Cloud Migration Models - AWS 7Rs
Tags: cloudcomputing, aws, devops, cloud
Published: 2023-08-02 16:13:13

With the increasing adoption of cloud computing technology, the significance of cloud migration has risen to a paramount level in the realm of digital transformation for businesses. Cloud migration involves the intricate task of transferring an organization's IT assets, encompassing applications, data, and infrastructure, from traditional on-premises data centers to dynamic cloud-based ecosystems.

In order to facilitate organizations in this intricate journey, various cloud migration models have been devised. These models offer a systematic framework that guides and supports the transition to the cloud, ensuring a structured and seamless migration process.

![Cloud Migration](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/jikx5er3nokbx23joq3w.jpg)

## What is Cloud Migration Model?
A significant proportion of challenges encountered in cloud environments stem from the absence of a robust [cloud strategy roadmap](https://nioyatech.com/how-to-create-a-cloud-strategy-roadmap/). The attribution of these challenges to the cloud has raised doubts about the adoption process itself, intensifying the urgency to address these concerns.

Two widely recognized cloud migration models offer valuable pathways to enhance your cloud strategy. The first model is Gartner's comprehensive 5-Rs cloud migration framework, encompassing a range of migration options. The second is AWS's 7Rs cloud migration model, which served as the foundation for Gartner's 5-Rs model, initially presented as 6Rs by AWS.

## AWS 7 Rs Cloud Migration Model
The AWS 7Rs Cloud Migration Model, crafted by Amazon Web Services (AWS), offers a methodical blueprint for transitioning to the cloud. Designed to facilitate the seamless migration of applications and data to the AWS cloud, this framework comprises seven strategic approaches collectively known as the "7Rs":


![The AWS 7Rs Cloud Migration Model](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/nabhb2xhrxf00q9n02gd.png)

**Re-Host (or lift and shift)**
Rehosting entails the transfer of an organization's current applications and data to the cloud without undergoing substantial alterations.

The chief advantage of the lift and shift methodology lies in its swiftness. As the application remains unaltered and its architecture unchanged, the migration to the cloud can be executed with notable speed and simplicity. This approach proves especially valuable for entities necessitating prompt cloud migration to meet distinct business demands promptly.

**Re-Platform (or lift, tinker, and shift)**
The subsequent tactic outlined within the AWS 7Rs Cloud migration model is Re-Platform. This methodology encompasses modest adjustments to an organization's applications or infrastructure to enhance its compatibility with the cloud ecosystem.

The Re-platform strategy often referred to as "lift, tinker, and shift," revolves around transferring the application to the cloud in its current state and subsequently introducing minor modifications to enhance its operational efficiency in the novel environment. This could encompass actions like transitioning the application's database to a cloud-native variant or reconfiguring the application to leverage cloud-based storage and computational resources.

**Repurchase**
The "Repurchase" refers to the process of replacing current software or systems with new ones that are available as SaaS offerings or other cloud-native solutions. This strategy involves buying new solutions rather than just moving old ones to the cloud.

Companies should carefully evaluate prospective solutions before implementing a buyback plan to make sure they correspond with the necessary requirements and needs. In addition, careful consideration should be given to factors like data transfer, seamless connection with existing systems, and the smooth onboarding and training of people.

**Relocate**
By utilizing this strategy, you get the ability to concurrently migrate an extensive number of servers from an on-premises environment to a cloud version of the platform, each running one or more apps. The relocate method further demonstrates its flexibility by allowing for the transfer of instances or objects between other virtual private clouds (VPCs), AWS Regions, or even several AWS accounts.

This method is useful in a variety of situations, including the smooth migration of an Amazon Relational Database Service (Amazon RDS) database instance to a different VPC or AWS account. The ability to implement these transitions without requiring the purchase of new hardware, the requirement for application code amendment, or other modifications to your current operating framework is a fundamental feature of the relocate method.

**Refactor**
The "Refactor"signifies the method of enhancing prevailing applications to thrive in the cloud ecosystem. This endeavor encompasses the alteration of an existing application's architecture, code, and/or infrastructure, with the overarching aim of harnessing the inherent capabilities and services of the cloud. This could entail restructuring monolithic applications into nimble microservices, thus embracing the essence of cloud-native innovation.

**Retain**
Retain describes a method where some programs or systems are kept in place rather than being moved to the cloud. When a program cannot be moved owing to technical or commercial limitations, this strategy is often adopted.

It is crucial to carefully assess the application or system in issue before implementing a retention plan to make sure that it continues to be secure, accessible, and compliant with any relevant laws or regulations. Organizations should eventually take into account the costs of sustaining and maintaining the application or system in its existing setting.

**Retire**
The final stride within the AWS 7Rs cloud migration model is the "Retire" strategy. This approach entails phasing out applications or infrastructure that have become obsolete or are no longer requisite. The "Retire" strategy finds its footing when an application or system has reached a state of antiquity, redundancy, or has been succeeded by more advanced technological alternatives.

Originally published at [The AWS 7Rs Cloud Migration Model](https://nioyatech.com/7rs-cloud-migration-model/) blog post.