AWS Cloud Migration FAQs: A Complete Guide for Businesses
Migrating to the cloud can be a game-changer for your business, but it’s also a complex process that raises many questions. Whether you’re transitioning from an on-premises environment or switching cloud providers, this FAQ guide will help you navigate AWS cloud migration with confidence.
1. Why should I migrate to AWS?
AWS offers several advantages over traditional on-premises infrastructure and other cloud providers:
- Cost Savings: Reduce hardware, maintenance, and operational costs.
- Scalability: Easily scale resources up or down based on demand.
- Security: AWS provides robust security features and compliance certifications.
- Performance & Reliability: A global network of data centers ensures high availability.
- Innovation: Leverage AI, ML, and IoT technologies with AWS-native tools.
2. What are the key steps in an AWS cloud migration?
AWS follows a three-phase migration approach:
- Assess: Evaluate your current infrastructure, business goals, and readiness for cloud adoption.
- Mobilize: Address any gaps, establish a cloud foundation (landing zone), and train your team.
- Migrate & Modernize: Move workloads to AWS and optimize them for cloud efficiency.
3. What are the 7 R’s of AWS migration?
AWS provides seven migration strategies based on business needs:
- Rehost – “Lift and Shift” applications without modification.
- Replatform – Make minor cloud optimizations without changing the core architecture.
- Refactor – Rearchitect applications to leverage cloud-native features.
- Relocate – Move VMware-based workloads to AWS without changes.
- Repurchase – Replace existing software with cloud-native SaaS solutions.
- Retain – Keep some applications on-premises if necessary.
4. How does AWS compare to Azure for cloud migration?
AWS is the most experienced cloud provider with a larger global infrastructure than Azure. AWS also leads in performance, security, and reliability.
| Feature | AWS | Azure |
|---|---|---|
| Market Leadership | Most experienced cloud provider with 17+ years of leadership | Second-largest cloud provider |
| Infrastructure | 108 availability zones across 34 regions | 65+ regions (50 GA, 31 with 3+ AZs) |
| Performance & Reliability | 99.99% availability, lower downtime, highly redundant infrastructure | 4x more downtime than AWS in 2024 (Gartner) |
| Security & Compliance | More security certifications & compliance programs | Complex security model, mixed customer feedback |
| Cost Optimization | Savings Plans, Spot Instances, Graviton, AWS MAP for cost reductions | Hybrid benefits, licensing discounts for existing Microsoft users |
| Migration Support | AWS Migration Acceleration Program (MAP), robust tooling | Azure Migrate, but fewer automation features |
| Hybrid & Multicloud | AWS Outposts, VMware Cloud on AWS, and hybrid tools | Strong hybrid focus with Azure Arc and multi-cloud flexibility |
5. How long does it take to migrate to AWS?
The timeline depends on the complexity of your workloads. Small migrations may take weeks, while enterprise migrations with hundreds of applications can take months to over a year.
6. What tools does AWS provide for migration?
AWS offers several migration tools:
- AWS Migration Hub – Centralized tracking of migrations.
- AWS Application Migration Service – Automates rehosting of workloads.
- AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) – Moves databases with minimal downtime.
- AWS Snowball – Transfers large amounts of data physically.
- AWS Well-Architected Tool – Assesses cloud architecture for best practices.
7. How can I estimate AWS migration costs?
Use the AWS Pricing Calculator to estimate costs based on usage. AWS also offers the Migration Acceleration Program (MAP) to offset costs with credits and funding.
8. How do I ensure my data is secure during migration?
AWS provides built-in encryption, access controls, and compliance tools to protect data during and after migration. Security best practices include:
- Using AWS Identity & Access Management (IAM) for controlled access.
- Encrypting data at rest and in transit using AWS Key Management Service (KMS).
- Implementing AWS Security Hub and GuardDuty for real-time threat dete
9. What happens after migration?
Once migrated, businesses should optimize workloads using AWS services like:
- Auto Scaling to manage demand fluctuations.
- AWS Cost Explorer to track cloud spend and optimize resources.
- Amazon CloudWatch for performance monitoring.
10. Where can I get AWS migration support?
AWS and its partner network (like Aligned Technology Group) provide consulting, support, and cost optimization strategies. Contact us for an AWS migration assessment.
AWS Official Reference Links
AWS Migration Overview
🔗 AWS Cloud Migration Services
🔗 AWS Migration Acceleration Program (MAP)
🔗 AWS Migration Hub
AWS Migration Strategies & Tools
🔗 AWS 7 R’s Migration Strategy
🔗 AWS Application Migration Service
🔗 AWS Database Migration Service (DMS)
AWS Cost & Security Optimization
🔗 AWS Cost Optimization
🔗 AWS Security & Compliance
🔗 AWS Trusted Advisor
Contact us for an AWS migration assessment.
Last Updated on March 3, 2025 by Lauryn Colatuno
