As businesses accelerate their digital transformation, cloud migration strategies have become critical. Two commonly compared methods are lift-and-shift and re-platforming. While both approaches aim to transition workloads to the cloud, they differ in complexity, cost, and long-term value.
Whether you’re undergoing an AWS Migration or evaluating your broader cloud roadmap, understanding these methods can make or break the success of your cloud strategy. This guide breaks down the core differences, ideal use cases, and how each aligns with Managed Cloud Services.
Understanding Cloud Migration Models
Before diving into comparisons, let’s clarify what lift-and-shift and re-platforming mean within the context of cloud migration.
What is Lift-and-Shift?
Lift-and-shift, also known as rehosting, is the process of moving an existing application and its data from on-premise servers to the cloud without altering its architecture or core functionality. Think of it as moving a house from one plot to another—everything stays the same, just in a new location.
Key Characteristics:
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Minimal code or architecture changes
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Quick deployment timelines
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Lower immediate cost
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Suitable for legacy systems
Lift-and-shift is often seen as the first step in an AWS Migration, especially for enterprises seeking to quickly exit expensive data centers.
What is Re-Platforming?
Re-platforming takes lift-and-shift a step further by making slight modifications to the application to better suit the cloud environment. This might include changing the database engine, decoupling services, or integrating cloud-native tools—without a full rebuild.
Key Characteristics:
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Moderate application modifications
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Enhanced scalability and performance
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Better alignment with cloud-native services
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Longer implementation time than lift-and-shift
Re-platforming fits well with businesses using Managed Cloud Services, which provide ongoing optimization and support post-migration.
Lift-and-Shift vs. Re-Platforming: Key Differences
Let’s explore how these two strategies stack up in various dimensions that matter to decision-makers.
1. Complexity and Time Investment
Lift-and-Shift:
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Lower complexity; typically faster to deploy
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No need for deep refactoring or redevelopment
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Can be handled internally or with basic third-party support
Re-Platforming:
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Medium complexity; requires development resources
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Takes more time due to partial application changes
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Often leverages expert Managed Cloud Services providers
If your business needs to migrate quickly with minimal disruption, lift-and-shift offers speed. But for those who can afford a longer timeline, re-platforming provides more future-proofing.
2. Cost Implications
Initial Costs:
Lift-and-shift generally incurs lower upfront costs. You’re essentially copying and pasting your infrastructure into the cloud, often using tools provided by providers like AWS.
Long-term Costs:
While lift-and-shift is cheaper to start, re-platforming often results in reduced operational costs over time due to:
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More efficient use of cloud resources
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Automation capabilities
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Integration with pay-as-you-go services
AWS Migration planners should consider not only migration costs but also total cost of ownership (TCO) in the cloud.
3. Application Performance
Re-platforming enables your app to take advantage of performance-boosting features in cloud environments—such as autoscaling, managed databases, or container orchestration.
Lift-and-shift might lead to performance bottlenecks if the app isn’t optimized for cloud-based infrastructures. It’s possible you may just move your inefficiencies from on-prem to the cloud.
4. Maintenance and Operations
Lift-and-Shift:
You retain much of the existing system’s architecture, meaning existing operational issues may persist. Ongoing maintenance can become costly and cumbersome.
Re-Platforming:
Although it takes longer initially, it allows integration of tools like CI/CD pipelines, monitoring, and logging—especially when combined with Managed Cloud Services that handle day-to-day operations, security, and scaling.
5. Risk and Stability
Lift-and-shift is often considered lower risk due to its limited scope. You’re not changing the application; just relocating it. That said, this approach might delay necessary modernization, pushing the risks down the line.
Re-platforming has more variables, but it also proactively addresses architectural inefficiencies. With skilled partners and planning, risks can be managed effectively.
When Should You Choose Lift-and-Shift?
Lift-and-shift works best when:
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You need to exit a data center quickly
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You have budget constraints
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Your application is stable but needs to be relocated
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You plan to modernize later in phases
It’s often used as a short-term solution in a larger AWS Migration strategy.
When Is Re-Platforming the Better Option?
Re-platforming is ideal when:
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Your app needs improved performance or scalability
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You want to start using cloud-native features like managed databases
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You’re planning for medium- to long-term growth
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You’re working with a Managed Cloud Services provider that can handle migration and optimization
Hybrid Approaches: Best of Both Worlds?
Many organizations start with lift-and-shift to meet immediate deadlines, then gradually re-platform individual components. This hybrid approach balances speed and modernization.
For example, an AWS Migration might start by rehosting virtual machines, then shifting databases to Amazon RDS or implementing microservices later. This approach is especially effective when backed by Managed Cloud Services that help map out and manage the entire journey.
Real-World Examples
Example 1: E-commerce Platform Using Lift-and-Shift
An online retailer running an on-prem ERP system needed to migrate quickly to avoid costly hardware upgrades. They chose lift-and-shift to move their workloads to AWS, preserving functionality without delays. Once live, they worked with a Managed Cloud Services provider to gradually optimize their environment.
Example 2: SaaS Company Re-Platforming for Scale
A fast-growing SaaS startup faced scalability issues. Rather than merely lifting and shifting, they re-platformed—moving from self-managed MySQL to Amazon RDS and adopting container-based deployment via AWS ECS. The result: better uptime, lower costs, and easier DevOps.
What Role Does AWS Play in These Strategies?
AWS Migration tools like AWS Migration Hub, CloudEndure, and Database Migration Service support both lift-and-shift and re-platforming. AWS provides flexibility, but the strategy’s success hinges on planning, execution, and whether you’re leveraging expert Managed Cloud Services.
If you’re considering re-platforming, AWS offers managed services for databases, containers, and DevOps pipelines that reduce the burden on internal teams. A trusted cloud partner can help identify which services to adopt and how to integrate them seamlessly.
Final Thoughts: Strategic Fit Over Buzzwords
Choosing between lift-and-shift and re-platforming shouldn’t be about which method is “better.” It’s about what’s right for your business, your technical maturity, and your long-term cloud goals.
For some, lift-and-shift is the fastest way to get to the cloud. For others, re-platforming offers the scalability and flexibility they need right away. In many cases, the answer lies in a combination of both—with foundational moves supported by Managed Cloud Services to ensure continuous growth and reliability.
No two migrations are the same. Choose a strategy that fits your current resources while setting you up for long-term success.
