Application Migration to Cloud-based Services

As client-server topologies have evolved so has server sprawl and the management challenges it poses for organizations of all sizes. Today, the implementation of cloud-based computing has evolved considerably as the costs of developing, deploying and maintaining private computing hardware is being offset by the costs of leasing computing time and data storage on cloud infrastructures.

Utilizing cloud-based servers and databases has been proven to lower (TCO) for applications servicing a vast array of purposes. Instead of buying and maintaining their own hardware, our clients are able to exploit the thousands of Internet-accessible servers located in secure datacenters around the country. These servers and the cloud platform are managed by Microsoft for systems developed, secured and maintained by Securus Systems.

Existing applications written in ordinary Windows languages such as the .Net Framework or other unmanaged languages such as C++, Visual Basic and Java are all good candidates for cloud migration. If you can run it on Windows Securus Systems can migrate it the cloud.

And what good is your enterprise application without a database? Whether you have applications running in the cloud on Windows Azure or on-premises a cloud-based database management system (DBMS) can help solve your relational database storage and processing needs by exploiting the inherent scalability of the cloud. The same features and benefits your applications utilize in the cloud can be utilized by your database management system. The steps and work involved in moving your applications to this type of infrastructure will also apply to a (DBMS).

Migration Methodology

• AssessmentOur application migration methodology begins with a detailed assessment of the application environment. The assessment identifies a list of all databases that will require code remediation prior to the transition. Code remediation can include hardcoded references to server names or functions that are incompatible from one environment to another. This phase typically kicks off an independent remediation effort which runs parallel to the rest of the transition project and typically ends prior to the execution phase.
• PlanningAn in-depth audit of the application environment is performed. This process analyzes any domain dependencies, refines the application assessment results, data routing and replication topology, determines readiness for application migration to the cloud-based servers and identifies impact to other dependences. This process also validates the end users role within the application and documents any potential issues that may arise.
• PreparationBefore migration proceeds certain application dependences such as databases, virtual private networks and QA checklists are developed and implemented which lowers migration risks. Typically, during this phase applications that depend on domain resources will be integrated with new authorization services which are sometimes linked to existing services and domains.
• ExecutionApplications and databases are moved to the destination cloud-based service according to predetermined migration plans. This process can be somewhat involved depending on the complexity of the application and it's dependencies on other services.
• QAOnce the application and databases have been moved QA tests begin. If irrecoverable issues are discovered the application will be rolled back to it's prior state so that the issue can be remedied and the move attempted again.
• MaintenanceOnce operational standard application maintenance and change requests can be implemented according to the software development lifecycle the application was built and operates under.