Cloud migration is the process of moving applications, data and workloads from existing environments into the cloud. This may involve on-premise infrastructure, legacy platforms or other cloud environments.
A successful migration depends on more than moving workloads. It requires a clear understanding of how systems behave, how they should be structured in the cloud, and how they will be managed over time.
The three key cloud migration steps
Cloud migration can be understood as three core stages. Each stage influences how workloads transition and how they perform once in production.
1. Assess
This stage focuses on understanding your current environment. Applications, dependencies, data flows and performance requirements are evaluated to determine migration complexity and suitability.
Legacy systems, tightly coupled architectures and unsupported technologies may require additional planning. This assessment defines which workloads can be migrated directly and which require modification.
2. Plan
Planning establishes how the migration will be executed. This includes selecting the appropriate migration strategy, prioritising workloads and mapping dependencies between systems.
Risk management is also defined at this stage, including rollback procedures, testing requirements and how disruption will be minimised during transition.
3. Migrate and optimise
Workloads are moved according to the migration plan, followed by validation to ensure they perform as expected. This includes testing for latency, availability and integration with dependent systems.
Once in the cloud, optimisation aligns resources with demand, refines performance and ensures cost efficiency. This stage continues beyond the initial migration as requirements evolve.
Define your migration objectives
Before progressing, it is important to establish why you are migrating. Objectives often include improving scalability, increasing resilience or reducing reliance on legacy infrastructure.
These goals shape decisions throughout the migration. A migration focused on speed may prioritise rehosting, while one focused on long-term performance may require rearchitecting.
Clear objectives ensure that each stage of the migration aligns with business priorities.
Choose the right migration strategy
There are several established approaches to cloud migration, commonly referred to as the 6 R’s. Each represents a different balance between speed, complexity and long-term optimisation.
Rehosting (lift and shift): Involves moving workloads with minimal changes. This approach is often used when speed is a priority, although workloads may require optimisation later
Replatforming: Introduces targeted improvements without fully redesigning the application. This may include changes to databases, runtime environments or operating systems to better align with cloud infrastructure
Refactoring (rearchitecting): Involves redesigning applications to take full advantage of cloud capabilities. This improves scalability and performance but requires greater investment
Repurchasing: This means replacing an existing application with a cloud-based alternative, such as adopting a SaaS platform. This shifts responsibility for infrastructure and maintenance
Retiring: Involves decommissioning applications that are no longer required, reducing complexity and ongoing cost
Retaining: Refers to keeping certain workloads in their current environment where migration does not provide a clear benefit or introduces unnecessary risk
In practice, organisations apply a combination of these strategies across their estate. The appropriate choice depends on workload behaviour, dependencies and long-term operational requirements.
Plan the migration process in detail
Once strategy is defined, planning moves to a more detailed level. This includes sequencing workloads, defining migration waves and confirming how data will be transferred.
Dependencies between systems must be clearly mapped to avoid unexpected disruption. This also ensures that applications continue to function correctly as components are migrated.
Detailed planning provides the structure needed to execute migration with minimal risk.
Execute and validate the migration
During execution, workloads are moved according to the defined plan. This may involve replicating environments, transferring data and reconfiguring applications.
Validation ensures that systems perform as expected in the new environment. Testing focuses on performance, availability and integration across services.
Issues identified at this stage should be resolved before workloads are considered fully operational.
Establish governance and monitoring
Cloud environments require continuous oversight. Governance defines how resources are provisioned, how access is controlled and how compliance requirements are met.
Monitoring provides visibility into performance, usage and system behaviour. This allows teams to identify issues, manage costs and maintain stability.
Without governance and monitoring, it becomes difficult to maintain control as the environment scales.
What you should consider
Migrating to the cloud is not a single event. It is an ongoing process that affects how infrastructure is operated over time.
This includes considering:
- The suitability of workloads for cloud environments
- The level of change required for each application
- How migration risk will be managed
- How performance and cost will be optimised after migration
- What operational processes are required to manage the environment
A structured approach ensures that migration delivers long-term value.
The role of managed infrastructure
Cloud migration introduces ongoing operational requirements across performance, security and cost management.
A managed infrastructure provider supports these areas through continuous monitoring, optimisation and governance. This ensures that workloads remain stable and aligned with business requirements as they evolve.
The next steps
Understanding how to migrate to the cloud is the foundation for building a reliable and scalable infrastructure strategy.
If you are planning a migration or reviewing your current approach, a structured discussion can help define the most appropriate path forward. Contact us to speak to a member of our team.
