When you hear someone talk about cloud migration in cloud computing, it might seem like just another tech buzzphrase. But under the surface sits a surprisingly structured way to approach it: the “7 R’s”. These are seven strategies you can use to guide your move to the cloud, and each one helps you decipher what “moving to the cloud” actually means for your specific apps, data and business.
What Is “Cloud Migration in Cloud Computing”?
In plain terms, cloud migration in cloud computing means shifting your applications, data or IT infrastructure from on-premises or legacy systems into a cloud-based environment (public, private or hybrid). It’s not one-size-fits-all; some apps can simply be moved “as is”, others need adaptation, and some might be better off staying where they are. That’s where the 7 R’s come in.
The 7 R’s (Applied to Cloud Migration in Cloud Computing)
Here’s how each of the seven strategies helps you make decisions around cloud migration in cloud computing:
Rehost (“lift-and-shift”) – Move an application to the cloud without changing it. For example, you pick up a VM from your data centre and drop it into a cloud provider.
Relocate – Similar to rehosting, but you move an entire virtual environment (hypervisor) from on-premises into the cloud.
Replatform (sometimes “lift, tinker, and shift”) – Here you move to the cloud and make some optimisations (for example, swap the database to a managed service) without rewriting core logic.
Refactor / Re-architect – You redesign or rewrite applications, so they truly take advantage of cloud-native architectures: auto-scaling, serverless, microservices, etc.
Repurchase (or “drop and shop”) – Instead of migrating what you have, you replace it with a cloud-native, often SaaS application.
Retire – Some applications no longer add value: you can shut them down. In cloud migration in cloud computing, this means you don’t move them.
Retain – Some workloads aren’t suited (yet) for the cloud: compliance constraints, technical dependencies, or other reasons. So, you keep them on-premises or in the current state.
Why These Matters
When you step into cloud migration in cloud computing without a plan, you run the risk of simply lifting your older systems into the cloud and inheriting all the issues you already had. The 7 R’s give you a clear menu of options. They help you ask:
• Should we just move it (Rehost)
• Can we tweak it for a better cloud fit (Replatform)
• Is it worth rewriting fully (Refactor)
• Could we buy something better (Repurchase)
• Is it better to retire it altogether
• Or should we keep it as-is for now (Retain)
• Maybe we move a virtual stack (Relocate)
By mapping each application or workload to one of these strategies, you make cloud migration in cloud computing less nebulous and more actionable.
A Few Tips Before You Jump In
• Inventory your apps: Know what you’ve got, dependencies, tech stack, usage patterns.
• Don’t assume one strategy fits all; most migrations are a mix of several of the 7 R’s
• Start with low-risk workloads to build experience and then tackle bigger ones
• Monitor cost, performance and governance after migration; just because you moved doesn’t mean mission done
• Keep business goals front and centre: migrating to the cloud isn’t the objective; improved agility, cost-savings, innovation might be
In the end, when you think about cloud migration in cloud computing, this isn’t just a technical exercise. It’s a strategic one. And the 7 R’s framework is your guidebook, helping you choose smartly, move cleanly and avoid carrying baggage into your cloud future.
Also read: 5 Data Cloud Migration Strategies That Drive Business Growth
