How to smoothly migrate your applications to Azure?

If you want to improve the performance and security of your software apps, you'd better take them to the cloud. But how does that work exactly? Our colleague Brecht Vancauwenberghe, Cloud Native Architect at CloudFuel, talks about how we bring your applications to Azure. And how we help avoid the possible pitfalls.

What is application modernization?

Through application modernization, you can ensure that your software applications work better, faster and safer. And that involves a lot: from extensive updates and platform migrations to complete redesigns of your legacy apps. But how exactly does this whole modernization process work?

First, we take a close look at the applications on your current environment. Are you still running your applications on-prem? Then we'll work out a comprehensive application migration strategy to determine how to move your apps and data to the cloud as smoothly as possible. But there are some important factors to consider.

The differentiating factor

We always ask ourselves the same question: how distinctive is your application? It makes very little sense to blindly start modernizing all your apps. But thanks to the PaaS Solutions from Azure, we can measure that differentiating factor perfectly. And also easily determine where we see the highest potential for cost optimization.

"For instance, we worked on a hybrid scenario for one of our customers", Brecht says. "And that way, we could give the front-end a very nice modern look, while keeping the back-end as it is."

Breaking old habits

"When effectively migrating applications to the cloud, we often see that internal development teams fall back into old habits", Brecht explains. "They usually don't have the knowledge to properly fit their applications into Azure either. And, if done incorrectly, the cloud is basically just another data center." So, the added value really lies in PaaS services, rather than in the infrastructure.

And that requires a specific skillset: "Azure is an extremely broad platform, with a lot of possibilities. But, in order to get the most out of it, you really need experience," Brecht concludes.

And after the migration?

Once your applications are up in the cloud, there's still a lot of work to be done. Because it not only requires you to carefully monitor everything on a technical level. It also calls for an entirely different mindset. In an on-prem situation, responsibilities are very clearly divided: the system administrators, who take care of the infrastructure, on one hand. And the application developers, who create and monitor software, on the other.

But after an Azure migration, those responsibilities are somewhat different. For example, as a system administrator you can now help define the framework for the application developers to work in. And, by using Azure Governance, you also ensure your Developer Velocity stays at an optimal level.

And what about security? There's also plenty of room for improvement in that regard. The cloud is, by definition, a lot more secure than on-prem, but then you'd have to use the right tools. And that too requires a certain amount of expertise.

Ready to get the most out of your Azure apps?

Get in touch with one of our Cloud Native specialists. Together we'll take your applications to a whole new level. And help you determine which application modernization strategy best suits your organization.