud. Common examples include homebrew solutions and purchased applications no longer supported by the original vendor. Migrating these systems to the cloud introduces too much risk and complexity, and the support burden can be too great. Therefore, it’s often best to retire such applications. Learn more about the importance of local IT support for handling legacy systems.
2. Consider Replatforming or Repurchasing Over Retaining or Rehosting
In some cases, retaining an on-premises application is the best choice. However, you should explore the possibilities of replatforming or repurchasing before deciding to retain or rehost an application. Replatforming, in particular, offers an efficient way to leverage cloud benefits without incurring the high costs of maintaining an “always-on” cloud server. Discover the advantages of replatforming services.
3. Prioritize Cloud Services Over Cloud Servers
The legacy mindset views an application as a monolith, with the application and its database tightly coupled. Bringing this mindset to your cloud migration strategy can lead to paying for cloud servers running 24/7—too costly for most use cases. Instead, look for ways to leverage cloud services rather than servers. Learn about endpoint security best practices when refactoring for cloud services.
4. Assess Both Costs and Benefits of Repurchasing
It’s no secret that the SaaS version of an application may cost more in the long run compared to on-premises hosting and licensing. However, the benefits of avoiding server maintenance and enjoying seamless upgrades can outweigh the higher subscription costs. Check out the benefits of SaaS and how it could enhance your operations.
Handling the Soft Side of Cloud Migration
If your cloud migration strategy focuses solely on technical concerns, you risk introducing new operational challenges within your organization. Consider the soft side of migration, including how real people will respond to the migration process and its results.
Involve Business Stakeholders
IT alone shouldn’t make migration decisions. Including business stakeholders ensures a balanced perspective, focusing on both technical and strategic business goals. Learn about the benefits of outsourcing IT support for a smooth transition.
Engage C-suite Involvement
C-suite support helps marshal the necessary resources for successful cloud migration. A C-level champion who understands cloud migration from a business perspective ensures alignment with broader business objectives.
Communicate Widely and Consistently
Keep all stakeholders informed about the migration plan. Early communication about the benefits and potential challenges of cloud migration ensures smooth adoption. Explore how incident response planning can mitigate risks during transitions.
Develop a Training Plan
A successful cloud migration requires users to know how to navigate the new system effectively. Implement a thorough training plan to support your workforce.
Start Communication and Training Early
Begin communicating migration plans and conducting training at least three months in advance to give your team enough time to adjust. This preparation will make the transition more seamless and mitigate productivity disruptions.
For expert guidance on managing cloud migrations, visit our cloud migration solutions at CMIT Charleston. We help businesses modernize their IT infrastructure, ensuring successful cloud transitions.
Conclusion
Cloud migration is a critical step in modernizing your IT infrastructure and improving operational efficiency. By understanding and implementing the right cloud migration strategy, you can unlock significant benefits, including enhanced security, reduced costs, and improved business agility.
At CMIT Charleston, we are committed to helping you navigate the complexities of cloud migration. Our expertise in various migration strategies, from rehosting to refactoring, ensures that we can provide a tailored approach that meets your specific needs. Whether you need help retiring outdated applications, replatforming to optimize for the cloud, or repurchasing SaaS solutions, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Remember, a successful cloud migration strategy involves more than just technical considerations. It requires comprehensive planning, stakeholder engagement, effective communication, and thorough training. By addressing both the technical and human aspects of migration, you can ensure a seamless transition that maximizes the benefits of cloud technology.
If you’re ready to embark on your cloud migration journey or need expert advice on choosing the right strategy, CMIT Charleston is here to help. Visit our home page to learn more about our services, or contact us to speak with one of our cloud migration specialists. Let us help you transform your business and achieve new levels of success with a strategic and well-executed cloud migration plan.
By following these guidelines and leveraging the expertise of CMIT Charleston, you can modernize your IT infrastructure, enhance your operational efficiency, and drive your business forward in the digital age. Start your cloud migration journey today and unlock the full potential of cloud technology with CMIT Charleston by your side.
