Welcome to the fourth and final blog post in the overview series dedicated to our 12-step Migration and Modernization Methodology that was adopted by AWS. We started by defining workloads and examining their interdependencies, which set the stage for capturing the current architecture and designing the future state architecture as part of the first step of the methodology — Future State Architecture Design. 
Next, we focused on gathering and analyzing project artifacts to inform a detailed effort estimation and project plan.
Now, in this concluding post, we turn our attention to the Migration Solution Document — a comprehensive deliverable that consolidates all insights, strategies, and technical plans developed throughout these phases. This document serves as a roadmap, ensuring every aspect of the migration is meticulously planned and potential risks are proactively managed. Let’s delve into what makes the Migration Solution Document an essential component of any migration project and how it drives the implementation of our 12-step methodology.
If you’d rather watch this content in video format, check out the fourth video in our four-part video series, which demonstrates these concepts.
The structure of the Migration Solution Document
Migration projects are complex by nature, requiring careful planning, precise execution, and ongoing collaboration across multiple technological domains. The Migration Solution Document captures every detail, from technical analysis and effort estimation to project governance and risk management, ensuring a transparent and structured migration journey.
Each section of the document corresponds to one of the 12 steps in our Migration Methodology, providing detailed execution plans for each phase. The cornerstone of this document is the in-depth analysis of each migration task, which ensures that the proposed solutions align with your business objectives and operational requirements. Here’s a closer look at how each section contributes to the overall success of the migration project:
- Future State Architecture Design: This section consolidates our findings from step 1, defining the future state architecture based on workload analysis and business goals. It lays out the high-level design of the system post-migration and serves as a reference point for all subsequent steps.
- Database Schema Conversion: We provide a detailed schema conversion plan, outlining the specific tasks required for transitioning the source schema to the target environment. Our analysis leverages tools like AWS SCT, Azure DMS, or SSMA (depending on the target platform) to identify conversion complexities and action items.
- Application Conversion / Remediation: For application components included in the workload, this section details the conversion strategy for adapting SQL queries, application logic, and integration points to align with the target database architecture.
- Scripts, ETL, and Reports Conversion: This section focuses on converting existing scripts, ETL workflows, and reports to ensure compatibility with the new data structures. The Migration Solution Document includes specific modifications required for each component based on prior analysis, ensuring seamless integration.
- Integration with 3rd-Party Applications: Here, we list all integration points that need to be reconfigured, including APIs and data connectors. This step identifies the effort required for reestablishing connectivity and maintaining functionality with third-party systems after migration.
- Data Migration Mechanism: We outline the data migration approach, providing a comprehensive plan for transferring large volumes of data with minimal downtime. The technical roadmap details each data migration step.
- Testing and Bug Fixing: Testing is critical to validating the migrated system’s functionality. This section presents a thorough test plan that includes unit testing, integration testing, and end-to-end validation, all based on the analysis conducted in previous steps.
- Performance Tuning: Database and application performance tuning activities are defined in this section, ensuring that the migrated system operates at or above the expected performance levels.
- Setup, DevOps, Integration, Deployment, and Security: This section provides a technical blueprint for configuring the new environment, securing access controls, and implementing DevOps pipelines for continuous integration and delivery.
- Documentation and Knowledge Transfer: Comprehensive documentation supports smooth knowledge transfer and equips your in-house teams with the expertise needed for post-migration operations and maintenance.
- Project Management and Version Control: Project management activities ensure alignment with project timelines and quality standards. Version control processes are established to track changes and ensure transparency throughout the migration process.
- Post-Production Support: The final section details the post-migration support plan, including proactive monitoring, incident response, and continuous feedback loops to drive ongoing improvements.
Managing risks with a proactive approach
Migration projects come with inherent risks, ranging from data integrity issues to system incompatibilities. The Migration Solution Document identifies and addresses these risks, offering mitigation strategies tailored to each identified risk category. By capturing potential challenges early on, we can devise robust action plans to ensure that the migration project progresses smoothly and without unexpected setbacks.
Project management and governance framework
The Migration Solution Document includes a section that establishes guidelines for managing any changes to the approved project plan, as these changes can impact both delivery timelines and overall project costs. The document also highlights the foundational aspects of project governance, including communication protocols, stakeholder responsibilities, and overall project coordination.
Ensuring a successful migration outcome
The Migration Solution Document is more than just a technical reference; it’s a strategic guide that ensures every migration activity is meticulously planned and aligned with your business needs. By integrating our 12-step Migration Methodology into the document, we offer a structured approach that reduces uncertainties and sets the stage for a successful project result.
If you’re considering a migration or modernization project and want to ensure a smooth and seamless transition, reach out to us today. Let’s discuss how we can help you achieve successful migration and modernization outcomes.
