Embarking on a journey to migrate to Amazon Web Services (AWS) can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. In this article, we will explore five key strategies that can make your migration to AWS a seamless experience.
1. Follow a Proven Process
A successful migration requires careful preparation. The four key steps of the migration journey include Discovery, Assessment, Mobilization, and Migration and Modernization. Taking the time to define the scope of your migration and make early decisions can set you up for success.
2. Assign a Migration Pattern to Each Workload Early
Amazon Web Services offers a set of migration patterns known as the 7Rs, which cover a range of options from retiring workloads to completely re-architecting them. Assigning a migration pattern to each workload early on can help guide your migration process.
3. Don’t Just Transform Your Technology, Transform Your Business
When migrating to AWS, it’s important to consider the impact on people, processes, and tools. Prioritizing areas such as cloud financial management, resiliency and disaster recovery, and security can ensure a smooth transition to the cloud.
4. Use the Well-Architected Framework
The Well-Architected Framework provides guidance across six pillars to help design solutions that follow best practices. By keeping this framework in mind and evaluating against it throughout your migration journey, you can make informed decisions.
5. Leverage Specialist AWS Partners
For large and complex migrations, working with a specialist AWS partner can be beneficial. AWS offers various specialization programs, including Competencies, Service delivery, and Well-Architected, to help you find the right partner for your migration needs.
By following these key strategies and working to a proven process, you can make your migration to AWS a seamless and successful experience. Don’t forget to involve the entire organization in the journey to ensure everyone benefits from the transformation.