5 AWS Migration Strategies

As technology evolves rapidly, businesses can no longer depend on outdated systems. This is why many organisations are moving their applications to the cloud, a process known as migration.
Simply put, application migration involves transferring software, databases, and IT systems from one environment, such as on-premises servers, to another, like the cloud. Among cloud providers, Amazon Web Services (AWS) stands out as one of the most trusted and widely used platforms.

However, cloud migration is not just about shifting existing systems to AWS. Every application has a unique architecture, functionality, and dependencies. Migration strategies act as a roadmap that guides organisations in moving each application efficiently, securely, and cost-effectively.

Below are five AWS migration strategies that support smooth transitions while maintaining performance, scalability, and reliability.

1. Rehosting (Lift and Shift)

Rehosting involves moving applications to AWS without redesigning them. It is the fastest method when time or resources are limited.

Key problems:
High on-premises maintenance costs
Ageing hardware is causing frequent outages
Limited time to redesign or optimise systems

Solutions:
Move applications directly to AWS EC2 without changes
Eliminate hardware maintenance and downtime
Gain immediate scalability and cost control

Example:
A financial company shifts its accounting app from on-site servers to AWS EC2 for quick cost savings.

As organisations begin their migration journey with quick wins like rehosting, they can then consider approaches that offer deeper optimisation.

2. Replatforming (Lift and Tweak)

Replatforming focuses on migrating applications to AWS with minor optimisations to improve efficiency. It enhances performance without requiring a full redesign.

Key problems:
High manual maintenance requirements
Poor scalability under growing workloads
Legacy dependencies are slowing operations

Solutions:
Move to managed services like Amazon RDS or Elastic Beanstalk
Automate scaling and updates using AWS tools
Simplify management while improving reliability

Example:
An e-commerce firm migrates its app to AWS and replaces its database with Amazon RDS to improve uptime.

After replatforming for better stability and automation, businesses aiming for long-term innovation often take the next step through refactoring.

Refactoring or Re-architecting

Refactoring means redesigning applications to take full advantage of cloud-native capabilities. This approach is ideal for organisations planning significant growth and innovation.

Key problems:
Outdated monolithic architecture limits flexibility
Difficulty adding new features quickly
High operational costs due to legacy design

Solutions:
Break applications into microservices using AWS Lambda or ECS
Use serverless computing for better scalability
Reduce costs through automation and modern architecture

Example:
A travel company rebuilds its booking system using AWS Lambda to handle fluctuating traffic more efficiently.

While refactoring offers the greatest long-term benefits, some organisations prefer to modernise quickly by switching to ready-made solutions.

4. Repurchasing

Repurchasing involves replacing existing systems with modern SaaS or cloud-based products. This provides immediate modernisation and removes the need for ongoing maintenance.

Key problems:
Outdated software lacking new features
High upgrade or license renewal costs
Complex maintenance of on-premises tools

Solutions:
Switch to SaaS platforms like Salesforce or HubSpot
Access new features instantly without complex setup
Pay only for usage with no hardware requirements

Example:
A business replaces its old CRM with Salesforce and gains advanced automation and analytics capabilities.

Once modern solutions are in place, organisations can further optimise by eliminating systems that no longer contribute value.

5. Retiring

Retiring focuses on identifying and removing applications that no longer serve a purpose. This helps keep the IT environment lean and cost-effective.

Key problems:
Unused applications are consuming resources
System overlaps cause inefficiency
High maintenance for low-value software

Solutions:
Analyse workloads to identify obsolete systems
Safely remove outdated applications
Redirect savings toward modernisation initiatives

Example:
A company retires its outdated payroll tool after adopting a modern HR system hosted on AWS.

Conclusion

Migrating to AWS is more than a technical upgrade. It represents a broader business transformation. Choosing the right migration strategy ensures a smoother, faster, and more valuable journey.
The process begins with assessing existing applications, defining business goals, and matching them with the appropriate strategy. Ultimately, successful cloud migration is not about moving everything at once but about migrating intelligently to achieve long-term efficiency and modernisation.