Top Cloud Migration Strategies for AWS Cloud and Rehost RS

• What is the Cloud Migration Approach?

• Why Use Cloud Application Migration Projects?

• How to Assess Applications for Cloud Computing Migration?

• What is the Professional Approach to Cloud Migration?

• What are the 4 Cloud Migration Tools and Services?

• Cloud Readiness Assessment: 5 Steps to Make Cloud Migration a Success

• Real-World Examples of Cloud Feature Migration

• 5 Strategies for Migrating Workloads to the Cloud

• 5 Phases of Cloud Security Transformation

• What are the 8 Types of Cloud Migration?

• How to Operate, Optimize, and Leverage Cloud Capabilities?

• Best Practices for Cloud Server Requirements During Migration

• FAQs

• Summary

What is the Cloud Migration Approach?

Cloud migration refers to moving data, applications, and analytics workloads in the cloud. It lets you move the existing on-premises or co-located applications to the cloud.

Migrating to the cloud offers numerous benefits, such as:

• Cost savings through reduced infrastructure and maintenance costs
• Scalability to adjust resources as needed
• Improved security with cloud providers providing strong security features
• Access to advanced cloud capabilities like "AI", "machine learning", and "big data processing"
• Flexibility, reliability, improved collaboration, and reduced IT overhead

Businesses can scale, reduce costs, and take advantage of the cloud's flexibility & efficiency. Organizations must ensure they are fully prepared for the cloud transition before proceeding. This process involves transferring an organization’s "digital assets", "IT resources", "services", & "databases".

Why Use Cloud Application Migration Projects?

The compatibility between the "source" & "destination" platforms impacts the migration effort and cost. A well-documented cloud migration strategy guides teams and ensures smooth rollbacks if needed. The goal is to transition applications from on-premises to the new cloud infrastructure. It ensures that application availability and daily operations remain unaffected.

The strategy helps determine which workloads should be:

• Retired
• Rewritten
• Left on-premises
• Moved as-is to the cloud
• Enhanced with native cloud services

A well-rounded migration strategy combines various approaches to handle the entire application portfolio. It also specifies the most suitable cloud platform for each application.

Every organization has unique needs. Cloud architecture should be customized to meet business objectives and technical requirements. It requires a deep understanding of the business goals and application portfolio. It also allows you to assess the migration's "Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)" and "Return on Investment (ROI)".

How to Assess Applications for Cloud Computing Migration?

Best Practices for Assessing Applications to be Retired	Applications to be Retired During Migration
Identify Cloud Readiness: Determine if your applications are ready for the cloud.	Cost Savings: Retiring applications that are no longer needed can save on cloud costs.
Performance Analysis: Check if your applications will perform better in the cloud.	Simplification: Optimize your cloud environment by removing unnecessary applications.
Cost Optimization: Understand how cloud migration can reduce costs.	Security: Reduce the attack surface by retiring outdated or insecure applications.
Security and Compliance: Ensure your applications meet cloud security standards.	Maintenance: Lower maintenance overhead by retiring applications that are no longer supported.
Scalability: Assess if your applications can scale in the cloud.	Performance: Improve overall system performance by removing legacy applications.
Inventory: Create a comprehensive list of all applications.	Usage Analysis: Identify applications with low or no usage.
Dependency Mapping: Understand how applications interact with each other.	Cost-Benefit Analysis: Evaluate the cost of maintaining vs. retiring applications.
Technical Assessment: Evaluate the technical feasibility of migration.	Technical Debt: Assess applications with high technical debt.
Business Value: Determine the business value of each application.	End-of-Life: Identify applications reaching their end-of-life.
Cloud Compatibility: Check for compatibility with cloud services.	Redundancy: Look for applications that duplicate functionality.
Data Migration: Plan for data transfer and storage in the cloud.	Data Archival: Ensure data from retired applications is archived or migrated.
Application Architecture: Consider refactoring or replatforming if necessary.	User Impact: Communicate changes to users and provide alternatives.
Cost Analysis: Compare on-premises vs. cloud costs.	Dependencies: Understand the impact on other applications or services.
Security: Address security concerns specific to cloud environments.	Licensing: Review licensing agreements for retired applications.
Performance: Simulate or test performance in a cloud environment.	Documentation: Update documentation to reflect retired applications.

What is the Professional Approach to Cloud Migration?

Organizations should evaluate each application's:

• Architecture
• Requirements
• Available skills
• Budget
• Timeline

The process begins with assessing the current infrastructure. This step allows you to gauge the maturity of each workload. It may involve a detailed discovery phase for each application instance.

The migration plan should be developed with clear milestones, defined goals, & reasonable durations. A thorough understanding of potential risks may arise during the migration process.

A pilot project is necessary for every migration. It starts with a task such as rehosting or relocation. It helps identify gaps or issues early, allowing adjustments before scaling up.

To ensure a successful migration at scale, the organization should focus on 3 key areas:

• Optimizing applications and instances for peak performance
• Maintaining a focus on operations and governance
• Building a skilled team to manage the migration and oversee ongoing operations

What are the 4 Cloud Migration Tools and Services?

CloudPanel Migration Tools	AWS Cloud Migration Tools	Azure Migration Tools	Google Cloud Migration Tools
CloudPanel Migration Script: Automates parts of the process, minimizing downtime & ensuring accuracy	AWS Migration Hub: Centralizes migration tracking and management	Azure Migrate: Provides a discovery, assessment, and migration hub.	- Google Cloud Migrate for Compute Engine: Simplifies VM migration
- PHP Site Migration: Tips for migrating PHP sites to CloudPanel for a smooth transition	AWS Server Migration Service (SMS): Automates the migration of on-premises VMs	Azure Site Recovery: Ensures business continuity during migration	Google Cloud Data Transfer: Efficiently moves large datasets to the cloud
Automated Site Creation: Detects PHP sites from the source and recreates them on the new server	AWS Database Migration Service: Migrates databases with minimal downtime	Azure Database Migration Service: Optimizes database migration	Google Cloud Storage Transfer Service: Transfers data from various sources
Database Migration: Copies SQLite databases & sets up MySQL databases for PHP sites	VM Import/Export: Imports and exports VMs to and from AWS	Azure Import/Export: Physically ships data to Azure for large transfers	Google Cloud Interconnect: Provides dedicated connectivity for large data transfers
File Transfer: Uses rsync for efficient file transfer, ensuring no data is left behind	AWS Snowball: Transfers large amounts of data into and out of AWS	Azure Data Box: Securely transfers terabytes of data to Azure	Google Cloud Transfer Appliance: Physically ships data for large-scale migrations
Permission & Ownership Management: Adjusts permissions & ownership to match the new server's requirements	Cost Optimization: AWS tools help in reducing migration costs	Hybrid Cloud: Azure tools support hybrid cloud scenarios	AI and ML: Google Cloud tools leverage AI for better migration outcomes
FTP User Creation and Cron Jobs: Recreates FTP users and cron jobs on the new server	Scalability: Designed to handle large-scale migrations	Security: Azure focuses on security during and after migration	Data Analytics: Tools provide insights for better decision-making
Logging and Debugging: Logs successes and errors for easy troubleshooting	Automation: Automates many migration tasks for efficiency.	Integration: Efficient integration with existing Microsoft products.	Open Source: Supports open-source technologies for flexibility
Customization: Allows for script modification to adjust migration settings	Flexibility: Offers various migration strategies like lift and shift	Cost Management: Tools help in cost analysis and optimization	Cost Efficiency: Google Cloud's pricing model can be cost-effective
Prerequisites: Ensures required tools are installed before migration	Support: Extensive documentation and support for migration	Support: Microsoft's support ecosystem aids in smooth migration	Support: Google Cloud's support and community resources are solid

Cloud Readiness Assessment: 5 Steps to Make Cloud Migration a Success

Step 1: Information Gathering

Collaborating with key IT and business stakeholders. It allows you to identify shared goals and areas of misalignment. Establish a mutual understanding of cloud migration for the business & the expected outcomes.

Step 2: Identify Goals and Opportunities

Clarify what you aim to achieve through the migration, whether it’s:

• Reducing costs by decommissioning data centers
• Increasing transparency through an ITIL framework
• Improving performance with autoscaling and self-healing
• Boosting agility to innovate faster

Document your goals and calculate the expected ROI. Also, prioritize the objectives with the most significant business impact.

Step 3: Assess Cultural Readiness

This often-overlooked step is key to a successful migration. Ensure stakeholders are prepared for the shift in mindset that cloud adoption brings. Assess whether your organization is:

• Ready to address technical debt
• Move away from legacy systems
• Open to a cloud-native approach prioritizing agility over replicating existing data centers

The broader cloud migration opportunity may be missed if the focus is on reducing costs.

Step 4: Determine What to Migrate

Identify which applications, processes, and infrastructure will move to the cloud. Pay special attention to data & analytics workloads, considering network latency & data volume factors. Additionally, account for any licensing restrictions.

Step 5: Calculate Current Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

TCO involves more than just server costs. Consider other expenses like:

• Physical data center properties
• Cooling
• Electricity
• Security
• Disaster recovery
• Hardware
• Licensing
• Staffing

Cloud migration offers potential cost savings. You could incur costs if you don’t plan to decommission existing infrastructure.

Real-World Examples of Cloud Feature Migration

Company	What they Achieved
Netflix	- Scaling infrastructure to meet global demand - Migrated to AWS for its scalability and global reach - Achieved efficient streaming for millions of users worldwide
Dropbox	- Reducing infrastructure costs while maintaining performance - Leveraged AWS for cost-effective storage and compute resources - Saved millions in infrastructure costs, improved user experience
GE Aviation	- Analyzed large datasets for predictive maintenance - Migrated to Azure for its AI and ML capabilities - Improved aircraft maintenance and reduced downtime and costs.
Spotify	- Enhanced user experience through personalized recommendations - Migrated to Google Cloud for its AI and ML tools - Improved recommendation algorithms, increased user engagement
Airbnb	- Scaling infrastructure to support global growth - Migrated to AWS for its global infrastructure and scalability - Supported rapid expansion, improved performance, and reliability

5 Strategies for Migrating Workloads to the Cloud

1. Workload Assessment and Prioritization

Begin by evaluating what can and cannot be migrated to the cloud. Many companies start by migrating their database platform, often:

• Opting for a "lift-and-shift" approach (moving applications without redesigning them).
• Transitioning from "legacy databases" to "cloud-native databases".
• Determining the data ingestion method if source systems aren't migrated to the cloud
• Adopting open-source architectures like "PostgreSQL" or "MySQL". It allows them to replace commercial options such as "Oracle" or "SQL", which helps reduce costs.
• Considering whether it will come from on-premises systems or a SaaS platform. This decision impacts their network infrastructure.
• Deciding whether to leverage an existing on-prem ETL/ELT framework or cloud-native tools.

These can typically be migrated using a "lift-and-shift" to an "IaaS provider". Or, they can be re-platformed to SaaS offerings from the same vendor. Consider:

• Embedded analytics
• Integrations with platforms like "Salesforce", "SharePoint", "third-party dashboards", and "authentication mechanisms"

2. Platform Selection

Choose the right cloud platforms for your migration. Different parts of the same workload may require different cloud models. For instance, SaaS platforms like Power BI or Salesforce provide turnkey solutions. These platforms allow you to handle all the technical complexities behind the scenes.

PaaS offerings such as Snowflake allow more control but require additional management. IaaS platforms like AWS and Azure support various analytics workflows. But, they need more planning and operational management. Leverage a combination of these platforms for a complete cloud-based modern data architecture.

3. Macro Execution Plan – Big Bang, Phased, or Hybrid

The Big Bang approach aims for a quicker transition but comes with higher risks. A phased approach is slower. But, it allows the migration team to focus on smaller portions of the workload in each phase. Thus, it helps make the process more manageable.

Consider dividing the migration by business unit/application, reducing risk during each phase. A hybrid approach combines elements of these architectures deployed in the cloud. The content is migrated in phases, often aligned with business units. Legacy systems and cloud platforms may run parallel until the cutover is complete.

4. Micro Execution Plan

Focus on the needs of each workload to determine the best micro-execution strategy. This plan is often referred to as the "6R" framework. Here’s a breakdown of the 6 Rs of cloud migration:

• Rehost: Commonly known as a "lift-and-shift," it is the simplest and quickest approach. While fast, it doesn’t fully use cloud-native features. It’s ideal for large-scale migrations when speed is a priority and minimal changes are needed.

• Re-platform: This approach involves minimal modifications to the architecture. But, it changes the systems running on the infrastructure. For example, "upgrading databases" or "operating systems". It optimizes existing applications with fewer changes to the overall workload.

• Replace: Moving to a new product or service model (e.g., "IaaS" to "SaaS"). This option helps organizations eliminate the management of installed applications. It is also useful for those who want to switch to a different vendor's product.

• Rearchitect: This strategy requires fully redesigning applications and infrastructure to use cloud-native technologies. Examples include "serverless computing", "Kubernetes", and "containerization". It is expensive but provides the most potential for scaling and adding new features.

• Retire: Some applications may no longer be needed or relevant. Identifying these applications ahead of time can save "time" & "money" during migration. It also allows you to focus on the necessary ones.

• Retain: Certain applications might not be ready to migrate. Retaining them in the "current environment" until later can be an effective strategy.

5. Foundational Architecture

Before migrating, ensure your infrastructure, systems, and processes are ready. These foundational elements support cloud services' deployment, operation, and maintenance. Key considerations include:

• Networking: Establish resilient, high-performance network connections to support your cloud migration. You may need "VPNs", "AWS Direct Connect", or "Azure ExpressRoute" for low-latency connections. The choice depends on the volume of your store's data.

• Identity & Access Management: Ensure your authentication mechanisms align with your cloud environment. Connect to "on-prem domain controllers". Or implement "SAML authentication" to avoid dependency on domain controllers if necessary.

• Security: Leverage cloud-native security tools to protect your environment. Implement "encryption at rest and in transit" and define "user roles and responsibilities". Establish a solid "change management framework" to prevent human errors.

• Data Protection Framework: Set up backup and disaster recovery strategies. Cloud platforms offer resilient options like "geo-redundancy" & "disaster recovery" to ensure business continuity.

• Automation: Consider using Infrastructure as "Code (IaC)" from the start. It allows for fast, templated infrastructure deployment, which saves time and reduces errors.

5 Phases of Cloud Security Transformation

1. Prepare

• Define your business objectives for cloud migration. Examples include enhanced agility, cost savings, improved performance, and scalability.
• Assess the current IT infrastructure. It enables you to understand existing resources and how they can be migrated.
• Evaluate cloud readiness. It allows you to identify any gaps in skills or technologies that must be addressed.
• Develop a business case for each application to be migrated. It lets you compare the cloud's total cost of ownership (TCO) with the current environment.
• Use cloud cost calculators to estimate future costs. Consider "storage", "computing resources", "instance types", "operating systems", and "performance requirements".

2. Plan

• Create a detailed migration plan outlining the migration roadmap.

• Specify which workloads will be moved and in what order.

• Determine the cloud architecture.

• Identify the necessary modifications to existing applications or data.

• Address compliance and security requirements.

• Assess "sensitive application data", "legacy data", "application interoperability", and "data compliance needs".

• Determine the most efficient order for migrating data, whether:

  • Any "scrubbing" is required
  • Which security measures (like "encryption") are needed

3. Migrate

• Monitor the migration process closely to ensure everything is progressing as planned.
• Address any issues promptly.
• Handle data migration carefully, ensuring that data remains accessible during the process.
• Synchronize ongoing changes to the source data while the migration happens.
• Ensure consistency and avoid disruptions.

4. Operate

• Focus on managing & monitoring workloads in the cloud, including "performance", "resources", & "security compliance".
• Make ongoing adjustments and optimizations based on "real-time feedback" and "performance data".
• Conduct security checks regularly to ensure compliance with laws like "HIPAA" and "GDPR". Track performance benchmarks and ensure they meet recovery objectives ("RPO" & "RTO") as needed.

5. Optimize

• Focus on refining cloud operations to enhance performance and cost-efficiency.
• Identify opportunities for "cost savings", integrate "cloud-native features", or further optimize "cloud processes".
• Continually seek ways to improve the cloud environment, increase efficiency, & maximize business value.

What are the 8 Types of Cloud Migration?

Types of Cloud Migration	Methods, Benefits, and Use Cases
Relocating	- Reprovision from Scratch: Spin up new workloads in the cloud. - Cold Migration: Stop, move, and restart workloads. - Live Migration: Move running "VMs" with minimal downtime.
Replatforming	- Switch to Managed Services: Use "cloud provider's managed services". - Open-Source Equivalents: Replace "commercial software" with "open-source alternatives".
Repurchasing	- Legacy Applications: Replace with "SaaS" or "marketplace equivalents". - ERP, Finance, CRM, HR: Use "cloud-based versions" for these applications.
Refactoring	- Scalability: Leverage cloud-native features for scalability. - Microservices: Break applications into smaller, manageable services. - Containerization: Deploy in "containerized environments".
Retaining	- Legacy Systems: Leverage sensitive applications on legacy platforms. - Hybrid Cloud: Integrate with "cloud resources via APIs".
Retiring	- Redundancy: Identify applications with duplicate functionality. - Better Options: Replace with "cloud-based alternatives".
Cold Migration	- Non-Production Workloads: Suitable for "development or test environments". - Minimal Business Impact: Turn off workloads with minimal disruption.
Live Migration	- Hybrid Cloud: Essential for "hybrid cloud scenarios". - vMotion: Leverage vMotion for efficient VM migration.

How to Operate, Optimize, and Leverage Cloud Capabilities?

1. Cost Optimization

Continuous rightsizing allows you to align cloud resources with current business needs. It scales as demand grows rather than relying on long-term forecasts. Leverage reserved or spot instances. It can cut infrastructure costs by 20-50%, depending on your commitment level. Track expenses using cost attribution and set budget alerts to stay within limits.

2. Process Automation

Automate patching with native tools to ease the operational load. Regularly test backups and disaster recovery plans to ensure effectiveness. Use self-healing and autoscaling to adjust to seasonal demands without long-term commitments. Automate the shutdown of Dev/QA resources, especially on weekends. It can help reduce costs by up to 30% while shutting down overnight and on weekends can save as much as 70%.

3. Improve Operational Efficiency

Implement hardware monitoring and alerts to address issues proactively. Data transfer can become expensive if not carefully planned and monitored. Various strategies exist to reduce costs. Stay updated with new product features and releases within your platform. It allows you to identify further operational and cost efficiencies.

Best Practices for Cloud Server Requirements During Migration

Best Practices for Cloud Server	Requirements During Migration
Monitoring and Optimization	- Monitor Cloud Resources: Monitor resource usage. - Optimize Resource Allocation: Adjust resources for efficiency. - Reduce Costs: Identify and eliminate unnecessary expenses.
Automation	- Simplify Provisioning: Automate "server setup and configuration". - Scaling: Automatically scale resources based on demand. - Migrating Workloads: Automate the migration process for accuracy.
Security and Compliance	- Regular Security Audits: Review and update "security policies". - Data Protection: Implement "encryption" and "access controls". - Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to "industry standards".
Backup and Disaster Recovery	- Solid Backup Strategy: Regularly back up sensitive data. - Disaster Recovery: Plan for "system failures or outages". - Business Continuity: Ensure operations continue during disruptions.
Cost Management	- Monitor Cloud Spending: Track and analyze "cloud costs". - Identify Cost Savings: Find opportunities to reduce expenses. - Optimize Resource Usage: Use resources efficiently to stay within budget.
Training and Support	- Ongoing Training: Provide continuous education for employees. - Cloud Management Skills: Ensure team members are cloud-savvy. - Support: Offer resources and support for "cloud management".

FAQs

1. What are common cloud migration challenges organizations face?

Common cloud migration challenges include data security, compliance, downtime, and cost overruns. Migrating your store's infrastructure to the cloud requires careful planning. Compatibility issues with public cloud and private cloud services can arise. Managing workloads and performance efficiently is a major concern. Organizations must address skill gaps for a smooth transition.

2. How does a rehost migration strategy differ from a replatform strategy?

A rehost migration strategy moves applications without modifications. It’s called "lift-and-shift." A replatform strategy makes slight optimizations while keeping core architecture intact. The replatform migration strategy improves performance and scalability. Both approaches migrate workloads faster than refactoring, which requires significant changes.

3. What strategy involves updating cloud versions during migration?

A replatform strategy involves updating applications to a new cloud version. This strategy is also helpful for enhancing performance and maintaining the core architecture. Unlike full refactoring, it requires fewer changes. Migrating to the cloud often involves modernization without rewriting applications entirely.

4. What happens to applications that are retired during a migration?

Applications retired during a migration are decommissioned if they’re obsolete. Organizations analyze workloads before carrying out clean migration. If an application is outdated, it’s removed or replaced. This step helps optimize resources in a public cloud or private cloud environment.

5. Why build trust in the cloud during migration?

Companies must build trust in the cloud for successful adoption. Security, compliance, and availability concerns make trust necessary. Organizations migrate infrastructure to the cloud while ensuring reliability. Addressing risks and managing common cloud migration challenges strengthens confidence in cloud adoption.

6. What migration process might require moving applications between clouds?

A migration process involves shifting applications to another cloud due to performance needs. Some workloads move between public cloud and private cloud environments. Companies often do this for compliance, cost management, or flexibility reasons.

Summary

A cloud migration strategy outlines migrating data, applications, & workloads to a cloud environment. It enables businesses to:

• Ensure a smooth transition, helping them avoid potential risks and maximize cloud benefits.
• Migrate to the cloud with confidence and efficiency.
• Estimate the timeline and the complexity of their applications accurately.
• Evaluate each provider based on their specific needs, including pricing, features, security, & support.
• Benefit from refactoring, depending on the size and complexity of the migration.

Migrate cloud data, applications, or entire workloads with CloudPanel.