Cloud migration is the process of moving applications, data, and infrastructure from on-premise servers, or from one cloud provider, to a new cloud environment such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. The move involves more than copying files: it means mapping dependencies, choosing a migration strategy for each workload, and cutting over without losing data or availability.
Not every workload migrates the same way. Cloud architects group migration approaches into what's commonly called the 7 Rs, with three strategies covering most real projects: rehosting, replatforming, and refactoring. Most migrations use a mix of all three across different applications rather than one approach for everything.
01
- Dependencies mapped
- Nothing moves before we know what it connects to.
02
- Wave-based
- Phased in manageable stages, not one high-risk cutover.
03
- Parallel run
- Old and new validated side by side before the switch.
04
- Tested rollback
- A verified path back, proven before every cutover.