Application Migration Service
Specialize in migrating business applications to cloud platforms, replatforming legacy apps, and ensuring minimal disruption during transition
Overview
Application migration services help businesses move custom applications, commercial software, and legacy systems to cloud environments.
You handle technical migration work - code modifications for cloud compatibility, database schema changes, API integrations, infrastructure provisioning, testing, and cutover execution.
Unlike consultants who plan, you execute migrations.
Services include application assessment and discovery, migration strategy selection (rehost, replatform, refactor), code modernization, containerization, testing and validation, and go-live support.
Projects range from $15,000-$100,000 depending on complexity.
Target clients include mid-sized companies with custom applications, enterprises modernizing legacy systems, software vendors moving products to SaaS, and businesses mandated to exit data centers.
Technical skills required include multiple programming languages, cloud platforms, containers and Kubernetes, databases, and DevOps tools.
Success requires methodical approach to avoid downtime, comprehensive testing, and rollback plans.
Many migration specialists come from software development or DevOps backgrounds.
The work is project-based but often leads to ongoing cloud management engagements.
Required Skills
- Software Development
- Cloud Platforms
- DevOps
- Containerization
- Database Migration
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High-value projects with substantial fees
- Technical work is challenging and rewarding
- Can lead to ongoing management contracts
- High demand as companies migrate to cloud
- Expertise transfers across industries
Cons
- High-stakes work with business-critical systems
- Requires broad technical skill set
- Migration failures damage reputation
- Project-based revenue can be inconsistent
- Long hours during cutover periods
How to Get Started
- Gain development and cloud platform experience
- Learn migration tools and methodologies
- Practice migrations with personal or open source projects
- Start with smaller, lower-risk migration projects
- Develop detailed migration runbooks and checklists
- Build relationships with cloud consultants for referrals
- Create portfolio showcasing successful migrations
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