Moving software or an application from one computing environment to another is definitely a relevant variant nowadays because of the constant changes that are happening in the IT sphere and beyond. Usually, an app is developed for a specific operating system and in particular network architectures. Or, it can be developed for a single cloud platform only. There are different cases why your company may need software transferring. For example, it is required to move it from one data center to another or from the public cloud to a private one. You may also have to perform app transfer from an on-premises server to a cloud provider’s environment. All in all, there are many types of computing environments, such as server, cloud, laptop, data center, and more, which is why sometimes it is impossible to avoid this situation.
Your company may need different web application development services, and the application migration is the one that can be challenging to perform. Therefore, today, we will take a closer look at this scenario and show you which details it is advised to pay attention to in order to migrate software successfully.
Application Migration Approaches to Know About
It is usually a lot easier to transfer software from virtualized architectures than the ones that run on physical hardware. Application migration to the cloud is one of the most popular processes among companies, because they want to get the most out of it. This process leads them to quicker updates, improved cost structure, and responsive scalability, which is the must when you need to meet possible changes. To successfully perform this process with your project, it is important to know which patterns and techniques can be used.
Cloud-based software can be an excellent solution for your business, but you need to understand that, in case of software migration, you have two different environments each requiring an individual approach. That is why both the starting environment and the target one should be carefully reviewed, and such factors as compliance and safety should be checked. There are also various approaches that you can go for, so let’s take a closer look at the following options:
- Rehosting
This is one of the most common cloud migration approaches, which simply means taking an app from your current on-site setup and relocating it to the cloud. There are almost no changes required from you, because software is shifted as it is, which is why it is usually quicker compared to migration strategies. Besides that, your company does not have to deal with operational and infrastructure costs. However, you should be ready for the long-term expenses of running apps in this environment to be possibly higher.
- Replatforming
This one is also known as the revised strategy, and it involves the modification of the legacy system in order to let it work optimally in the cloud. The core architecture is not rewritten, but some changes and upgrading should be done. In spite of the required modifications, the existing functionality is preserved in this case.
Read Also How Legacy Software Modernization Helps Replacing Hidden Costs With Obvious Benefits
- Refactoring
Refactor approach, on the other hand, pressures you to transform your project entirely so that it becomes a cloud-native app. This migration process is also known as the re-architecture approach, and it is the complete opposite of rehosting. The code has to be written for the application. It is an advantageous option for those who want to get the maximum benefits of using a cloud environment.
- Rebuilding
This is similar to refactoring, but this approach requires drastic decisions. In this case, you are building your software from scratch. It happens less often than other options, however there can be situations when your current app is so outdated and irrelevant to your business that it is a lot easier to scrap it and build a new one. It may seem like all-or-nothing thinking, but it will make more sense to start over and develop a new version for the relevant environment than to continue dragging the project that has small chances of saving.
- Replacement
This is another drastic situation, and this one involves two applications. The first one is your current software that is obsolete or is not suitable for the cloud environment, and the second one is another app that you transfer the date to. Thus, you abandon your project completely and choose substitute software that is already working in the cloud environment the intended way.
Risks, Milestones, and Stages That You Need to Prepare For
Application modernization is not an easy task that you do every day. Without following the strategies and practices that are already trusted by many, you may run into some issues. Thus, there are certain risks that you need to know about before starting application transfering. For example, you can meet with some unexpected technical challenges that can be time-consuming and complicated to undertake. Unpredictable costs as well as unforeseen downtime are the risks that your stakeholders are also concerned about when the application migration process is needed. That is why it is vital to explore all the approaches, understand more about possible risks, and be able to adapt to the required changes.
Read Also How a Risk Management Plan Can Stop the Overflow of Different Business Risks
Before getting down to the migration process, you should also define security requirements, know which cloud resources you already use, and review the overall state of the computing environment and software. If you determine all these factors along with the plausible risks, it will be easier and safer for you to proceed with the plan. You cannot act without having one, which is why let’s look at the main application migration steps that are required from your team.
Step 1. Evaluation of your app and creating the team of relevant specialists
Create an application portfolio so that everyone will be able to see ins and outs and won’t miss vital features. Gather those technical experts that are needed for the process, include the key business representatives if needed. It should be clear for each stakeholder how the process will be executed and how complex it might be.
Step 2. Determination of the total cost and time consumption
Every project task can be a reason for spending more resources and time or can help your team to transfer software with less issues and faster. It depends, which is why it is essential to understand where these resources are needed more. Purchasing, maintenance, and every other operation cost – everything has to be evaluated and outlined.
Step 3. Creation and following of the plan for application migration
This is when it finally starts. The very process of shifting needs to be preplanned so that every party knows what to do. It is also advised to use a mock application and test out the environment to know how to act with the real app. Regular testing as well as sandboxing can help greatly in this case. After the app is ready for transferring, move it by chunks. Separate the whole process in phases, and developers will have better control over the situation in case something unpredictable happens. Perform follow-up tests after you complete the migration.
Conclusions
Migrating applications from one environment to another is like moving out to a new house. It can be exhausting, fun, you can lose some things along the way, and then look for them in the boxes for ages. That is why it is important to move some parts beforehand and distribute others equally. Just like you mark each box with ‘kitchen’, ‘bedroom’ or ‘utensils’, ‘fav cups’. If you have an application migration plan and every participant is ready to head out, you will be able to perform it successfully.
If you want to be sure that you follow the right steps or you want to know more about our services, please contact us, and our experts will be happy to assist you.