Legacy software may have helped your business run smoothly for years, but these older systems often struggle to keep up with today’s fast-moving digital world. That’s where cloud migration comes in. Moving legacy applications to the cloud isn’t just about copying them over - it’s about updating, improving, and setting them up for the future. If you’re not familiar with cloud technology or migration strategies, don’t worry - this guide will walk you through the process in plain language.

What Is Cloud Migration, and Why Does It Matter?

Cloud migration involves transferring your software, data, and IT systems from in-house servers to cloud platforms such as Microsoft Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud, where they can be managed and accessed securely through cloud platforms without depending on on-site servers or bulky physical equipment. This shift allows businesses to take advantage of benefits like:

Better performance (apps run faster and scale easily)

Lower costs (no need to maintain physical servers)

Improved security (cloud providers have strong protections in place)

Easier updates (software improvements can be made quickly)

For legacy applications - software built years ago - migration is about more than just moving. It’s about making sure these systems still work reliably, integrate with modern tools, and meet your current business needs.

Migrating to the cloud also opens the door to innovation. By leveraging cloud-native tools such as AI, machine learning, or real-time analytics, businesses can enhance customer experiences, streamline operations, and stay ahead of competitors. Even industries that are heavily regulated, such as finance and healthcare, are finding new ways to innovate using the cloud while still staying compliant.

"Our integration with the Google Nest smart thermostats through Aidoo Pro represents an unprecedented leap forward for our industry."

- Antonio Mediato, founder and CEO of Airzone.

How to Plan a Cloud Migration

Planning is key. You don’t want to move everything at once or without knowing what’s involved. Here’s what the process usually looks like:

Take Inventory: List all your apps and understand what they do and who uses them.

Prioritize: Some apps are more important than others. Start with those that are used often or cost a lot to maintain.

Set Goals: Decide what you want from the move - cost savings, better speed, fewer outages, etc.

Choose the Right Strategy: You can move an app as-is (called "rehosting"), tweak it a bit ("replatforming"), or rebuild it entirely ("refactoring").

By following a clear framework like LAMP2C (Legacy Application Migration Process to Cloud), organizations can reduce risks and make smarter decisions throughout the process.

Additionally, it’s helpful to identify internal champions within your organization—people who understand both the business and technical sides and can advocate for the migration while addressing resistance to change.

"By analyzing the data from our connected lights, devices and systems, our goal is to create additional value for our customers through data-enabled services that unlock new capabilities and experiences."

- Harsh Chitale, leader of Philips Lighting’s Professional Business.

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Technical Things You Should Know

Even if you’re not an IT expert, it’s good to understand the technical side of migration.

Understanding Your Software

Before moving an app, your team needs to know exactly how it works. This includes checking for outdated parts, hidden connections to other tools, or old code that could break in the cloud.

Using automated tools for dependency mapping can help you visualize how different parts of your systems talk to each other—making it easier to avoid surprises later.

Designing for the Cloud

Your old app might have worked fine on one server, but the cloud works differently. You may need to:

Break up the app into smaller parts

Add backup systems to prevent outages

Implement strong access controls and authentication measures to ensure that only authorized users can access your systems and data

Cloud providers offer templates and design patterns that can guide you in building more robust, scalable systems from day one. You can also benefit from managed services that offload responsibilities like database management or server maintenance.

Moving the Data Safely

Data is often the trickiest part. To avoid losing information:

Migrate in small chunks

Test often during the move

Have a backup plan just in case

It's also smart to run parallel systems for a short period, allowing teams to test cloud environments while still using legacy systems for daily operations. This reduces the risk of downtime or data mismatch.

How Softura Helps with Cloud Migration?

At Softura, we make migration easier through a proven approach called Cloud First. Here’s what we offer:

Assessment (8-12 weeks): We study your current systems and design a plan just for you.

End-to-End Migration: We handle everything - from setting up cloud infrastructure to moving data and rebuilding apps.

Ongoing Support: Once your applications are running in the cloud, our work doesn’t stop there. We provide continuous system monitoring, help you fine-tune performance, manage costs efficiently, and ensure your cloud environment stays up to date and secure as your business evolves.

As a trusted Microsoft Azure Circle Partner, Softura ensures that your migration is secure, compliant, and cost-effective.

We also provide training resources and co-managed service options—allowing your in-house IT teams to stay involved while tapping into our cloud expertise.

Preparing Your Team and Business

Cloud migration goes beyond just updating technology - it influences your entire organization, including how teams work, how costs are managed, and how future growth is planned.

Budget and Cost Planning

In the cloud, you pay for what you use (like a utility bill). This shift from capital expenses (CapEx) to operational expenses (OpEx) means you need to:

Track usage

Avoid waste

Plan for future needs

Tools like Azure Cost Management and AWS Cost Explorer can help you forecast expenses and find opportunities to save.

Training Your Team

To get the most from the cloud, your staff needs to learn new skills. That might mean hiring cloud-savvy developers or training your dedicated development team in new tools and platforms.

Cloud certifications—like Microsoft’s Azure Fundamentals or AWS Certified Solutions Architect—can equip teams with practical knowledge and boost confidence.

Staying Compliant and Secure

Rules like GDPR or HIPAA don’t go away in the cloud. That’s why it’s important to:

Involve legal and security teams early

Follow best practices for data privacy

Regularly check compliance

Using built-in compliance tools like Microsoft Compliance Manager or AWS Artifact helps businesses stay on track and audit-ready.

A Simple Checklist to Follow

Here’s a step-by-step list to help guide your migration:

Make a list of apps and tools in use

Define what success looks like (cost, speed, reliability)

Pick a migration strategy for each app

Start with one non-critical app as a test

Monitor the results and adjust your plan

Repeat the process with bigger, more important apps

Communicate wins to stakeholders

Continuously optimize performance and costs

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be a tech expert to understand the importance of moving legacy apps to the cloud. It’s about keeping your business competitive, resilient, and ready for the future.

Whether you're just exploring your options or actively planning a migration, having a trusted partner like Softura by your side can make all the difference.

Want to see what cloud migration could look like for your business?
Contact Softura for a custom cloud migration roadmap today.

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Moving Your Legacy Applications to the Cloud: Key Considerations

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