Cloud Migration: Getting Started
After 25+ years in IT infrastructure, I've seen countless migration projects. Here are the key things to consider when planning your first cloud migration.
A typical cloud migration architecture overview
Planning Phase
The most critical phase is planning. Without proper planning, you're setting yourself up for failure.
Key Questions to Ask
- What are your current workloads?
- What's your budget and timeline?
- Do you have the right skills in-house?
Migration Strategies
There are several approaches to cloud migration:
- Lift and Shift: Move applications as-is
- Refactor: Optimize for cloud-native features
- Rebuild: Complete rewrite for cloud
Comparison of different migration approaches
Implementation Tips
Start Small
Begin with non-critical workloads to gain experience:
Monitor Everything
Set up comprehensive monitoring from day one. You can't manage what you can't measure.
Conclusion
Take your time with planning, and always have a rollback plan. Cloud migration is a journey, not a destination.
"The cloud isn't just about technology—it's about transforming how your business operates."