As we journey further into the digital age, cloud computing has become a ubiquitous part of most organisations’ IT infrastructure. Moving from traditional on-premises systems to the cloud is a complex decision-making process involving cost, scalability, security, and performance. There are three primary strategies for cloud migration: rehosting, re-platforming, and refactoring. Each approach has its own unique advantages, costs, and challenges. As an IT consultancy, Version 1 is here to help you navigate this decision and determine which cloud migration path is the right fit for your organization.

Rehosting

Rehosting, often referred to as “lift-and-shift,” is the process of moving applications to the cloud without any modification. This is often the fastest method of cloud migration, as it simply involves replicating the existing environment in the cloud. It’s a popular choice for organizations looking to quickly realize the benefits of cloud migration, like reducing data centre costs.

However, while rehosting is a quick and straightforward approach, it might not take full advantage of the features and functionalities that cloud-native applications offer. It’s a great first step for companies wanting to move swiftly, but it may not be the best long-term solution for those seeking to optimize their operations in the cloud.

Replatforming

Replatforming is a middle-of-the-road approach. It involves making a few cloud optimizations to achieve some tangible benefits without changing the core application architecture. This could mean moving an application to a fully managed platform or changing the database to a PaaS (Platform as a Service) database.

Replatforming can offer a good balance between cost and performance optimization. However, it may require more time and effort to execute than a simple rehosting approach, and not all applications will be suitable for this kind of migration.

Refactoring

Refactoring, also known as re-architecting, is the most complex approach to cloud migration. It involves completely overhauling the existing application and altering the code to take full advantage of the cloud’s capabilities. This could mean breaking down a monolithic application into microservices or re-coding an application to be serverless.

While this approach requires the most effort and technical expertise, it often yields the most significant benefits in terms of cost-effectiveness, performance, scalability, and flexibility. However, refactoring may not be the right choice if the existing application is meeting business needs effectively, or if the cost of refactoring doesn’t justify the potential benefits.

How Version 1 Can Help 

Choosing the right path for your Cloud Migration is crucial, and the decision should be based on your organization’s unique needs and circumstances. At Version 1, we understand the complexities of this process and are committed to guiding you on your cloud journey. We assess your current IT infrastructure, business goals, and budget constraints to help you select the most suitable migration strategy.

Our team of cloud migration experts can help you understand the potential advantages and challenges of each approach, providing comprehensive support to ensure a smooth, secure, and successful transition to the cloud. Whether you’re looking to rehost, re-platform, or refactor, Version 1 has the expertise and experience to guide your organization toward its digital transformation goals.

In conclusion, while each cloud migration strategy comes with its own pros and cons, the correct choice depends on your organization’s specific needs and long-term objectives. By partnering with a trusted IT consultancy like Version 1, you can ensure you’re on the right path to cloud success.

Leverage pre-defined deployment models for rapid, predictable results. Or, follow a customized roadmap that includes defined outcomes, timelines, change management, training, and support for any application or workload you need to migrate.

Explore Version 1 Cloud Services.