Introduction to Lift and Shift Cloud Migration

Are you looking forward to migrating your applications to the cloud? If so, you are most likely familiar with the lift and shift approach. Cloud method shifting is an optimal strategy that allows you to move your applications and associated data to the cloud without requiring a complete redesign. But is it the best choice for your organization? In this blog, we will explore the lift and shift approach, its benefits, and its potential drawbacks. We will also discuss five things you must consider while migrating to the cloud. So, if you are ready to embark on your cloud migration journey, let’s dive in and discover how to lift and shift work.

What Is Lift and Shift Cloud Migration?

The lift-and-shift approach to cloud migration entails transferring applications, systems, workloads, and data from on-premises infrastructure to the cloud with minimal modifications. The existing resources in the data center are replicated and migrated to a cloud environment, whether it is a single cloud, multi-cloud, or hybrid cloud setup.

During the lift and shift migration, applications are typically not modified as they cannot be completely redesigned to be cloud-native. In exceptional circumstances where slight modifications are feasible for lifted-and-shifted applications, the changes usually revolve around adjustments to the architecture. This characteristic sets lift-and-shift migration apart from other methods like refactoring and re-platforming, which require more extensive modifications to the code or architecture of applications for successful cloud migration.

5 Things to Consider for Cloud Migration

Before moving applications to the cloud, here are a few points for you to consider:

Refactor

PaaS, also known as Platform as a Service, enables you to deploy your applications on a cloud provider’s infrastructure. It offers the benefit of utilizing familiar programming languages, frameworks, and containers that are strategically valuable to your company. However, PaaS has limitations regarding capabilities, potential risks associated with component interactions, and the potential for framework lock-in.

Rehost

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), often referred to as lift and shift, involves transferring your application to a different hardware environment without modifying its architecture. This type of migration is typically fast and cost-effective initially, but it may lead to higher ongoing operational costs due to the need for utilization of cloud efficiencies.

Revise

In the beginning, you fulfill legacy-modernization requirements by making adjustments or expansions to the existing codebase. Subsequently, you can choose between rehosting or refactoring the application for cloud deployment. This approach allows you to utilize the cloud features provided by your infrastructure provider, although it necessitates some initial development expenditure.

Replace

Transition to utilizing commercially provided software as a service (SaaS) by discarding your existing application set. This strategy is advantageous when business function requirements change rapidly, as it eliminates the need to invest time and resources in assembling a development team. However, it is essential to be aware of potential issues that may arise, including inconsistent data semantics, complex data access, and the possibility of becoming locked into a specific vendor.

Rebuild

This step requires you to discard and rebuild your current application’s code. This allows you to leverage the innovative features provided by the platform, which can enhance developers’ productivity. However, this choice entails the risk of being locked into the platform or abandoning your application assets if the situation becomes unfavorable.

Benefits of Using the Lift and Shift Method

Here are some of the benefits of using the lift and shift cloud migration process:

Scalable and Cost Effective

Enterprises can leverage the scalability and cost efficiency offered by the cloud by migrating their on-premises backup and recovery resources. However, since refactoring or re-platforming can potentially impact the content of backups, opting for the lift-and-shift approach makes more practical sense.

Highly Efficient

Legacy applications developed before the mainstream adoption of cloud computing often cannot be easily modified or migrated to function efficiently within a cloud architecture. However, many legacy system applications can operate effectively when hosted in the cloud with minimal alterations. This is where the concept of lift-and-shift migration becomes relevant and valuable.

Highly Secure

Migration in cloud computing offers cyber security services to all types of applications, including legacy applications and systems. With little to no security issues in cloud computing, it gives access to advanced security features, such as unified hybrid security processes, multifactor authentication, and role-based access control.

Downsides of Using the Lift and Shift Method

While the cloud-shifting method provides immense benefits to its users, it is best to consider the following limitations associated with it:

Potential Security Risks

Before lifting and shifting an application to the cloud, you must examine its weaknesses, including unresolved faults or potential vulnerabilities. Once in the cloud, these issues can lead to various security risks by causing great havoc within the cloud environment compared to an isolated on-premises setup.

Underlying Costs

The cost advantage often emphasized by proponents of the lift-and-shift approach primarily applies to the initial phase of migration rather than long-term savings. Regarding ongoing expenses, shifting to the cloud through this strategy involves transitioning from capital expenditure (CapEx) to operating expenditure (OpEx).

Additionally, if significant changes are needed after the migration for lifted-and-shifted applications, or if they do not demonstrate substantial performance improvements, the lift-and-shift approach can be considered a sunk cost.

High Latency and Other Performance Issues

Initially hosted on-premises, legacy applications, and other platforms may exhibit higher latency or decreased performance after migrating to the cloud. While simpler commercial applications generally pose little difficulty, complex applications that underwent significant modifications while on-premises, such as a custom software development platform, might encounter challenges during the transition to the cloud. In such instances, additional adjustments and changes will be necessary after the migration to ensure optimal compatibility and performance.

The Bottom Line

The lift and shift strategy for cloud migration entails transferring applications, systems, workloads, and data to the cloud with minimal or no alterations. While it offers certain benefits, there are important factors to consider. Refactoring legacy applications for cloud-native architecture may be challenging, making the lift and shift a practical option. However, assessing any vulnerabilities before migration is essential for avoiding security risks. The upfront cost savings of lift and shift should be weighed against long-term expenses, as ongoing operational costs may increase. Additionally, there can be latency and performance issues, particularly with complex applications. All in all, lift and shift can be a valuable strategy, but it requires careful consideration of the specific application and its requirements before proceeding with the migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Lift and Shift in Cloud?

The term ‘lift and shift’ in the cloud refers to an approach that involves moving your application and data to the cloud without any significant changes.

What Is the Lift and Shift Principle?

The lift and shift principle works on minimizing the costs associated with on-premises IT infrastructure and refactoring the application as it moves to the cloud. It may include changing the code, structure, and design of the app.