The Complete AWS Migration Checklist for Legacy Systems
The Complete AWS Migration Checklist for Legacy Systems
Migrating legacy systems to AWS can be daunting, but with the right preparation, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smooth transition.
Why This Checklist Matters
Over the past 10 years, we've migrated 50+ legacy systems to AWS. The projects that succeeded had one thing in common: thorough preparation.
The 15-Point Checklist
1. Inventory Your Current Infrastructure
Before you can migrate, you need to know exactly what you have:
- Map all servers, databases, and dependencies
- Document network topology
- Identify all integrations and APIs
- List compliance requirements
2. Assess Application Dependencies
Legacy systems often have hidden dependencies:
- Database connections
- File system dependencies
- Third-party integrations
- Scheduled jobs and cron tasks
3. Evaluate Security Requirements
AWS offers robust security, but you need to configure it correctly:
- Identity and Access Management (IAM)
- VPC configuration
- Encryption at rest and in transit
- Compliance certifications needed
4. Calculate Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Don't just compare monthly costs:
- Include migration costs
- Factor in staff training
- Consider support costs
- Plan for optimization
5. Choose the Right Migration Strategy
The 6 R's of migration:
- Rehost (lift-and-shift)
- Replatform (lift-tinker-and-shift)
- Refactor (re-architect)
- Repurchase (replace with SaaS)
- Retain (keep on-premise)
- Retire (decommission)
Conclusion
A successful AWS migration starts with thorough planning. Use this checklist to ensure you don't miss critical steps.
Looking for expert guidance? Our cloud migration services include comprehensive assessment, planning, and execution with zero-downtime guarantees. We've successfully migrated 50+ legacy systems to AWS, Azure, and GCP.
Ready to start your migration? Book a free consultation to discuss your specific situation.