Cloud migration is the process of moving applications, data, and workloads from on-premises servers or one cloud environment to a cloud platform such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud. Organizations migrate to cut infrastructure cost, scale more easily, improve reliability, and modernize. A migration ranges from a simple lift-and-shift to redesigning an application to take full advantage of the cloud.
Moving your applications, data, and workloads from your own servers or one cloud to a cloud platform like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
Each app gets the approach that fits it. Most migrations mix strategies across a portfolio.
The cloud saves money only when configured and monitored well; an un-tuned lift and shift can cost more.
Why organizations migrate to the cloud
- Cost: trade large hardware purchases for pay-for-what-you-use infrastructure.
- Scale: add or remove capacity on demand instead of buying ahead.
- Reliability: use the cloud’s redundancy and uptime instead of running it all yourself.
- Speed: ship and update faster with modern infrastructure.
- Security and compliance: use cloud services and controls built for it, configured correctly.
- Modernization: migration is often the first step in updating an aging system.
The migration strategies
There is a spectrum, the same idea as modernization. Each app gets the approach that fits it.
| Strategy | What it means | When it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Rehost (lift and shift) | Move as-is to the cloud | Speed matters; little change needed |
| Replatform | Move with light optimization | Small tweaks unlock real savings |
| Refactor | Rework the app for the cloud | You want full cloud benefits and scale |
| Repurchase | Switch to a cloud product | An off-the-shelf option now fits |
| Retire | Turn it off | It is no longer needed |
| Retain | Leave it where it is, for now | It is not ready or not worth moving yet |
Lift and shift is fastest but captures the fewest benefits; refactoring captures the most but takes more work. Most migrations mix strategies across a portfolio.
Figure 1. The cloud migration strategies
Built from this post’s strategy table: rehost, replatform and refactor run from fastest with the fewest benefits to the most benefits with more work; repurchase, retire and retain are the other options. Structure only; the figure carries no values.
How a cloud migration works
- AssessInventory what you have, its dependencies, and what each workload needs.
- PlanChoose a strategy per application and sequence the moves.
- PrepareSet up the cloud environment, security, and networking.
- MigrateMove workloads and data, often in waves, with validation.
- OptimizeTune cost, performance, and security once you are running in the cloud.
What to watch for
- Cost surprises: the cloud saves money only when configured and monitored well; an un-tuned lift and shift can cost more.
- Security configuration: the cloud is secure, but only if you set it up correctly. Misconfiguration is the common failure.
- Data integrity: move data with validation so nothing is lost or corrupted.
- Downtime: plan the cutover so the business keeps running.
- Compliance: for regulated data, use the cloud’s compliant services and a business associate agreement where needed.
Related services: cloud migration and optimization; cloud consulting.
FAQ
What is cloud migration in simple terms?
Moving your applications, data, and workloads from your own servers or one cloud to a cloud platform like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
What are the types of cloud migration?
The common strategies are rehost (lift and shift), replatform, refactor, repurchase, retire, and retain. Each workload gets the approach that fits it.
Does moving to the cloud always save money?
Only when it is configured and monitored well. A lifted-and-shifted app that is not optimized can actually cost more, which is why tuning after migration matters.
How long does a cloud migration take?
It depends on the number and complexity of workloads. Migrations usually happen in waves rather than all at once, so the business keeps running.
Considering a move to the cloud? Request a free consultation and we will assess your workloads and recommend the right strategy for each.
