There is no one-size-fits-all solution for migrating to the cloud, but certain approaches are widely embraced for this purpose, and Lift and Shift is one of them. This guide provides insights into lift and shift migration, covering its definition, advantages, limitations, and more. Let’s look at what this strategy is all about and how it can benefit your business.
What is Lift and Shift Migration?
“Lift and Shift,” or “ Reshosting,” means moving an application and its data from one place, like an on-site data center, to another, usually the cloud. This happens without changing how the application works. It’s like moving everything to the cloud, whether public, private or a mix of both.
Benefits of Lift and Shift Migration
Next, let’s delve into the benefits of employing the Lift and Shift approach:
- No substantial changes
The Lift and Shift approach allows moving applications to the cloud without major changes. You can easily migrate without costly application restructuring or code rewriting.
- Instant Scalability
The Rehosting approach allows easy application scaling without buying or physically installing new computing resources. Also, no hardware provisioning is required to handle increased traffic.
- Eliminates Disruption
Life and Shift is a straightforward approach, requiring a smaller team. On-premise applications remain operational during the cloud migration, ensuring a smooth transition without disrupting services.
- Improved Security
Cloud migration enhances security by leveraging the multidimensional features of the cloud infrastructure. Legacy applications benefit from unified security methods, role-based control, and multi-user authentication.
- Improved Performance
Lift and Shift approach gives access to optimized cloud resources, enhancing performance without upfront costs and surpassing on-premise infrastructure.
- Reduced on-premise Cost
The approach cuts on-premise burdens, reducing costs for managing and maintaining IT resources. It removes the need for ongoing monitoring and updates to align with business requirements.
Drawbacks of the Lift and Shift Migration Method
- Performance Variability
Moving older apps to the cloud might not make them work better despite being well-tuned for their original setup. Amazon AWs has tools like EC2 Auro Scaling and Amazon Aurora to help with performance hiccups.
- Security Concerns
Apps made for in-house systems may have loose security rules, causing concerns when shifted to the cloud. Make things more secure using AWS tools like Key Management. IAM and Security Hub.
- Cost Factors
Shifting to the cloud transforms costs but may not optimize partially optimized applications. Make sure to calculate migration costs for accurate planning.
Lift and Shift vs. Migration Alternatives
Lift and Shift, an Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) method, means moving applications as they are from your computer to the cloud. It’s like renting cloud space on a subscription or usage basis. Additionally, considering Lift and Shift as part of your overall cloud migration strategy ensures a pragmatic and efficient approach to leveraging cloud resources.
Alternatives to Consider:
- PaaS Migration:
Tailoring your application to make the most of the cloud providers’ Platform as a Service(PaaS) options involves making small tweaks for better cloud performance or a full redesign to leverage benefits like microservices and serverless computing.PaaS migration offers enhanced cloud-native features and cost-effectiveness despite higher upfront costs and time investment.
- SaaS Migration
Swapping your on-premise app for a ready-made cloud based alternative lets you in the perks of cloud providers infrastructure. While SaaS migration combines the affordability of lift and shift with cloud benefits, there might be trade-offs regarding features and customization. It involves adopting the built-in tools of the SaaS application for tasks like data management, security, and access control.
When to Choose the Lift and Shift Migration?
Now that you know the advantages and limitations of this migration approach, you might be curious about its suitability for your situation and if this strategy is the right one for you. Let’s have a look at when you should opt for it:
- Swift Migration With Full Infrastructure Transfer
Choose Lift and Shift when you wish to swiftly shift your entire infrastructure to the cloud, leaving behind on-premise data centers and ensuring a smooth migration to the cloud.
- Need A Cost-Effective Solution
If you aim to save significantly on development costs and avoid additional expenses, Lift and Shift is the way to go. The minimal modifications required help reduce license renewals and component upgrade expenses. Cloud vendors like AWS offer tools like AWS Cost Explorer for easy cost understanding and management.
- Ideal For Those New To Cloud-native Solutions
The approach is a suitable option when you are unfamiliar with building systems from scratch in the cloud. It allows you to scale your infrastructure to meet growing demands effortlessly.
Factors to Ensure Success in a Lift and Shift Migration
Here are crucial factors you should consider before diving into the Lift and Shift approach:
- Application Lifespan
Evaluate the application’s lifespan and workload, avoiding migration for those retiring within the next 12 months.
- API Access Restrictions
Ensure a smooth transition to the cloud without causing bottlenecks for existing API tools.
- Migration Automation Tools
Verify whether your cloud service provider provides tools that automate the migration process. Utilize them whenever possible to streamline the process.
- Prioritize Migration
Prioritize mission-critical applications and create a list for migration sequencing.
- Compliance
Assess all your compliance requirements during and after migration, especially from on-premise environments.
- Scope Management
Define a clear project scope, resisting additional features during migration for timely execution.
Conclusion
Thus, Lift and Shift migration stands out as a swift and uncomplicated method for transitioning applications to the cloud, providing a rapid entry into cloud migration services. It’s suitable for those seeking a fast entry into cloud services, with benefits like minimal disruption, potential performance improvements, and reduced on-premises costs. Planning well and ensuring your applications are a good fit are important for a successful move. Engaging in cloud consulting services can further enhance the migration process by leveraging expert guidance and insights to ensure a seamless and optimized transition to the cloud.