Cloud migration in practice: 5 steps to success
Estimated reading time: 16 minutes
The cloud is now the basis of modern IT. Companies are migrating their systems to become more agile, innovative, and cost-efficient. According to Bitkom's “CloudReport 2025,” 9 out of 10 companies already use cloud applications—and in five years, it will be all of them. But the path to the cloud presents a number of challenges.
Those who take a structured approach and prepare for migration strategically can overcome these hurdles and reap the long-term benefits of this step. This guide shows companies in five practical steps how to successfully approach their cloud migration and optimally position themselves for the future.
What is cloud migration?
Cloud migration refers to the process of transferring IT resources from local data centers or from an existing cloud to another cloud environment. These can be
- data,
- applications, or
- entire infrastructures.
The goal is to leverage the flexibility, scalability, and speed of innovation offered by modern cloud platforms. For a more detailed explanation of the benefits of migrating to the cloud, see the section “Benefits of a well-planned cloud migration.”
However, cloud migration is not just about changing the operating environment, but often also involves a fundamental modernization of the IT landscape and structural changes within the organization, for example through the use of microservices or managed services.
Cloud migration is particularly worthwhile for companies that no longer want to or are unable to operate their own IT systems, whether due to capacity constraints or a shortage of skilled personnel. Those who need to respond quickly to new market requirements or want to use modern technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) also benefit from the flexibility and scalability of the cloud.
In workshops and analyses, we create a common understanding of your IT landscape and migration options. Cloud readiness checks help to determine the inventory and define the most efficient migration path, while DevOps workshops and training courses can prepare the team for the new circumstances.
Based on the analysis results, we develop a customized migration strategy. We test this strategy in a proof of concept by setting up a secure landing zone and implementing an initial minimum viable product (MVP). This ensures that the chosen solution is technically and organizationally viable.
The workloads are transferred to the cloud in a structured and secure manner. We ensure a smooth transition, set up the infrastructure in a targeted manner, and configure the management system.
After migration, comprehensive documentation and optimization take place. Further applications are migrated, the cloud is scaled, and the next steps are defined in a final workshop. We then actively support you in the so-called hypercare phase: We continue to operate your cloud environment together with you, provide support for any queries, and deepen our expertise to ensure a smooth transition to regular operation.
Overview of forms of migration
Depending on your business objectives and the technical situation in your company, different migration approaches are possible. They differ primarily in terms of the effort involved, the degree of customization, and the long-term benefits. An overview:
Rehosting (Lift & Shift)
This strategy provides the fastest route to the cloud, as systems and applications are migrated with virtually no changes. This is ideal for companies that do not have the capacity for a major changeover. However, optimizations often need to be made afterwards.
Replatforming
Replatforming involves moving applications to the cloud with targeted adjustments in order to leverage specific advantages—such as improved scalability or performance—without fundamentally restructuring the existing architecture. This cloud strategy strikes a balance between a pure “lift and shift” approach, where everything remains unchanged, and comprehensive refactoring, where the application is completely redeveloped.
Refactoring
Refactoring involves redeveloping applications or modifying them fundamentally in order to fully exploit the advantages of the cloud, for example for microservices or serverless architectures.
Rebuilding
With this strategy, existing applications are not simply moved or adapted, but completely redeveloped using modern cloud technologies and cloud architectures. This is the most complex and therefore most expensive form of migration, but it often offers the greatest long-term benefits in terms of performance, flexibility, and future-proofing.
Replacing
Replacing involves substituting outdated applications with new, cloud-based solutions.
Comparison of cloud models
Just as crucial as the “how” is the question of “where” when it comes to cloud migration. This is because the cloud model you choose has a direct impact on how secure, scalable, and controllable your IT environment is. Each model brings its own opportunities, but also responsibilities—and not every model is equally suitable for every organization.
Public Cloud
In the public cloud, operated and maintained by a cloud provider such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Microsoft Azure, you share IT resources with other customers via the Internet. Here, you benefit from a high degree of automation, pay-per-use or pay-as-you-go models, and virtually unlimited scalability.
Focus: Speed, innovation, low operating load
Trade-off: Little control over data storage and system architecture
Ideal for anyone who...
-
Wants to grow quickly
-
Wants to use new services flexibly
-
Only wants to pay for what they actually use
Hybrid Cloud
The hybrid cloud combines public and private cloud structures and is one of the most popular cloud models. New, cloud-native applications are operated in the cloud, while older applications remain in the data center. There is a secure connection between the two, for example via VPN or Direct Connect.
Example: A mechanical engineering company operates its ERP system locally but uses Amazon S3 for external data backup and AI-supported data analysis.
Focus: Gradual transformation, legacy integration, compliance
Trade-off: Greater complexity in architecture and management
Ideal for anyone who...
-
Wants to migrate to the cloud step by step
-
Wants to keep existing systems
-
Wants to use new applications in the cloud at the same time
Private Cloud
The private cloud is operated exclusively for a company, either in its own data center or by a specialized provider. The focus here is on data sovereignty, compliance, and individual customizability. However, this model is very rare in practice.
Example: A hospital stores highly sensitive patient data in its own VMware cloud in its internal data center in order to comply with data protection and regulatory requirements.
Focus: Security, control, customized architecture
Trade-off: High operating costs, high responsibility, limited scalability
Ideal for anyone who...
-
Wants to maintain complete control over their data
-
Needs to comply with strict data protection or compliance requirements
-
Prefers to keep everything under their own control
-
Needs stable, predictable utilization and high performance.
Benefits of a well-planned cloud migration
A carefully planned cloud migration is more than just a technical move: it is a strategic transformation project for every company. Set the right course early on to create sustainable added value for your IT, your business, and your customers.
Here is an overview of the most important advantages:
Faster product development
MaibornWolff creates excellent, sophisticated, and customized software solutions for customers and their users. We advise, code, and test in comprehensive digitization projects. What has been driving us for over 30 years? Complex questions and ambitious projects! With our extensive know-how, we can get your project off the ground too.
More efficient use of resources
In traditional data centers, companies usually have to maintain more IT capacity than necessary in order to be prepared for peak loads. The price for this? High monthly fixed costs. In the cloud, resources can be flexibly adjusted. They automatically grow with demand and can be reduced just as easily. Billing is usually based on the pay-per-use principle. This means you only pay for what you actually use. For predictable workloads, there are also cheaper options, such as reserved instances. With these, you commit to reserving certain computing capacities for several years and receive a significant discount compared to the on-demand model. Tools such as tagging, monitoring, and role-based access management also help to transparently record and control costs in a targeted manner – in line with the FinOps methodology.
Increased security
Cloud providers offer numerous security features that can be centrally controlled and automated. These include role-based access controls, encryption of data at rest and in transit, and automatic compliance checks. Technologies such as infrastructure-as-code (IaC) and policies enable security rules to be applied consistently across all environments. This not only increases the level of security, but also simplifies audits and the verification of regulatory requirements.
Future viability and scalability of IT
Cloud infrastructures adapt flexibly to new requirements, for example when more users are added, new markets are tapped, or modern technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) or the Internet of Things (IoT) are to be integrated. This enables companies to test new ideas more quickly, grow digitally, and modernize their IT step by step. Traditional challenges such as hardware replacement or manual updates are eliminated: in the cloud, capacity adjustments, security updates, and maintenance run automatically in the background, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site interventions.
Together, we will develop your individual migration strategy: structured, technology-neutral, and future-proof. Take advantage of a free initial consultation with our cloud experts.
The most common challenges – and how companies overcome them
Cloud migration not only turns IT upside down, it also brings change to the entire company. Processes, roles, and responsibilities change noticeably. According to a McKinsey study on the opportunities of cloud migration, 38 percent of cloud migration projects fall behind schedule and 75 percent exceed their planned budget. Without a well-thought-out, holistic strategy, technical hurdles, organizational friction, and uncertainty within the team can threaten to slow down success.
The following challenges are particularly common, but can be overcome with the right measures:
Technical complexity and diversity of providers
There is a wide range of cloud platforms to choose from, such as AWS, Azure, or the European provider StackIT. In addition, there are a multitude of tools, architectures, and partners. Without a clear vision, there is a risk that your IT landscape will become fragmented, leading to media breaks or redundancies.
Develop a target architecture and integration concept at an early stage. This should take into account interfaces, operating models, and compatibilities across different platforms, especially in multi-cloud strategies. Use established standards such as API gateways, uniform tagging, and central governance requirements.
Security and compliance
Cloud solutions offer many security features, but responsibility for data protection and compliance remains largely with the company. Those who consider these aspects too late risk costly rectification measures.
Integrate cloud security and compliance requirements into your migration planning (“security by design”). Rely on role-based access controls, data encryption, audit logging, and automated policy checks. Use tools such as Azure Policy, AWS Config, or central identity solutions to implement standards consistently.
Dependencies on legacy systems
Many companies still run legacy applications that are difficult to migrate, for example due to special hardware, outdated interfaces, or missing documentation.
Legacy systems can either be migrated or left in their existing state. An exploration phase is recommended in order to make an informed decision and identify all dependencies. This involves taking inventory of the IT landscape and systematically identifying dependencies. A robust migration roadmap can then be created on this basis.
Adapt your organizational structure and processes to the new conditions at an early stage. Get everyone on board: define clear responsibilities, establish cross-departmental collaboration, and create transparency regarding roles and responsibilities. New KPIs for cloud usage and costs should also be introduced.
Uncertainty among employees
For many employees, switching to the cloud represents a fundamental change. Questions arise about their own role, how to deal with new technologies, and job security.
Communicate openly and early on about what is changing in your company and why. Actively involve your teams in the change process. Invest in further training, internal training courses, and mentoring formats. Encourage exchange via cloud communities or pilot projects to strengthen acceptance and trust in cloud migration.
The 5-step roadmap to successful cloud migration
Now the crucial question arises: How can you successfully make the transition to the cloud? The key to success lies in a structured roadmap. With the following 5-step roadmap, you can create a solid foundation for a sustainable migration to the cloud:
1. Conduct inventory and assessment
The first step in cloud migration is a comprehensive analysis of the existing IT infrastructure. This involves
- hardware,
- software,
- networks,
- databases, and
- applications
are systematically recorded and evaluated in terms of their cloud suitability. It is particularly important to carry out a cloud readiness check in order to decide which systems should be transferred, adapted, or replaced. Technical dependencies must also be identified to avoid downtime or integration problems. The results of this analysis form the basis for your further planning and the selection of the appropriate cloud model (public, private, or hybrid).
2. Define clear goals
After the analysis, you should define exactly what you want to achieve with cloud migration. Typical goals include cost optimization, better scalability, higher security, or access to new technologies such as AI or big data. These goals must be specific, measurable, and prioritized in order to evaluate progress and allocate resources effectively.
In addition, you should clarify whether new expertise is required, for example through training or external support, and how the IT teams will be prepared for the new environment.
3. Selecting the appropriate migration strategy
Depending on the application and objectives, a decision is now made as to which migration strategy will be used. The following options are available:
- Rehosting (direct transfer),
- Replatforming (moderate adaptation),
- Rebuilding (extensive adaptation or complete redevelopment),
- or replacing (replacement with new cloud applications).
The selection should be made on an individual basis, as not every application requires the same amount of effort. In practice, a combination of these approaches, tailored to benefits, complexity, and costs, often proves successful.
4. Conduct proof of concept
A proof of concept (PoC) helps you test the planned migration with one or more applications on a small scale. This allows technical and organizational processes to be tested and optimized under real-world conditions. At the same time, the PoC makes the benefits of the cloud tangible for internal stakeholders and helps to build acceptance and knowledge within the company. Security and governance concepts can also be validated here, and the scalability of the chosen solution can be checked before the large-scale rollout begins.
5. Migration and ongoing optimization
Once the PoC has been successfully completed, the actual migration can begin. Ideally, this should be done in stages: first the less critical systems, then the core business applications. A structured process, data backup, and realistic test environments ensure stability and minimal downtime.
However, the work is not done after the migration: ongoing monitoring, performance optimization, and regular maintenance are crucial for long-term success. In addition, new requirements and scaling options should be continuously integrated, for example with a DevOps approach that closely links operations and development.
Measuring cloud migration: Success criteria & KPIs
How can the success of a cloud migration be objectively evaluated? One thing is clear: if a system has been migrated without failure and is subsequently running stably, that is already a good sign. However, a sound evaluation—especially during ongoing operations—requires more: namely, clear KPIs that reflect both technical and business objectives.
Many companies measure success primarily on the basis of IT metrics. According to according to a McKinsey study on the state of cloud computing in Europe, the greatest potential added value of the cloud lies in efficiency gains in business processes and increased revenue.
| KPI | Unit |
|---|---|
| Time-to-Market | Average time to deploy new features (e.g., release time, number of productive deployments per month) |
| Operational efficiency & capacity utilization | CPU/memory utilization, cost per workload, or right-sizing ratios |
| Stability & recoverability | DevOps metrics such as mean time to recover (MTTR) or error rate after releases to measure response time and system stability |
| Security & Compliance | Number of identified vulnerabilities, remediation times, degree of compliance with standards (e.g., ISO 27001, GDPR) |
| Scalability & Flexibility | Time to scale during peak loads, service availability during peak times |
| Error tolerance during operation | Number and impact of errors after migration or release – important for evaluating the robustness of the target system |
Practical example of a successful migration to the cloud
The project with Digikoo GmbH, a company belonging to the E.ON Group, shows how cloud migration paves the way for a scalable, automated data platform.
Initial situation
Digikoo supports municipalities in the digital energy transition. In order to use large amounts of geodata efficiently, a modern data platform should be set up in the cloud.
Challenge
The existing data was available in a wide variety of formats and had to be processed manually—a process that was very time-consuming and prone to errors. At the same time, high requirements for data quality, scalability, and access control had to be met.
Solution
As part of the cloud migration, MaibornWolff developed a powerful platform on Microsoft Azure with Snowflake, dbt, Apache Airflow, and GenAI:
- Automated data import and preparation
- Scalable architecture for growing data volumes
- Training of the Digikoo team for independent operation
Learnings:
- Flexible data pipelines are essential for heterogeneous sources
- Automation with GenAI increases efficiency and data quality
- Sustainable success through early knowledge transfer
Read the Digikoo case study
We accompany you every step of the way: from inventory and proof of concept to productive migration. Together, we develop a strategy that fits your business requirements—secure, scalable, and future-proof. Take advantage of our free initial consultation with experienced cloud specialists.
Conclusion: The strategic path to the cloud
Cloud migration is an opportunity to make IT flexible, efficient, and future-proof. Defining clear goals early on and choosing the right migration strategy and cloud model lays the foundation for long-term success. Structured preparation, organizational involvement, a clear security concept, and the development of internal expertise are crucial. This ensures that cloud migration is not a one-off project, but a sustainable change process with real added value.
FAQs on cloud migration
What is cloud migration and what models (e.g., lift and shift) are available?
Cloud migration refers to the transfer of IT systems to the cloud. Common models include:
- Lift & Shift (Rehosting): Fast, but without customization.
- Replatforming: Partial optimization.
- Refactoring: Extensive adaptation for cloud use.
- Rebuilding: Complete redevelopment.
- Replacing: Legacy system is replaced by a cloud solution.
For which companies is cloud migration particularly worthwhile—and when is the best time to do it?
Cloud migration is particularly useful for companies without their own operating capacities or with growing needs for scalability and innovation. The best time to start is now: those who start later will otherwise lose ground to the competition.
What are the advantages of cloud migration?
Cloud migration brings greater flexibility, lower operating costs, faster time to market, improved scalability, and access to modern technologies such as AI and big data.
Which cloud platform is best suited for my business?
The major providers (e.g., AWS or Azure) are technically comparable. Individual requirements, existing contracts, and special services are relevant to the decision. If you have data protection concerns, European providers such as StackIT, IONOS, or OVH are also available.
What are the biggest mistakes in cloud migration?
The biggest mistakes when moving to the cloud are a lack of planning, unclear objectives, insufficient training, failure to involve the organization, and ignoring technical and personnel requirements.
How much does migration to the cloud cost?
The costs of cloud migration vary greatly depending on the scope and complexity of the project. Realistic planning, PoC phases, and ongoing cost control through monitoring and optimization are important.
What support do service providers offer during and after cloud migration?
As part of cloud migration, service providers offer consulting on strategy and architecture, technical implementation, training, change management, operation, and optimization—from planning to completion—depending on the needs and expertise of the company.
Maximilian Schaugg has been working on cloud projects at MaibornWolff since July 2018. He specialises in the design, implementation and operation of cloud and container solutions in existing and new IT infrastructures. An important part of his work is focusing on the needs of his customers and taking a holistic approach to successfully completing projects from start to finish. In recent years, he has focused particularly on cloud migration, cloud consulting and cloud platform development, where he has been able to apply and further deepen his in-depth knowledge, especially in the critical areas of security, cost efficiency and governance.