Lift & Shift

"Lift and shift" is a strategy for moving an application or operation from one environment to another—without redesigning the app or operations workflow. Here's a high-level overview of how to lift and shift an SAP system to the cloud -

Pre-migration Preparations - This initial phase involves understanding your current infrastructure, identifying migration goals, and assessing potential challenges. It's crucial to have a clear roadmap and objectives for the migration.

Choose a Cloud Provider - Select a cloud provider that best fits your business needs and has experience with SAP workloads. Providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud offer services tailored for SAP systems.

Assess Your Environment - Evaluate your SAP landscape, including the database, applications, and any customizations. Understand the dependencies and complexities involved.

Plan the Migration - Develop a detailed migration plan that includes timelines, resource allocation, and risk mitigation strategies. Decide on the migration method, whether it's a homogeneous or heterogeneous migration.

Data Migration Process - Carefully plan the transfer of your corporate data to the cloud. This involves choosing the right tools and methods for data replication and ensuring data integrity during the transfer.

Implement Cloud Infrastructure - Set up the cloud environment to mirror your current SAP system's infrastructure. This includes provisioning virtual machines, storage, and network resources.

Test the New Environment - Before going live, thoroughly test the new cloud environment to ensure it meets performance, security, and compliance requirements.

Execute the Migration - Move your SAP system to the cloud using the lift and shift approach. This typically involves replicating the database and applications to the cloud with minimal changes.

Post-Migration Activities - After the migration, monitor the system closely to optimize performance and address any issues. Validate that all processes and integrations are functioning correctly.

Continuous Improvement - Keep improving the system based on user feedback and evolving business needs. Take advantage of the cloud's scalability and flexibility to adapt to changes.

Remember, while the lift and shift approach can be straightforward, it's important to consider the long-term implications and potential for optimization once your SAP system is in the cloud.