To be fair, there are likely more than four mistakes that can be made in the process of an AWS database migration. But we’ve grouped the most common errors into four key areas. This blog is the first in a series. You can also download our ebook for further details on all four.
Table of Contents
Consider AWS Database Migration Objectives
With constant pressure to improve, organizations sometimes move to the cloud in a frenzied rush. In mistakenly thinking the cloud itself achieves all objectives, some abandon proper upfront planning.
Organizations frequently move to the cloud for benefits such as elasticity and costs savings. While everyone moving to the cloud will be able to translate capital expenses to operating expenses, benefits beyond that can vary.
And this variation requires you to set priorities. Every organization is unique, so you must carefully examine your unique objectives.
Common goals include:
- Reduce costs
- Improve scalability
- Reduce maintenance effort and expense
- Improve availability
- Increase agility
- Speed time to market
- Retire technical debt
- Adopt new technology
Set Priorities
You may read the above bulleted list and think, “Yes, exactly! I want to achieve that.”
Unfortunately, it may be challenging to accomplish every goal simultaneously, without delaying your migration. You must prioritize your organization’s particular goals so you can make plans which will appropriately balance objectives.
Take a Realistic Approach to AWS
It’s becoming ubiquitous, but still, AWS is no panacea. Goals may conflict with one another. Without first establishing priorities, you can’t determine the tactics which meet your goals.
“Do it all now,” isn’t an effective strategy for success.
AWS Database Migration Issues to Consider
You will likely need to reevaluate your architecture to fully take advantage of all the possible benefits. Issues to take into consideration include:
- How much downtime your business could sustain
- Your current licensing situation
- Third party support contracts
- Current use of existing databases. For example, consider the maximum possible number of applications which could use a database
- Application complexity, where the code is running
- Skills required – both internally and from an AWS Consulting Partner
Various changes are often required, such as shifting to open source services in order to eliminate unnecessary licensing expenses.
Tips for Setting AWS Migration Goals
Focus on why you are migrating. Maintaining focus on your specific objectives will impact the way you implement.
Make sure all stakeholders are aligned on prioritization. Take the time to work as a team and get as much consensus as possible from multiple people. Yes, it’s difficult to manage a project by committee, and can lead to delays. But you should, again, strive to balance these often competitive objectives.
Download our eBook for more information and contact us. We can help you determine the ideal pathway for your organization and get started.
