Last updated on December 28th, 2023
While moving applications to the public cloud is becoming more common, it is still a significant undertaking. Before beginning, a business must decide what kinds of applications will be moved to the cloud, in what order, and if any modifications will be necessary for the applications to function correctly.
Identifying what applications are currently in use is the first step in any migration strategy. An organization’s first step should be to evaluate its current state of application infrastructure. There are vendors out there who provide tools specifically for this purpose. For instance, the Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit can be used to gain insight into the software that runs on enterprise networks, allowing for a more informed decision about which applications should be migrated to the Azure public cloud. Amazon also provides a similar service called the AWS Application Discovery Service to facilitate moves to its public cloud.
Following this evaluation, the next step in planning an Application Migration is establishing a timeline for the migration. Prioritize the applications with the most negligible strategic value. Applications that employees require to do their jobs but which are not mission-critical to the company fall into this category. In the event of the failure of a scheduling application used by a single division, the consequences for the company as a whole would be relatively minor. However, when an online store’s app experiences technical difficulties, it can cost business owners money.
Similarly, email is a prime candidate for initial cloud migration. IT departments have a good handle on these programs, and if anything goes wrong, staff members can always resort to more traditional methods of contact, like phone calls or text messages. Here, you will find a detailed instructional guide that will help you easily migrate your applications.
What is an Application Migration?
“Application migration” refers to moving an app, its associated data, and its hosting servers to a cloud service. Businesses use this procedure to move their on-premises applications to the public, private, or hybrid cloud environments.
Private cloud computing, on the other hand, lets businesses control and host their cloud resources rather than making those resources available to the public. All users are free to buy and use the services offered by public cloud environments because they are delivered over the open internet.
Businesses can use the public cloud while maintaining control over their data in a hybrid cloud environment. Companies can use the public cloud’s scalability and low-cost computing power for routine tasks while keeping mission-critical apps and data safe behind a corporate firewall.
When is Application Migration Necessary?
The best way to update your apps is to think about app migration as part of a larger modernization strategy. Before making any changes, it is essential to analyze the existing hardware and software within an organization thoroughly. Planning out all hardware, software, and data needs before making any changes is critical to a successful modernization project, which is an investment with a potentially significant return if appropriately handled. Moving individual applications without this road map can impede further modernization efforts or drive up the total cost of modernization, for example, if one app is no longer maintained or becomes too expensive to run.
Should You Make the Switch to the Cloud, an Online Hosting Provider, or a Privately Managed Server?
The ideal setting depends heavily on the type of app being migrated. It’s possible to find apps that can only be used on the developer’s servers, while others are designed to be used on the go. Having a server located off-site, either internally managed or outsourced to a third party, may be the best option if the company wants to reduce the amount of time and effort spent on infrastructure management. It is also possible to run software on a server in the local network managed entirely in-house.
Also, read: Top 10 Emerging Mobile App Development Technologies for 2023
Application Migration deals with Specific issues
1. Interoperability
As was previously mentioned, app migration should be undertaken as part of a larger strategy to update. This ensures a smooth migration and the continued functionality of all components.
2. Portability
When app development is done in-house, moving the app to a new host is typically not an option because the app is locked down, and no outside developers have access to the back end. In other cases, the apps may be too tied to other running processes to be easily relocated. Purchase of new applications, middleware, or software designed to bridge gaps or to have developers re-engineer and rehost applications by extracting them from their containers are all viable options for addressing these problems.
3. Continuity
Reducing the disruption caused by app migration is a significant priority for any company. In most cases, this can be kept to a minimum by performing migrations during low-volume times and by relocating applications individually.
4. Loss of Data
Even if an app can be easily ported from one platform to another, the data may not make the transition uncorrupted. It is crucial to have application migration experts on board before beginning the process, as this will significantly reduce or even eliminate the possibility of data loss.
5. Protecting Individuality and Confidentiality
Data security and privacy are mainly concerned when transitioning from a self-hosted environment, where the company manages security and privacy aspects, to a third-party hosted environment or software as a service. Those in charge of the switch must guarantee that the new setting is secure for the data type the app will use and complies with all relevant regulations. This is a problem when apps are kept on-premises and managed by employees, but in-house teams better understand the company’s requirements and compliance standards.
Critical Procedures for Moving Applications
It can be easier for businesses to understand how to migrate their applications to the cloud with prior experience. Companies can find clarity and simplicity in this process by adhering to the below guidelines.
1. Rehost
When you rehost, you move your company’s currently installed applications to a remote server. To put it briefly, you move your existing programs to the cloud. This is the safest and most straightforward approach, as the application can be moved without any changes. Companies can save money with this approach because they avoid the expense of maintaining and operating physical facilities.
2. Refactor
The process of re-architecting or refactoring an application to make it suitable in the cloud entails a complete rewrite of the code. Any business that wants to increase agility through application and infrastructure upgrades can use this tactic. This tactic can be helpful for software engineers who want to try out new applications while taking advantage of the benefits of cloud hosting.
3. Revise
The revised strategy entails modifying the core architecture and code of the application before the migration. The changes aim to make the app compatible with cloud services. Because of the technical nature of the task, either your in-house technical staff or an outside development firm will need to participate. The only drawback of this tactic is that it can be time-consuming and costly at the outset.
4. Rebuild
It is essential first to identify redundant applications before moving them to the cloud. This approach necessitates a complete rewrite of the application by the company and its developers. When an application’s features and architecture no longer mesh with modern business needs and technologies, it may be time to start from scratch. Toss out your current apps if they aren’t worth keeping around for your company. Your development teams can put these savings to better use by creating more robust and valuable software.
5. Replace
If an app is no longer supported or does not work in the cloud, it will be removed from use entirely. The best solution is to replace the current software with a SaaS application, either developed in-house or available to the public.
Taking into account your organization’s specific needs, you will need to develop an application migration strategy that takes advantage of the cloud without jeopardizing security, everyday business tasks, existing legacy systems, or exhausting the budget.
Important Article: An Ultimate Guide of Web Application Architecture: Components & Layers
Taking Advantage of Application Migration
Many positive outcomes can result from app migration if the issues mentioned above are resolved, and a well-thought-out strategy makes the change.
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Performance
Improving overall performance helps businesses cater to the requirements of their customers and end users.
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Security
Organizations can secure their environments to meet their specific requirements.
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Scalability
The availability of additional rooms is a boon to businesses. Because of the inherent smoothness of most cloud-based solutions, this effect is accentuated when switching between different levels.
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Resources
The IT departments and the business’s needs can be met by tailoring resource allocation.
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Simplification
Consolidating complex infrastructure allows for easier monitoring of apps.
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Agility
The IT staff is ready to act swiftly and even proactively in any situation.
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Cost
The costs of application migration may seem high initially, but the long-term benefits of increased productivity and adaptability more than make up for the initial investment.
Related Article: What Do You Mean by Mobile App Architecture? The Basis of App Ecosystem
Are You Looking For Application Migration Services to different Cloud?
The process of migrating applications to the cloud can pave the way for further transformation and innovation, such as the modernization of these applications. Many resources exist to help businesses successfully migrate their applications to the cloud. However, before jumping on board, you should always consider investing in application migration consulting.
