So, how do you choose the right cloud migration strategy for your data platform?
Let’s walk through it. No tech jargon. No fluff. Just straight talk.
First: What Is Cloud Migration, Really?
Think of it like moving out of your old place. You’ve got a bunch of stuff—data, applications, workflows—and you’re relocating to a better, smarter home. But you can’t just toss everything into boxes and hope it fits. You need a plan.
Cloud migration is about moving your data and systems from your current environment (usually on-prem or a legacy setup) to the cloud. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all deal. You’ve got options. Strategies. And each one comes with trade-offs.
The Five Cloud Migration Strategies (aka “The 5 Rs”)
Let’s break down the five common approaches we use at Infysion when we help clients modernize their data platforms.
- Rehost – “Lift and Shift”
You move your existing applications to the cloud with minimal changes. Think of it as boxing up everything in your old house and setting it up in the new one exactly as it was.
Why choose it:
- It’s fast.
- It’s lower risk.
- It works when you’re under the gun—say, a data center contract’s ending or you’re mid-acquisition.
Why think twice:
- It doesn’t take full advantage of cloud capabilities.
- Performance bottlenecks often tag along for the ride.
Infysion POV: Great for quick wins. But don’t stop here—this is Step 1, not the finish line.
- Refactor
Here, you tweak your applications, so they work better in the cloud. Maybe you split up some services, change how data is stored, or adopt containerization.
Why choose it:
- Better scalability.
- More efficient use of cloud resources.
- Keeps your core application logic.
Why think twice:
- Requires more engineering muscle.
- Takes more time than rehosting.
Infysion POV: This is where we see real gains. When clients want performance without a full rebuild, this strikes a great balance.
- Replatform
You move your systems to the cloud but also make a few upgrades along the way—switching to managed services, for instance, or adjusting how things are stored and accessed.
Why choose it:
- Lower operational overhead.
- Faster than a full refactor or rebuild.
- Unlocks some cloud-native advantages.
Why think twice:
- It’s easy to overdo it—too many changes at once can create complexity.
Infysion POV: This one’s a crowd-pleaser. It’s where cost efficiency meets practicality. We often recommend this to clients ready to modernize without blowing up the entire architecture.
- Rebuild
You start from scratch. Rewriting your app or platform completely for the cloud. It’s bold. It’s ambitious. It’s not for the faint of heart.
Why choose it:
- Maximum performance and flexibility.
- Designed to scale from day one.
- Great for long-term innovation.
Why think twice:
- Long timelines.
- Higher costs.
- You need a skilled team and a very clear roadmap.
Infysion POV: If you’re building the future of your business—and your current tech is holding you back—this is the power move. But don’t go in blind. It requires tight alignment between business, tech, and budget.
- Replace
Sometimes the best move is to let go. You ditch your legacy system altogether and go with a SaaS alternative.
Why choose it:
- Rapid deployment.
- Reduced IT overhead.
- Access to continuous updates and support.
Why think twice:
- You may lose some customization.
- Integration with existing systems can be tricky.
Infysion POV: When there’s a solid SaaS fit—especially for things like CRM, HR, or Finance—this can be a game-changer. We’ve helped clients make the leap and never look back.
So, Which Strategy Is Right for You?
That depends. Anyone who tells you there's a “best” strategy across the board is selling snake oil.
At Infysion, here’s how we help clients figure it out:
- Your goals: Are you chasing innovation, cutting costs, or fixing a broken system?
- Your current tech: How old is it? Is it built to scale, or barely holding on?
- Your timeline and budget: Sometimes you need a quick win. Other times you’re building for the long haul.
- Your team: Do you have the right people to execute a refactor or rebuild?
- Your future vision: Where do you really want to go?
We work side-by-side with teams to answer these questions honestly—without the buzzword salad.
Experience You Can Count On
At Infysion, we’ve been through this with everyone from startups to enterprise giants. We’ve moved petabytes of data, rebuilt pipelines, untangled legacy messes, and modernized infrastructure in ways that actually stick.
We’ve earned our stripes, made our mistakes, and come out the other side with a playbook that’s built on real-world results—not just theory.
Whether you’re just exploring the cloud or deep in the weeds of migration hell, we’ve got your back.
This isn’t about just moving stuff from Point A to Point B. It’s about building something that works better than what you had. Something faster, stronger, and ready for whatever comes next.
So, when you're ready to make a move—make the right one. And if you're not sure what that looks like?
Let’s talk. Infysion’s Cloud App Development Service ready when you are.