Nutshell Series

☁️ Cloud Migration Strategies in a Nutshell

Manjunath


Thinking about moving to the cloud? There’s more than one way to get there. Each migration approach has its own pros, cons, and ideal use cases. In this post, we’ll break down six major cloud migration strategies that organizations use to transition smoothly and smartly.

🧱 1. Lift and Shift (Rehost)

Move it as-is. This strategy involves migrating your existing apps to the cloud without any code changes.

  • ✅ Fastest method
  • ✅ No code changes
  • ❌ Doesn’t leverage cloud-native benefits
  • Best for: Legacy apps or fast migrations

🛠️ 2. Replatform

Tweak a little. Make minor changes to use managed cloud services (like migrating from on-prem SQL Server to Azure SQL Database).

  • ✅ Better performance
  • ✅ Less maintenance
  • ❌ Still not fully cloud-native
  • Best for: Apps needing light optimization

🔁 3. Refactor (Re-architect)

Redesign for the cloud. This involves reworking app architecture to use microservices, containers, or serverless technologies.

  • ✅ Maximum scalability and cloud benefits
  • ✅ Future-proof architecture
  • ❌ Higher cost and complexity
  • Best for: Strategic modernization of core systems

🛍️ 4. Repurchase

Buy new (SaaS). Replace your existing app with a SaaS solution, like moving to Salesforce or Microsoft 365.

  • ✅ Low maintenance
  • ✅ Fastest implementation
  • ❌ Limited customizability
  • Best for: Standard tools like CRM, HR, or Email

🗑️ 5. Retire

Let it go. Identify and decommission apps that are no longer used or necessary.

  • ✅ Saves cost
  • ✅ Reduces system clutter
  • ❌ Risk of dependencies
  • Best for: Obsolete or duplicate applications

⏳ 6. Retain

Keep it on-prem for now. Retain certain applications that are not ready for the cloud due to business or technical constraints.

  • ✅ Safe for sensitive workloads
  • ❌ Misses out on cloud benefits
  • Best for: Apps with regulatory or latency concerns

📊 Quick Comparison Table

Strategy Code Change Speed Cloud Benefits Best For
Lift & Shift ❌ None 🟢 Fast 🔴 Low Legacy/Quick Wins
Replatform ⚠️ Minor 🟡 Medium 🟡 Partial Light Optimization
Refactor ✅ High 🔴 Slow 🟢 Full Strategic Modernization
Repurchase ❌ None 🟢 Fast 🟢 Full (SaaS) Commodity Tools
Retire ❌ N/A 🟢 Fast 🔴 N/A Unused Systems
Retain ❌ N/A N/A 🔴 None Critical On-Prem Apps

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