Introduction
Cloud computing has become essential to modern digital transformation strategies. It offers businesses enhanced security and compliance while improving efficiency.
However, moving to the cloud isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. The right cloud migration process depends on an organization’s applications and data, technical constraints, and business goals.
To simplify the decision-making process, experts have classified cloud migration strategies into seven approaches, known as the 7 Rs of Cloud Migration:
- Rehost
- Replatform
- Refactor
- Repurchase
- Retire
- Retain
- Relocate
Choosing the right strategy is critical for optimizing costs, improving efficiency, and maintaining compliance requirements in cloud environments.
This guide explores these strategies in detail.
1. Rehost (Lift and Shift)
Overview
Rehosting, also called “Lift and Shift,” is the simplest and fastest cloud migration strategy. It involves moving applications and data from on-premises infrastructure to a cloud platform without changing their architecture, code, or functionality.
This method is ideal for businesses needing a quick cloud transition while postponing significant optimizations. Organizations typically choose this strategy to reduce capital expenditure (CapEx), improve system availability, and enhance disaster recovery.
Benefits
- Speed: The fastest cloud migration process with minimal complexity.
- Cost Savings: Reduces reliance on on-premises data centers, lowering long-term expenses.
- Minimal Disruption: No need for extensive code changes.
Challenges
- Suboptimal Performance: Applications may not fully utilize cloud computing capabilities.
- Higher Costs Over Time: Lack of optimization can lead to inefficient resource usage.
Best Use Cases
- Businesses need a quick cloud presence with minimal downtime.
- Organizations planning to optimize applications after migration.
- Legacy applications that are difficult to modify but need better infrastructure reliability.
2. Replatform (Lift and Optimize
Overview
Replatforming, or “Lift and Optimize,” involves making small application modifications during migration to a cloud-based infrastructure. Unlike lift and shift, this strategy allows businesses to leverage cloud-native services, such as managed databases, caching solutions, and auto-scaling features.
Benefits
- Enhanced Performance: Takes advantage of cloud-based optimizations.
- Cost Savings: Reduces operational expenses by leveraging the platform as a service (PaaS) and managed services.
- Scalability: Supports auto-scaling and dynamic resource allocation.
Challenges
- Development Effort Required: Some application modifications are needed.
- Limited Optimization: This doesn’t provide full cloud-native benefits like refactoring.
Best Use Cases
- Businesses looking to improve performance without extensive redevelopment.
- Applications that can benefit from cloud migration strategies like auto-scaling.
- Organizations aiming for a gradual cloud adoption approach.
Read More: What is Cloud Migration?
3. Refactor (Re-architect)
Overview
Refactoring, or re-architecting, is a cloud migration strategy that involves redeveloping applications to be fully cloud-native. This method enables businesses to leverage microservices, serverless computing, and software containers, ensuring greater agility and efficiency.
Benefits
- Optimized Performance: Maximizes cloud computing capabilities.
- Future-proofing: Highly scalable and resilient applications.
- Reduced Maintenance Costs: Less manual intervention required.
Challenges
- High Complexity: Requires significant code changes.
- Time-Consuming: Needs skilled developers and cloud architects.
Best Use Cases
- Organizations with high-growth workloads require agility.
- Businesses modernize legacy applications for cloud-based environments.
- Companies adopting DevOps and microservices architectures.
4. Repurchase (Drop and Shop)
Overview
Repurchasing means switching to a cloud-based SaaS (Software as a Service) solution instead of modifying an existing application. Businesses often migrate workloads to the cloud by replacing on-premises software with public cloud services like Salesforce (CRM) or Workday (HR).
Benefits
- Instant Upgrades: SaaS providers handle maintenance and updates.
- Lower IT Overhead: Reduces in-house infrastructure management.
- Predictable Costs: Subscription-based pricing simplifies budgeting.
Challenges
- Data Migration Complexity: Transferring data to a SaaS platform can be challenging.
- User Training Needed: Employees may need to adapt to a new system.
Best Use Cases
- Companies transitioning to SaaS-based applications (e.g., CRM, ERP).
- Organizations seeking low-maintenance software solutions.
- Businesses looking for a fast and cost-effective digital transformation.
Read More: Cloud Migration Challenges
5. Retire
Overview
Retiring applications involves removing outdated or redundant systems during the cloud migration process. This helps businesses cut unnecessary expenses and simplify IT infrastructure.
Benefits
- Cost Reduction: Eliminates maintenance costs of unused applications.
- Simplifies IT Environment: Reduces operational complexity.
Best Use Cases
- Applications that no longer provide business value.
- Outdated systems replaced by modern cloud-based solutions.
6. Retain (Revisit Later)
Overview
Retention is for applications that must remain on-premises due to security and compliance regulations or technical constraints. Some organizations delay migration until better solutions emerge.
Best Use Cases
- Applications with strict compliance requirements.
- Systems requiring further evaluation before migration
7. Relocate
Overview
Relocating involves moving entire data centers to the cloud without modifying applications. This strategy uses virtual machines (VMs) and container-based migration to efficiently transfer workloads to the cloud.
Best Use Cases
- Organizations with complex on-premises infrastructures.
- Businesses requiring a quick transition to cloud environments.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cloud migration strategy is essential for maximizing cloud computing benefits while reducing risks and costs. Understanding the 7 Rs of cloud migration helps businesses develop an effective migration plan that aligns with their IT and business goals.
Whether they’re lifting and shifting, re-architecting, or adopting SaaS, companies must evaluate their needs and select the best approach for a seamless transition to the cloud.
