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Cloud ComputingOctober 25, 202411 min read

The Ultimate Cloud Migration Checklist

Everything you need to know to successfully migrate your applications and data to the cloud.

L

Lisa Anderson

Cloud Solutions Architect

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The Ultimate Cloud Migration Checklist


Moving to the cloud offers numerous benefits, but the migration process requires careful planning. Here's your comprehensive checklist.


Pre-Migration Planning


Assessment Phase

  • [ ] Inventory all applications and data
  • [ ] Identify dependencies
  • [ ] Assess cloud readiness
  • [ ] Calculate current costs
  • [ ] Define success metrics

    • Strategy Selection

    Choose your migration strategy (6 R's):

  • **Rehost** (Lift and Shift)
  • **Replatform** (Lift, Tinker, and Shift)
  • **Repurchase** (Move to SaaS)
  • **Refactor** (Re-architect)
  • **Retire** (Decommission)
  • **Retain** (Keep on-premises)

    • Cloud Provider Selection


    Compare providers based on:

  • Service offerings
  • Pricing models
  • Geographic coverage
  • Compliance certifications
  • Support quality

    • Security & Compliance


  • [ ] Data encryption (at rest and in transit)
  • [ ] Identity and access management
  • [ ] Network security configuration
  • [ ] Compliance requirements (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.)
  • [ ] Backup and disaster recovery plan

    • Migration Execution


    Phase 1: Pilot Migration

  • Select a non-critical application
  • Test the migration process
  • Validate performance
  • Document lessons learned

    • Phase 2: Staged Migration

  • Migrate in waves
  • Start with less critical systems
  • Monitor each wave carefully
  • Adjust strategy as needed

    • Phase 3: Optimization

  • Right-size resources
  • Implement auto-scaling
  • Optimize costs
  • Enhance security

    • Post-Migration


  • [ ] Performance monitoring
  • [ ] Cost optimization
  • [ ] Security audits
  • [ ] User training
  • [ ] Documentation updates

    • Cost Optimization Tips


  • Use reserved instances for predictable workloads
  • Implement auto-scaling
  • Use spot instances for batch processing
  • Regular resource cleanup
  • Monitor and optimize continuously

    • Common Challenges


  • **Data transfer time**: Plan for bandwidth limitations
  • **Application compatibility**: Test thoroughly
  • **Skills gap**: Invest in training
  • **Cost overruns**: Monitor spending closely
  • **Security concerns**: Implement defense in depth

    • Conclusion


    Cloud migration is a journey, not a destination. Plan carefully, execute methodically, and optimize continuously for success.


    Tags:

    #Cloud#Migration#AWS#Azure#DevOps

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