Cloud Migration Strategy: The 7Rs Framework

 Referred Link - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/anil-kumar-chokkakula-266605330_cloudmigration-azure-aws-activity-7327720732124217344-XXz6

Cloud Migration Strategy: The 7Rs Framework

Whether you're migrating to Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud (GCP) — the path to the cloud isn't one-size-fits-all. This powerful visual illustrates the 7Rs of Cloud Migration, a strategic framework that helps organizations make informed decisions about which workloads to move, modernize, or retire.

Here’s how the 7Rs apply in a multi-cloud context:

1. Rehost (Lift-and-Shift)
📌 Minimal changes, maximum speed
Move workloads as-is from on-prem to cloud (e.g., AWS EC2, Azure VMs, GCP Compute Engine).
✔️ Best for legacy systems or tight migration timelines.
💡 Tools: Azure Migrate, AWS Application Migration Service, Google Migrate for Compute Engine.

2. Replatform (Lift and Shift)
📌 Minor modifications for better performance
Upgrade components — like migrating databases to Azure SQL Managed Instance, Amazon RDS, or Cloud SQL.
✔️ Improves scalability & reduces operational overhead.
💡 Optimize app layers without full re-architecture.

3. Repurchase (Drop-and-Shop)
📌 Switch to SaaS
Move from self-hosted apps to cloud-native SaaS (e.g., replace CRM with Salesforce, Dynamics 365, or Google Workspace).
✔️ Ideal for reducing maintenance and licensing costs.
💡 Enables modern, agile operations with minimal infrastructure.

4. Refactor (Re-architect)
📌 Redesign for cloud-native architecture
Break down monoliths into microservices using Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), AWS Lambda, or Google Cloud Run.
✔️ Enables CI/CD, scalability and resilience.
💡 Ideal for mission-critical apps with long-term modernization goals.

5. Relocate (Many Providers)
📌 Shift workloads across cloud environments
Migrate VMs between cloud providers or between on-prem and cloud.
✔️ Useful in hybrid or multi-cloud setups.
💡 Tools: VMware on AWS, Azure Arc, GCP Anthos, Fortinet SD-WAN for seamless migration.

6. Retire (Decommission)
📌 Shut down obsolete or unused workloads
Reduce costs and complexity by identifying applications no longer needed.
✔️ Every migration should start with rationalization.
💡 Use tools like Azure Advisor, AWS Trusted Advisor, or Google Active Assist for cost insights.

7. Retain (Revisit Later)
📌 Keep workloads on-prem for now
Not all apps are cloud-ready (e.g., due to regulatory or latency constraints).
✔️ Retain certain systems temporarily while the cloud strategy matures.
💡 Integrate with cloud via VPN, ExpressRoute, AWS Direct Connect, or GCP Interconnect.

*Why the 7Rs Matter
✔️ Helps avoid a one-size-fits-all approach
✔️ Aligns IT modernization with business priorities
✔️ Reduces risk, improves ROI, and accelerates cloud adoption

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