Skip to content

Cloud Adoption Framework

Cloud Adoption Framework

Cloud Adoption & Migration Strategies

1. Overview of Cloud Adoption and Migration: A Foundation for Digital Transformation

    flowchart LR
    A["Rigid on-premises infrastructure"] -- "Agile, elastic cloud transformation" --> B["Cloud Adoption"]
  

Definition: A strategic framework for migrating an organization’s IT assets from on-premises to a cloud environment, or for building new systems as cloud-native from the outset.

Characteristics: (Agility-focused) Prioritizes agility and scalability as strategic goals ahead of cost reduction alone. (Hybrid strategy) Uses multi-cloud and hybrid-cloud strategies to avoid vendor lock-in and maximize flexibility. (6R migration) Selects a migration path suited to each workload’s characteristics using the 6R strategies — Rehost, Replatform, Refactor, and others.


2. Cloud Migration Strategies (the 6Rs) and Architecture Models

a. The Six Strategies for Cloud Migration (6Rs)

    flowchart LR
    A["Legacy environment<br/>(On-premises)"] -->|"Challenges<br/>(cost/scalability limits)"| B{"Migration strategy (6Rs)"}
    B -->|"Restructure"| C["Cloud migration<br/>(Re-hosting/platform)"]
    B -->|"Innovate"| D["Cloud native<br/>(Refactoring)"]

    C --> E["Maximize digital agility<br/>(Agility & Scale)"]
    D --> E
  
StrategyNameDescriptionUse Case
Re-hostingLift & ShiftMove to the cloud as-is, without code changesWhen rapid migration is needed
Re-platformingLift & ShapeKeep the core architecture but adopt cloud DB/platform servicesWhen operational optimization is needed
RefactoringCloud NativeRedesign the architecture to fully leverage cloud capabilitiesWhen adopting microservices or serverless
RepurchasingDrop & ShopRetire the existing solution and switch to a SaaS offeringEmail, ERP, CRM, and similar systems

b. Cloud Service Models and Governance

    flowchart TD
    subgraph R1[" "]
        direction LR
        G1["Cost optimization (FinOps)<br/>Usage-based cost management<br/>Budget optimization and savings"]
        G2["Security & compliance<br/>Shared responsibility model<br/>Regulatory compliance"]
    end
    subgraph R2[" "]
        direction LR
        G3["Operational automation<br/>IaC and CI/CD pipelines<br/>Automation-driven operations"]
        G4["Multi/hybrid strategy<br/>Avoid vendor lock-in<br/>Ensure availability and flexibility"]
    end

    style G1 fill:#E3F2FD,stroke:#1976D2,color:#000
    style G2 fill:#FFEBEE,stroke:#D32F2F,color:#000
    style G3 fill:#E8F5E9,stroke:#388E3C,color:#000
    style G4 fill:#FFF3E0,stroke:#F57C00,color:#000
    style R1 fill:none,stroke:none
    style R2 fill:none,stroke:none
  
Service ModelScope of Responsibility (Managed Layers)Notes
IaaSProvides infrastructure (servers, storage, networking)Users manage everything from the OS up
PaaSProvides a platform including runtime, middleware, and OSUsers manage only the application and data
SaaSProvides the entire application as a serviceUsers handle only configuration and user management

3. Expected Benefits and Success Roadmap of Cloud Adoption

CategoryExpected BenefitsApplication and Practical Use
Business agilityShorter IT resource provisioning timeDramatically improved time-to-market for new services
Cost efficiencyShift from CapEx to OpExPay-as-you-go billing enables flexible IT budget management (via FinOps)
Stability/recoveryGlobal infrastructure and automated DREstablish worldwide service footprints and strengthen disaster recovery (BCP)