After apps are lifted and shifted to the cloud, a tech executive should pause and thoroughly evaluate if their applications are truly optimized for the cloud environment. This process involves examining whether the current architecture takes full advantage of cloud-native features, such as auto-scaling, serverless computing, and robust security measures.
Many organizations wrongly assume that simply relocating their existing applications to the cloud suffices to utilize its full potential. However, without proper optimization, these applications may not deliver the expected performance improvements or cost efficiencies. Thus, it’s essential to assess and possibly redesign applications to fully harness the benefits of cloud technology.
Here are key issues tech execs must tackle for lifted and shifted apps:
- Limited Scalability: Applications lift and shifted to the cloud may not fully leverage cloud providers’ auto-scaling services, leading to underutilized resources or slower performance at peak times.
- Inefficient Resource Allocation: Lift and shift methods don’t optimize resource use, potentially increasing cloud application costs. Apps might maintain on-premises resource levels in the cloud, missing out on flexibility and cost-saving features.
- Lack of Resilience: Moving an application to the cloud without changes may leave it vulnerable to failures. Cloud providers offer resilience services to boost reliability, but proper integration and configuration are key.
- Difficulty in Deployment: Lift and shift strategies may overlook on-premises vs. cloud variations, causing deployment issues needing extra configurations for cloud compatibility.
- Limited Integration with Other Services: Applications moved to the cloud may struggle to integrate with other services, limiting their functionality and potential.
A tech executive should prioritize refactoring applications after being lifted and shifted to the cloud.
Challenges can arise despite the perceived quick and cost-effective nature of the process. Take a holistic approach, leverage cloud-native capabilities for a smoother transition, and maximize benefits. Focus on optimizing and enhancing your cloud app, emphasizing resilience, deployment, and integration for a successful cloud journey.
Click here for a post on reasons to refactor lift-shifted applications.