7Rs Cloud Migration Implementation

Author

Govardhana M K
July 31, 2025

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TechOps Examples

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🧠 DEEP DIVE USE CASE

7Rs Cloud Migration Implementation

Cloud is still the thing. Companies are moving to the cloud fully, partially, or across multiple providers. Before jumping into planning and implementation, it’s important to first understand the migration paths available. Here’s a quick snapshot of the prominent migration strategies, often called the 7Rs.

1. Rehost (Lift and Shift)

Move applications to the cloud as-is with minimal or no code changes. It’s best suited for quick migrations without altering the core architecture. Ideal when:

  • You have stable workloads running on VMs or bare metal.

  • Timelines are tight, such as during data center exits.

2. Replatform (Lift, Tinker, and Shift) 

Move applications to the cloud with minor adjustments to improve performance, scalability, or manageability, without changing the core architecture. Use when:

  • You want to replace self managed components with managed services.

  • The app can benefit from cloud native enhancements without refactoring.

  • There is room to improve cost or operations during migration.

3. Repurchase (Drop and Shop)

Replace the existing application with a cloud based alternative, typically a SaaS solution that meets the same business need. Ideal when:

  • The current application is outdated or hard to maintain.

  • A SaaS product offers better features, scalability, or lower TCO.

4. Refactor (Re-architect)

Rebuild the application to fully leverage cloud native capabilities such as serverless, containers, or microservices. Use when:

  • The application has performance, scale, or agility limitations.

  • You need to modernize to meet future business needs.

  • There is a strong internal team ready to support cloud native development.

5. Relocate (Many Providers)

Shift workloads from on-premises to multiple cloud providers without redesigning applications or investing in new hardware. Ideal When:

  • A multi cloud strategy is needed for redundancy or compliance.

  • You want rapid migration without altering the application stack.

6. Retire (Decommission)

Turn off applications that are no longer useful or have been replaced, freeing up resources and reducing operational overhead. Use when:

  • The application is obsolete or unused.

  • Usage data confirms minimal to no business impact.

7. Retain (Revisit later)

Leave the application in its current environment, either temporarily or permanently, based on technical, business, or compliance reasons. Use when:

  • The application has dependencies that are not cloud ready.

  • Migration offers no clear benefit at the moment.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of the 7Rs migration strategies, let’s look at how to apply them practically in real world cloud migration planning.

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