How to Successfully Carry Out an Application Migration to AWS

Migrating applications to a new platform can indeed be a formidable challenge. But with proper planning and a bit of experience, the process can become a lot less risky and time-consuming.

Our post covers everything from initial planning and preparation to the final execution at a very high level. So, if your aim is to transition to AWS, continue reading for valuable insights!

1. Assess Your Existing Infrastructure and Determine Required AWS Services

The inaugural step in your application migration to AWS involves evaluating your present infrastructure. This entails identifying the AWS services necessary for your application and establishing how they align with your current setup. This assessment facilitates anticipating any adjustments required during the migration process.

2. Align Current Architecture with Relevant AWS Services

Once you've meticulously assessed your existing infrastructure, proceed to align it with the corresponding AWS services. This exercise aids in identifying gaps in your current configuration and devising strategies to address these gaps within the AWS environment. Should you require guidance on selecting suitable AWS services, refer to the Amazon Web Services Solutions Gallery. Subsequently, obtaining cost estimates from the AWS calculator becomes more precise following this alignment.

3. Mitigate any potential challenges before the migration starts

Work out what you are moving where and what the blockers are BEFORE you start. 

Migrating an application can be a complex process, by doing some level of preparation, you can preempt any unforeseen issues during the migration process and ensure a smooth transition.

Common challenges to anticipate may encompass:

• Dependencies on third-party services or software
• Data migration complexities

4. Test your migrated applications using a staging environment 

Upon migrating your application to AWS, thorough testing within a staging environment becomes imperative. This phase serves to verify proper functionality and to pinpoint any potential glitches or anomalies.

Moreover, conducting performance benchmarks in this staging environment offers insights into your application's operational efficiency on AWS. This benchmarking also provides valuable insights into its performance and relative cost implications.

5. Make the final switch and monitor performance closely

With successful testing within a staging environment, you're primed to execute the final transition. At this juncture, all your diligent efforts culminate as your application is set to run on AWS.

However, even after you've made the switch, it's important to monitor and manage your deployment ongoing.

6. Support ongoing

IG CloudOps has been dedicated to delivering unparalleled cloud computing experiences with AWS for many years. The CloudOps platform changes ongoing support for AWS clients, and we proudly stand as an Amazon Partner Network (APN) participant.

CloudOps, an Amazon Certified Technology, plays a pivotal role in optimising the value of AWS cloud computing investments.

Furthermore, our team comprises AWS-certified experts proficient in guiding clients through every facet, from architectural design to implementation and optimisation. Whether you're embarking on your AWS journey or seeking to elevate your usage, CloudOps is committed to realizing your goals. Contact us today to explore our comprehensive services and how we can maximise your AWS investment.

We have written two articles that review in-depth about the challenges of migrating applications to AWS and cloud platforms in general. One focuses on green field migrations, the other on the uncertainties of an AWS migration and how to mitigate them.