1. Discover what you are moving
Inventory servers, databases, operating systems, application owners, and integrations. Map dependencies such as DNS, identity, scheduled jobs, certificates, file shares, and external systems. Record utilisation, data volumes, maintenance windows, and recovery requirements.
2. Choose an approach for each workload
Rehost
Move a suitable workload with limited application changes, then plan improvements after stabilisation.
Replatform
Make targeted changes, such as adopting a managed database, while retaining much of the application.
Refactor
Redesign application components when business needs justify the additional development and testing.
Retain or retire
Keep workloads in their current location when appropriate, or remove systems that are no longer needed.
3. Prepare the AWS environment
Establish accounts, access controls, networking, logging, backup policies, and cost visibility before production migration. Define connectivity to existing systems and plan how identities, secrets, and configuration will be managed.
4. Select tools against workload requirements
AWS Transform MGN, formerly AWS Application Migration Service, supports rehosting eligible physical, virtual, and cloud servers to Amazon EC2. AWS Database Migration Service can support database migration scenarios. Confirm operating system support, database compatibility, permissions, network capacity, and any schema conversion work before selecting a tool.
5. Test and migrate in waves
Begin with a representative pilot. Validate application functions, performance, integrations, permissions, backups, and monitoring in the target environment. Group dependent workloads into migration waves. Agree on a cutover window, data validation checks, rollback conditions, and the people responsible for each decision.
6. Stabilise and improve after migration
Monitor errors, response times, utilisation, and costs during the stabilisation period. Confirm backup restore procedures and operational handover. Right-size resources using observed demand, and assess modernisation opportunities once the migrated workload is stable.
Prepare for the migration conversation
Bring a server and application inventory, database details, licensing information, dependency notes, and expected timelines. Anjana Cloud9 Solutions can help assess the environment and develop a migration plan aligned with your business priorities.