What is Replatforming?
Replatforming is a cloud migration strategy where existing applications are optimized for the cloud with minimal adjustments. Unlike simple rehosting (lift & shift), it involves making minor changes to the application code or architecture. The goal is to leverage the benefits of cloud technologies without completely redeveloping the application.
What does replatforming mean in concrete terms?
With replatforming, the application is transferred to the cloud and simultaneously adapted to work better with cloud services. Typical optimizations concern the use of auto-scaling, databases as a service, or container technologies. It is important that the core structure of the application remains unchanged.
When is replatforming a good idea?
Replatforming is suitable when companies want to not only move their systems but also modernize them. This approach is particularly useful if an application is to be operated in the cloud in the long term. Replatforming is also a good solution for legacy systems, as it increases performance, reduces costs, and at the same time ensures future viability.
Advantages of Replatforming
- Better performance: Applications run more stably and faster in the cloud.
- Cost efficiency: Optimized resource utilization reduces operating costs in the long term.
- Integration of modern services: Easy integration of cloud functions such as serverless computing or containerization.
- Lower risks: Since the core architecture remains, the migration process is comparatively low-risk.
Challenges and Limitations
Replatforming is more complex than simple rehosting. Companies need expertise in cloud technologies and need to plan the process carefully. In addition, although the application remains optimized, it is not completely cloud-native, so some benefits may remain unused.
Comparison to other migration methods
- Rehosting: Fast migration without adjustments, but low optimization.
- RefactoringRefactoring: Comprehensive customization for maximum cloud utilization, but with greater effort.
- Replatforming: A middle ground with targeted changes that enable rapid results and better scalability.
Conclusion
Replatforming offers a pragmatic approach to migrating applications to the cloud while optimizing them. It combines the advantages of speed and efficiency with the ability to use cloud resources more effectively. This makes replatforming an attractive solution for companies that want to modernize their applications without completely redeveloping them.
