Comprehensive framework providing guidance across business, platform, security, and operations pillars for successful cloud adoption.
Migration Acceleration Program (MAP)
Proven methodology to accelerate enterprise cloud migration through assessment, readiness, and migration phases.
Enterprise-Scale Architecture
Solution architect's guide for planning, designing, and executing large-scale cloud migrations.
By: Tech Fusionist
Executive Summary
Migration Scope and Objectives
Defining the migration scope involves clearly outlining which applications, workloads, and data will be moved to the AWS cloud. Objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART), focusing on business outcomes such as cost reduction, improved agility, and enhanced scalability.
Key Success Metrics and KPIs
Key success metrics include factors like reduced operational costs, improved application performance, and increased business agility. KPIs should be established to track progress and measure the success of the migration, such as reduced infrastructure spending, faster deployment cycles, and improved customer satisfaction.
Enterprise Migration Timeline Overview
The enterprise migration timeline provides a high-level schedule of the migration process, including key milestones and deadlines. It should encompass assessment, planning, migration, validation, and optimization phases, with realistic timelines and dependencies identified.
Assessment Phase: Current Infrastructure Analysis
1
Infrastructure Discovery Tools
Utilizing automated tools to discover and document the existing IT infrastructure is crucial. These tools help gather information about servers, applications, databases, and network components. Examples include AWS Application Discovery Service and third-party solutions like ServiceNow and BMC Discovery.
2
Server Utilization Metrics
Collecting server utilization metrics such as CPU, memory, disk I/O, and network traffic provides insights into resource consumption patterns. This data is essential for right-sizing resources in AWS and optimizing costs. Tools like CloudWatch, Datadog, and New Relic can be used for monitoring.
3
Application Dependency Mapping
Mapping application dependencies identifies the relationships between different applications, services, and infrastructure components. This helps understand the impact of migration on dependent systems and ensures a smooth transition. Tools like AppDynamics and Dynatrace can be used.
Migration Readiness Assessment (MRA)
AWS Cloud Adoption Framework Analysis
Evaluating the organization's readiness across the six perspectives of the AWS Cloud Adoption Framework:
Key CAF Perspectives
Business
People
Governance
Platform
Security
Operations
Assessment Outcomes
This evaluation identifies strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
Technical Skills Assessment
Analyzing the technical capabilities of the IT team to identify gaps in skills and knowledge required for cloud migration.
Core Competency Areas
Cloud architecture
DevOps
Security
Automation
Skill Development
Training and upskilling initiatives can address these gaps.
Organizational Preparation Checklist
A checklist to assess the organization's overall readiness for cloud migration.
Key Assessment Areas
Leadership support
Stakeholder alignment
Communication plans
Change management processes
Expected Outcome
This ensures that the organization is prepared to embrace the changes brought about by cloud adoption.
Portfolio Discovery and Planning
Understanding Your Application Landscape
Application Portfolio Analysis
Analyzing the application portfolio to understand the characteristics of each application, including its business criticality, technical complexity, and compliance requirements. This helps in determining the appropriate migration strategy for each application.
Migration Strategy Planning
7R Strategy Application
Applying the 7R migration strategies (Rehost, Replatform, Refactor, Repurchase, Retain, Retire, Relocate) to each application based on its characteristics and business requirements. This ensures that the most appropriate migration approach is selected for each application.
Strategic Migration Sequencing
Prioritization Framework
Establishing a framework for prioritizing applications for migration based on factors such as business value, technical feasibility, and risk. This helps in sequencing the migration waves and ensuring that the most critical applications are migrated first.
Business Case Development
1
TCO Calculation Methodology
Establishing a methodology for calculating the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of the current on-premises infrastructure. This includes costs such as hardware, software, maintenance, power, and cooling. The TCO provides a baseline for comparing the costs of running applications in AWS.
2
ROI Analysis Framework
Developing a framework for analyzing the Return on Investment (ROI) of migrating applications to AWS. This includes benefits such as reduced infrastructure costs, improved application performance, and increased business agility. The ROI analysis helps justify the migration project.
3
Cost Modeling Tools
Using cost modeling tools to estimate the costs of running applications in AWS. These tools take into account factors such as instance types, storage options, and network bandwidth. Examples include the AWS Pricing Calculator and third-party tools like Cloudability.
Security and Compliance Requirements
1
Regulatory Compliance Mapping
Mapping regulatory compliance requirements such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR, and FedRAMP to AWS services and controls. This ensures that the migration project meets all applicable regulatory requirements. AWS provides compliance documentation and resources to assist with this.
2
Security Control Frameworks
Implementing security control frameworks such as NIST, ISO 27001, and SOC 2 in AWS. This helps establish a consistent and comprehensive security posture in the cloud. AWS provides services and tools to support these frameworks.
3
Data Privacy Requirements
Addressing data privacy requirements such as data residency, encryption, and access control in AWS. This ensures that sensitive data is protected in accordance with applicable regulations and policies. AWS provides services such as KMS and CloudHSM to support data privacy.
Network Architecture Assessment
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Current Network Topology
Documenting the current network topology, including network devices, connections, and configurations. This provides a baseline for designing the network architecture in AWS. Network diagrams and documentation should be reviewed.
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Bandwidth Requirements
Assessing the bandwidth requirements of the applications and services that will be migrated to AWS. This helps in selecting the appropriate network connectivity options and ensuring that sufficient bandwidth is available. Network monitoring tools can be used to gather bandwidth data.
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Latency Considerations
Identifying latency-sensitive applications and services and taking steps to minimize latency in AWS. This may involve selecting AWS regions that are geographically close to users, optimizing network configurations, and using caching strategies. Latency testing tools can be used.
Data Migration Strategy
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Data Volume Assessment
Estimating the volume of data that needs to be migrated to AWS. This helps in selecting the appropriate data transfer methods and estimating the time and cost of the migration. Data profiling tools can be used to assess data volume.
2
Transfer Methods Selection
Selecting the appropriate data transfer methods based on factors such as data volume, transfer speed, security requirements, and cost. Options include AWS Snowball, AWS DataSync, AWS Storage Gateway, and direct network connections.
3
AWS Storage Gateway Configuration
Configuring AWS Storage Gateway to provide on-premises applications with access to data stored in AWS. This can be used for hybrid cloud scenarios and for migrating data to AWS. Storage Gateway supports file, volume, and tape interfaces.
Application Dependency Mapping
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Application Discovery Tools
Employing application discovery tools to automatically identify and document the dependencies between applications, services, and infrastructure components. This helps in understanding the impact of migration on dependent systems.
2
Service Dependency Visualization
Visualizing service dependencies to identify critical paths and potential bottlenecks. This helps in planning the migration waves and ensuring that dependent systems are migrated together. Dependency mapping tools can be used for visualization.
3
Integration Points Identification
Identifying integration points between applications and services, such as APIs, databases, and message queues. This helps in ensuring that these integrations continue to function correctly after the migration.
Target Architecture Design
Aligning the target architecture with the AWS Well-Architected Framework ensures that the design is reliable, secure, efficient, and cost-effective. High-availability design, disaster recovery planning, and scalability considerations are crucial aspects of the target architecture.
Landing Zone Setup
AWS Control Tower Implementation
Implementing AWS Control Tower to automate the setup of a multi-account environment. Control Tower provides a standardized and secure foundation for running workloads in AWS.
Multi-Account Strategy
Implementing a multi-account strategy to isolate workloads and improve security. Each account can be used for a different environment, such as development, testing, and production.
Identity and Access Management
Configuring identity and access management (IAM) to control access to AWS resources. IAM policies and roles should be used to grant least-privilege access to users and applications.
Network Design
VPC Architecture
Designing the Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) architecture to provide a private and isolated network environment in AWS. VPCs should be designed to meet the specific requirements of the applications and services that will be running in them.
Subnet Planning
Planning the subnets within the VPC to isolate different tiers of the application and to control network traffic. Subnets should be sized appropriately and configured with the correct CIDR blocks.
Route Tables Configuration
Configuring route tables to control the flow of network traffic within the VPC and to the internet. Route tables should be configured to route traffic to the appropriate subnets and to the internet gateway.
Security Architecture
1
AWS Security Hub Integration
Integrating AWS Security Hub to provide a central view of security alerts and compliance status across the AWS environment. Security Hub aggregates findings from various security services.
2
GuardDuty Implementation
Implementing GuardDuty to detect malicious activity and unauthorized behavior in the AWS environment. GuardDuty uses machine learning and threat intelligence to identify potential security threats.
3
WAF Configuration
Configuring the AWS Web Application Firewall (WAF) to protect web applications from common web exploits. WAF can be used to block malicious traffic and to prevent SQL injection and cross-site scripting attacks.
Monitoring and Logging Framework
CloudWatch Setup
Setting up CloudWatch to monitor the performance of AWS resources and applications. CloudWatch can be used to collect metrics, set alarms, and create dashboards.
X-Ray Implementation
Implementing X-Ray to trace requests as they travel through the application. X-Ray helps identify performance bottlenecks and troubleshoot issues.
Centralized Logging Strategy
Implementing a centralized logging strategy to collect and analyze logs from all AWS resources and applications. This helps in troubleshooting issues and in meeting compliance requirements.
Backup and Recovery Design
AWS Backup Implementation
Implementing AWS Backup to centrally manage and automate backups of AWS resources. AWS Backup supports a variety of backup targets.
Recovery Point Objectives (RPO)
Defining the Recovery Point Objective (RPO) for each application. RPO is the maximum acceptable amount of data loss in the event of a disaster.
Recovery Time Objectives (RTO)
Defining the Recovery Time Objective (RTO) for each application. RTO is the maximum acceptable amount of time to restore an application in the event of a disaster.
Cost Management Strategy
1
AWS Cost Explorer Setup
Setting up AWS Cost Explorer to visualize and analyze AWS spending. Cost Explorer can be used to identify cost trends and to forecast future spending.
2
Budget Alerts Configuration
Configuring budget alerts to notify when AWS spending exceeds a specified threshold. This helps in controlling costs and in preventing unexpected charges.
3
Resource Tagging Strategy
Implementing a resource tagging strategy to organize and track AWS resources. Tags can be used to allocate costs to different departments or projects.
Migration Tools Selection
1
AWS Migration Hub Setup
Setting up AWS Migration Hub to track the progress of the migration. Migration Hub provides a central view of the migration status.
2
Application Discovery Service
Using Application Discovery Service to discover and assess on-premises applications. Application Discovery Service collects information about servers, applications, and dependencies.
3
Server Migration Service (SMS)
Using Server Migration Service (SMS) to migrate on-premises servers to AWS. SMS automates the migration process and reduces the risk of errors.
Database Migration Planning
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Schema Conversion Strategy
Developing a strategy for converting the database schema to be compatible with the target database engine in AWS. The AWS Schema Conversion Tool can be used for this purpose.
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Data Migration Methods
Selecting the appropriate data migration methods based on factors such as data volume, downtime requirements, and network bandwidth. Options include online migration, offline migration, and snapshot migration.
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Performance Optimization
Optimizing the performance of the database in AWS. This may involve selecting the appropriate instance type, configuring storage, and tuning the database parameters.
Application Migration Patterns
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Rehosting (Lift-and-Shift)
Rehosting involves migrating the application to AWS without making any code changes. This is the simplest and fastest migration pattern.
2
Replatforming Considerations
Replatforming involves making minimal code changes to the application to take advantage of AWS services. This may involve migrating to a managed database or using a container service.
3
Refactoring Guidelines
Refactoring involves making significant code changes to the application to take full advantage of AWS services. This may involve rewriting the application to be cloud-native.
Testing Strategy
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Unit Testing Framework
Establishing a unit testing framework to test individual components of the application. Unit tests should be automated and run frequently.
2
Integration Testing Plan
Developing an integration testing plan to test the interactions between different components of the application. Integration tests should be run in a staging environment.
3
Performance Testing Methodology
Establishing a performance testing methodology to test the performance of the application under load. Performance tests should be run in a production-like environment.
Pilot Migration Planning
Planning a pilot migration to test the migration process and to identify any issues. The pilot migration should be limited in scope and should have clear success criteria and rollback procedures.
Resource Sizing and Optimization
EC2 Instance Sizing
Sizing EC2 instances appropriately based on the application's resource requirements. AWS provides a variety of instance types to choose from.
Storage Optimization
Optimizing storage costs by selecting the appropriate storage option and by using storage lifecycle policies. AWS provides a variety of storage options to choose from.
Database Sizing
Sizing the database appropriately based on the application's data volume and performance requirements. AWS provides a variety of database options to choose from.
Identity and Access Management
IAM Policies Design
Designing IAM policies to grant least-privilege access to AWS resources. IAM policies should be specific to the application's requirements.
Role-Based Access Control
Implementing role-based access control (RBAC) to manage access to AWS resources. RBAC simplifies the management of IAM policies.
Federation Setup
Setting up federation to allow users to access AWS resources using their existing credentials. This simplifies the management of user accounts.
Containerization Strategy
1
Docker Implementation
Implementing Docker to containerize applications. Docker provides a consistent and portable environment for running applications.
2
ECS/EKS Setup
Setting up ECS (Elastic Container Service) or EKS (Elastic Kubernetes Service) to manage containerized applications in AWS. ECS and EKS provide a scalable and reliable platform for running containers.
3
Container Security
Implementing container security best practices to protect containerized applications from security threats. This includes scanning images for vulnerabilities and using network policies to control traffic between containers.
CI/CD Pipeline Setup
CodePipeline Configuration
Configuring CodePipeline to automate the build, test, and deployment of applications. CodePipeline provides a continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipeline.
CodeBuild Implementation
Implementing CodeBuild to build and test applications. CodeBuild provides a managed build service.
CodeDeploy Setup
Setting up CodeDeploy to deploy applications to AWS. CodeDeploy automates the deployment process and reduces the risk of errors.
Data Transfer Methods
AWS Snowball Implementation
Using AWS Snowball to transfer large amounts of data to AWS. Snowball is a physical storage device that can be shipped to AWS.
Direct Connect Setup
Setting up Direct Connect to provide a dedicated network connection between on-premises infrastructure and AWS. Direct Connect provides a more reliable and secure connection than the internet.
VPN Configuration
Configuring a VPN to provide a secure connection between on-premises infrastructure and AWS. VPNs use encryption to protect data in transit.
Application Performance Monitoring
1
CloudWatch Metrics
Collecting CloudWatch metrics to monitor the performance of applications. CloudWatch metrics include CPU utilization, memory utilization, and network traffic.
2
Custom Metrics Setup
Setting up custom metrics to monitor application-specific performance indicators. Custom metrics can be used to track business metrics and to identify performance issues.
3
Performance Baselines
Establishing performance baselines to identify deviations from normal behavior. Baselines can be used to detect performance issues and to trigger alerts.
Disaster Recovery Implementation
1
Pilot Light Setup
Setting up a pilot light disaster recovery environment to minimize costs. The pilot light environment contains only the minimum resources required to recover the application.
2
Warm Standby Configuration
Configuring a warm standby disaster recovery environment to reduce recovery time. The warm standby environment contains a fully functional copy of the application.
3
Multi-Region Strategy
Implementing a multi-region disaster recovery strategy to protect against regional outages. The multi-region strategy involves running the application in multiple AWS regions.
Change Management Process
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Change Control Procedures
Establishing change control procedures to manage changes to the AWS environment. Change control procedures should include approval workflows and documentation requirements.
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Approval Workflows
Implementing approval workflows to ensure that changes are reviewed and approved by the appropriate stakeholders. Approval workflows should be automated and integrated with the CI/CD pipeline.
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Documentation Requirements
Defining documentation requirements for all changes to the AWS environment. Documentation should include the purpose of the change, the impact of the change, and the rollback procedures.
Training and Documentation
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Technical Documentation
Creating technical documentation to describe the AWS environment and the applications running in it. Technical documentation should be accurate and up-to-date.
2
Operational Runbooks
Developing operational runbooks to guide operators in managing the AWS environment. Runbooks should include procedures for common tasks such as starting and stopping applications.
3
Training Curriculum
Creating a training curriculum to train operators on how to manage the AWS environment. The training curriculum should cover all aspects of the AWS environment, including security, performance, and cost management.
Migration Wave Execution
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Wave Scheduling
Scheduling the migration waves to minimize disruption to the business. The migration waves should be scheduled based on the application's criticality and the complexity of the migration.
2
Resource Allocation
Allocating resources to support the migration waves. Resources should include personnel, hardware, and software.
3
Progress Tracking
Tracking the progress of the migration waves to ensure that they are on schedule. Progress should be tracked using AWS Migration Hub.
Database Migration Execution
Executing the database migration according to the migration plan. This includes migrating the database schema, migrating the data, and validating the data.
Application Migration Execution
Application Deployment
Deploying the application to AWS. This may involve deploying the application to EC2 instances, to a container service, or to a serverless platform.
Configuration Management
Managing the configuration of the application in AWS. This may involve using configuration management tools such as Ansible or Chef.
Integration Testing
Testing the integration between the application and other services. This ensures that the application is working correctly in the AWS environment.
Network Cutover Process
DNS Cutover Strategy
Implementing a DNS cutover strategy to redirect traffic to the application in AWS. This may involve updating DNS records or using a load balancer.
Traffic Routing
Routing traffic to the application in AWS. This may involve using a load balancer or a DNS service.
Load Balancer Configuration
Configuring a load balancer to distribute traffic to the application in AWS. This ensures that the application is scalable and highly available.
Post-Migration Validation
1
Functionality Verification
Verifying that the application is functioning correctly in the AWS environment. This includes testing all of the application's features and functions.
2
Performance Testing
Testing the performance of the application in the AWS environment. This includes testing the application's response time, throughput, and scalability.
3
Security Validation
Validating the security of the application in the AWS environment. This includes testing the application's security controls and vulnerability scanning.
Operational Readiness
Monitoring Setup
Setting up monitoring to track the performance and availability of the application in the AWS environment. This includes setting up CloudWatch alarms and creating dashboards.
Alert Configuration
Configuring alerts to notify operators when there are issues with the application. Alerts should be configured for critical metrics such as CPU utilization, memory utilization, and network traffic.
Support Procedures
Developing support procedures to guide operators in troubleshooting issues with the application. Support procedures should include steps for identifying the root cause of the issue and for resolving the issue.
Cost Management Implementation
Budget Implementation
Implementing a budget to track AWS spending. The budget should be set based on the application's resource requirements.
Cost Allocation
Allocating costs to different departments or projects. This helps in understanding the cost of running the application in AWS.
Reserved Instance Strategy
Developing a reserved instance strategy to reduce the cost of running EC2 instances. Reserved instances provide a discount on EC2 instance costs.
Security Controls Implementation
1
Security Tools Deployment
Deploying security tools to protect the application in the AWS environment. This includes deploying firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability scanners.
2
Compliance Validation
Validating that the application is compliant with all applicable regulations. This may involve conducting audits and penetration tests.
3
Vulnerability Scanning
Scanning the application for vulnerabilities. This helps in identifying and remediating security issues before they can be exploited.
Performance Optimization
1
Resource Utilization
Optimizing resource utilization to reduce costs. This may involve right-sizing EC2 instances and using storage lifecycle policies.
2
Scaling Optimization
Optimizing scaling to ensure that the application can handle peak loads. This may involve using auto-scaling and load balancing.
3
Cost Efficiency
Improving cost efficiency by identifying and eliminating waste. This may involve deleting unused resources and optimizing storage costs.
Business Continuity Testing
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DR Testing Procedures
Establishing disaster recovery (DR) testing procedures to ensure that the application can be recovered in the event of a disaster. DR testing procedures should be documented and tested regularly.
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Failover Validation
Validating that the application can failover to the DR environment. This involves testing the failover process and verifying that the application is functioning correctly in the DR environment.
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Recovery Testing
Testing the recovery process to ensure that the application can be recovered from a backup. This involves restoring the application from a backup and verifying that the application is functioning correctly.
Compliance Documentation
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Regulatory Compliance
Documenting compliance with all applicable regulations. This may involve creating a compliance matrix and documenting the controls that are in place to meet the requirements of each regulation.
2
Audit Preparation
Preparing for audits by gathering evidence and documenting the controls that are in place. This helps in ensuring that the application is compliant with all applicable regulations.
3
Control Documentation
Documenting the controls that are in place to protect the application. This includes documenting the security controls, the performance controls, and the cost controls.
Service Level Agreements
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SLA Definition
Defining service level agreements (SLAs) for the application. SLAs should specify the performance and availability targets for the application.
2
Monitoring Metrics
Monitoring metrics to track the performance and availability of the application. This helps in ensuring that the application is meeting its SLAs.
3
Reporting Procedures
Establishing reporting procedures to communicate the performance and availability of the application to stakeholders. Reports should be generated regularly and should include key metrics such as uptime, response time, and error rate.
Automation Implementation
Implementing automation to reduce manual effort and improve efficiency. This includes using Infrastructure as Code (IaC), AWS Systems Manager (SSM), and Lambda functions.
Governance Framework
Policy Implementation
Implementing policies to govern the use of AWS resources. Policies should be based on best practices and should be enforced automatically.
Compliance Monitoring
Monitoring compliance with policies. This helps in ensuring that the application is being managed in accordance with the organization's policies.
Resource Management
Managing AWS resources to ensure that they are being used efficiently. This includes identifying and eliminating waste.
Decommissioning Plan
Legacy System Retirement
Retiring the legacy system after the migration is complete. This helps in reducing costs and in simplifying the IT environment.
Data Archival
Archiving data from the legacy system. This ensures that the data is preserved for future use.
Resource Cleanup
Cleaning up resources from the legacy system. This includes deleting virtual machines, storage volumes, and network configurations.
Post-Migration Support
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Support Model
Establishing a support model to provide ongoing support for the application. The support model should include procedures for incident management, problem management, and change management.
2
Incident Management
Managing incidents to minimize disruption to the business. Incident management procedures should be documented and followed consistently.
3
Problem Management
Managing problems to prevent incidents from recurring. Problem management procedures should include steps for identifying the root cause of the problem and for implementing a solution.
Continuous Improvement
Performance Monitoring
Continuously monitoring the performance of the application to identify areas for improvement. This includes monitoring key metrics such as response time, throughput, and error rate.
Cost Optimization
Continuously optimizing costs to reduce AWS spending. This includes identifying and eliminating waste, right-sizing resources, and using reserved instances.
Security Enhancement
Continuously enhancing security to protect the application from threats. This includes patching vulnerabilities, implementing security controls, and monitoring for security incidents.
Migration Project Closure
Success Criteria Validation
Validating that the migration project has met its success criteria. This includes verifying that the application is functioning correctly, that it is meeting its performance and availability targets, and that it is compliant with all applicable regulations.
Lessons Learned
Documenting the lessons learned from the migration project. This helps in improving future migration projects.
Documentation Handover
Handing over the documentation to the operations team. This ensures that the operations team has the information they need to manage the application.
Next Steps and Recommendations
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Future Optimization Opportunities
Identifying future optimization opportunities. This may include migrating to a serverless platform, using a managed database, or implementing a CI/CD pipeline.
2
Modernization Roadmap
Developing a modernization roadmap. This helps in ensuring that the application is continuously evolving to meet the changing needs of the business.
3
Innovation Possibilities
Exploring innovation possibilities. This may involve using machine learning, artificial intelligence, or other emerging technologies.