The 7 Rs of Cloud Migration: 7 Strategies Explained

AWS has brought in the 7 Rs model, a detailed framework made to assess various migration strategies and offer customized solutions according to different workloads and business needs. In this blog post, we’ll look at the 7 Rs model closely, pointing out the advantages and practical applications of each strategy. This information will assist you in making well-informed choices when mapping out your cloud migration project.

History of the Rs for Cloud Migration 

The 5 Rs model was introduced by Gartner for evaluating migration strategies to the cloud. It became widely adopted, but AWS recognized the need for a more comprehensive framework and added a sixth R, retire. The 6 Rs model offers a more complete and flexible approach to cloud migration, tailored to varying workloads and business requirements.

AWS 7 Rs Model

As cloud computing continued to mature, AWS introduced the 7 Rs model, representing the latest iteration of the migration framework. This version added the Retain strategy, acknowledging that not all applications and data can or should be moved to the cloud. The 7 Rs model provides organizations with more flexibility in their migration planning by offering the choice to keep workloads on-premises. This enables businesses to weigh the advantages of cloud computing against the need to retain control over crucial systems and meet regulatory requirements.

The 7 Cloud Migration Strategies in Detail

Exploring the “7 Rs” or cloud migration strategies, as per AWS’s expanded model based on the original “5 Rs” introduced by Gartner, provides a comprehensive understanding. The seven strategies, illustrated in the expanded 7 Rs model, form the foundation for effective cloud migration.

rehost

The rehost migration strategy is uses use cloud Infrastructure – as – a – Service ( IaaS ) to move workload onto a cloud instance . With this approach , organizations is shift can shift on – premise application and their related component to the cloud without make significant change to the underlie infrastructure . With operational and configuration construct remain intact , the rehost strategy is is is easy to perform , make it suitable for enterprise lack in – house cloud – native expertise .

Use – case :

• Suitable for organizations seeking a quick migration with minimal modifications.
• Ideal for applications with straightforward architecture and minimal dependencies.

pro :

• Expedited migration process.
• Minimal disruption to operations.

con :

• Limited optimization and utilization of cloud-native features.
• Potential missed opportunities for efficiency gains.

Relocate 

A newly introduced strategy, relocating migrates workloads without affecting ongoing operations, rewriting application source code, or acquiring new hardware. This method seamlessly moves servers from on-premises platforms, such as Kubernetes or VMware, to a cloud version of the same platform. Minimizing downtime and disruption, the strategy doesn’t necessitate significant changes in workload configurations, reducing operating expenses.

Use – case :

• Appropriate for businesses with established virtualized environments.
• Useful when aiming to minimize downtime and disruption during migration.

pro :

• Seamless migration without impacting ongoing operations.
• Effective for scenarios where significant modifications are impractical.

con :

• Restricted scalability due to clear limits during migration.
• May not leverage the full potential of cloud – native capability .

Replatform

The replatform strategy is involves involve move an application to the cloud while employ platform optimization to leverage cloud – native capability . This strategy is retains retain the source code and core architecture , keep legacy application operational while ensure compliance and security in a cloud – base environment . The replatform migration strategy is enhances enhance flexibility , agility , and resilience while enable cloud – native capability such as automation .

Use – case :

• beneficial when optimize exist application for cloud – native capability .
• Suitable for organizations aiming for enhanced flexibility and agility.

pro :

• Retains core architecture while improving agility.
• save time and cost by modernize without extensive code rewriting .

con :

• May not achieve the level of optimization see in more extensive refactoring .
• Limited to enhancements within the existing architecture.

refactor

Often considered the most complex migration option, refactoring entails re-architecting workloads to support cloud-native capabilities from the ground up. Despite requiring significant effort and resources, this approach is considered the most future-proof, allowing applications to support advanced features such as serverless computing, autoscaling, and distributed load balancing.

Use – case :

• Ideal for application require advanced cloud – native capability .
• Suitable for organizations with a long-term vision for cloud infrastructure.

pro :

• future – proof migration approach .
• enable support for serverless computing , autoscaling , and advanced feature .

con :

• Requires significant investment in effort and resources.
• Complexity and potential high costs during the migration phase.

Repurchase

The repurchase migration strategy involves exchanging internally administered systems for third-party managed services available from the cloud provider. This shift to a SaaS subscription model simplifies migration, reducing downtime, enhancing scalability, and improving regulatory governance. Leveraging cloud-native capabilities, this strategy is commonly adopted for workloads requiring enhanced application performance and user experience while minimizing operational overheads.

Use – case :

• Appropriate for organization look to transition to a SaaS subscription model .
• Ideal for enhancing application performance and user experience.

pro :

• simplify and expedite migration with third – party manage service .
• Ties IT costs to generated revenue with a consumption-based model.

con :

• Relies on external vendors, reducing control over infrastructure.
• May not be cost-effective for all workloads.

retire

The retire strategy is employ when terminate or downsize application that are no long useful in production . It is plays play a crucial role in retire business – critical workload operate on inefficient legacy framework , pave the way for the adoption of modern , cloud – native deployment .

Use – case :

• necessary for retire outdated and inefficient application .
• A crucial step towards adopt modern , cloud – native deployment .

pro :

• reduce operational cost by eliminate obsolete application .
• streamline and declutter the IT landscape .

con :

• require careful assessment to avoid unintentional elimination of still – relevant component .
• potential resistance or challenge in retire certain legacy application .

Retain 

The retain strategy is suitable for applications that cannot be retired and should continue operating in their existing framework. Enterprises typically choose to retain a workload if it relies on another application that needs to be migrated first or when there is no immediate business value in migrating the application to the cloud. For vendor-based applications, an enterprise may also opt to retain if the service provider plans to eventually release a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model.

Use – case :

• suitable for application with dependency or lack immediate business value .
• Appropriate when migrating another application takes precedence.

pro :

• Provides flexibility to retain applications in their existing framework.
• Allows enterprises to postpone migration until optimal conditions arise.

con :

• Delays the realization of cloud benefits for retained applications.
• Continuous assessment is needed to determine the optimal timing for migration.

Conclusion:

AWS’s 7 Rs model provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating cloud migration strategies. Every strategy comes with its strengths and weaknesses, and organizations need to pick the one that aligns best with their business needs. By grasping the advantages and practical applications of each strategy, organizations can make well-thought-out decisions while planning their cloud migration projects, guaranteeing a seamless transition and long-term cloud success.