Migration Approaches
- Lift and shift (Rehost): Move workloads as-is to cloud VMs. Fastest but may not optimise for cloud.
- Replatform: Make minor modifications to leverage cloud services without full redesign.
- Refactor: Redesign applications for cloud-native architecture. Maximum benefit, maximum effort.
- Retire: Eliminate applications no longer needed.
- Retain: Keep some workloads on-premises (hybrid approach).
Step-by-Step Migration Process
- Discovery and assessment: Inventory all workloads, dependencies, and requirements
- Business case: Calculate costs, benefits, and ROI for migration
- Choose cloud provider: Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud based on requirements
- Design target architecture: Plan how workloads will run in the cloud
- Plan migration waves: Sequence workloads from low-risk to mission-critical
- Build landing zone: Set up cloud environment with security and governance
- Migrate pilot workloads: Test approach with non-critical systems
- Migrate production: Execute wave-based migration plan
- Optimise: Right-size resources and implement cost management
Australian Data Sovereignty
For Australian businesses, data residency matters:
- Azure, AWS, and Google all have Australian data centres
- Configure region settings to ensure data stays onshore
- Some industries (government, healthcare, finance) have specific requirements
- Document data residency compliance for auditors
How We Researched This Article
This article was compiled using information from authoritative industry sources to ensure accuracy and relevance for Australian businesses.
Sources & References
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Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework
Microsoft's comprehensive cloud migration methodology
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AWS Migration Hub
AWS migration planning and tracking resources
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Australian Government Cloud Policy
Government cloud adoption guidance and policy
* Information is current as of the publication date. Cybersecurity guidelines and best practices evolve regularly. We recommend verifying current recommendations with the original sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does cloud migration take?
Timeline varies dramatically by scope. A simple lift-and-shift of a few servers might take weeks. Comprehensive migration of complex environments can take 6-18 months. Plan for longer than you expect.
What are the biggest migration risks?
Data loss during migration, extended downtime, unexpected costs, application compatibility issues, and security gaps. Mitigate through careful planning, testing, and phased approach.
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