5 steps for migrating from legacy to a cloud-based system
Cloud is the present and future of IT infrastructure. Cloud-based systems are influential drivers in streamlining processes, boosting efficiency, ensuring scalability, and achieving faster outcomes in IT environments. Owing to the impressive capabilities of cloud-based systems, enterprises are fully/partially migrating from legacy systems to cloud-based systems,
As with factors determining the trajectory of a business, you have to understand the pros and cons of cloud migration. Such knowledge will help you align the migration with enterprise goals.
5 Simple steps to an effortless cloud migration
There are lots of ways to go about cloud migration, but some are more error-prone than others. It is crucial that the chosen process does not lead to data loss, compromise enterprise security, or drag on through an unnecessary downtime, thus impeding organizational activities. Below, I have outlined 5 steps for smooth cloud migration.
1. Pre-migration Assessments
Migrating from legacy applications to cloud computing is a big deal. Hence, all factors must be considered before commencement. With all considerations addressed, an organization’s readiness to migrate and the resources needed for migration can be determined.
Below are some important aspects to evaluate:
- Enterprise vision – Why migrate to the cloud? How does cloud migration align with and improve actions towards attaining set goals?
- Type of migration – According to research, you can opt for a service, autonomic, information, or data migration, depending on your business needs. Migration can also be in the form of cloudifying the entire application, migrating the software stack of the application, replacing components with cloud services, or partially migrating some functionalities to the cloud.
- Compare the cloud service providers of choice. Evaluate the relevance of their offerings.
- The legacy system – Access its features and capabilities to identify components or functions that may pose a bottleneck.
2. Auditing and Mapping
Irrespective of the migration type, the components – a database, a function, an application layer – to be migrated should be audited. Those that are not cloud-friendly might need to be refactored and rearchitected.
Auditing should be championed by a cross-functional team so that obsolete or problematic applications can be identified and addressed before migration. More so, applications that are dependent on each other should be mapped to migrate alongside each other to avoid errors during migration.
3. Analyze the micro-service offerings
You need to be sure of what you are getting into, hence, the need to evaluate the micro-services available and make informed choices based on your enterprise requirements.
It is important to prioritize your security needs and scrutinize the fine prints in security certifications offered by the prospective service providers. Being able to harness cloud computing security opportunities gives you an edge over rising cybersecurity threats.
Though private cloud models offer impressive flexibility when upgrading company software, migration and integration capabilities are somewhat lagging. Additionally, this model also offers monthly and annual subscriptions, a feature that most companies find desirable.
4. Mobilization
Here, you use information gathered from the first three steps to streamline business processes and develop a migration plan. AWS reckons that in creating a plan, seven migration strategies should be adopted: relocate, rehost, replatform, refactor, repurchase, retire, or retain.
5. Migrate
With your migration strategy ready, it is now time to migrate! You should release the minimum viable product before any other to ensure a smooth delivery. It will allow you to evaluate the process and know if your approach needs an adjustment.
