The Complete Cloud Migration Checklist for Indian SMEs 2026

Phase 1: Discovery & Assessment

• ✅ Inventory all servers, applications, and databases currently in use
• ✅ Map application dependencies and integration points between systems
• ✅ Assess internet capacity and latency requirements for cloud workloads
• ✅ Review software licence portability, can current licences move to cloud?
• ✅ Calculate current hosting costs including hardware depreciation, power, cooling, space
• ✅ Identify compliance and data residency requirements (DPDPA, industry regulations)
• ✅ Get a cloud cost estimate using Azure Pricing Calculator or AWS TCO Calculator

Phase 2: Choose Your Migration Strategy

Select the right approach for each workload, not all applications should be migrated the same way:

• Rehost (Lift & Shift): Move as-is to cloud VMs. Fastest, lowest risk. Start here for most workloads.
• Replatform: Minor improvements, such as moving to a managed database service. Better long-term performance.
• Refactor: Re-architect for cloud-native. Best long-term cost but highest effort, save for later phases.
• Retire: Decommission redundant workloads. Most migrations find 20 to 30% of servers to retire.

Phase 3: Pre-Migration Preparation

• ✅ Set up cloud landing zone with correct governance, RBAC, and cost management
• ✅ Configure identity (Azure Entra ID or AWS IAM) and SSO with existing directory
• ✅ Set up ExpressRoute (Azure) or AWS Direct Connect if capacity requires dedicated connectivity
• ✅ Establish backup and disaster recovery targets in cloud before migration begins
• ✅ Test connectivity between on-premises and cloud environments thoroughly
• ✅ Communicate migration schedule to all business teams well in advance

Phase 4: Migration Execution

• ✅ Migrate non-critical workloads first, learn and refine the process before production systems
• ✅ Use Azure Migrate or AWS Application Migration Service for VM replication
• ✅ Run parallel environments (old and new) for minimum 5 business days before cut-over
• ✅ Schedule cut-over during low-traffic window, typically weekend or overnight
• ✅ Test all application functions and integrations before decommissioning on-premises servers
• ✅ Monitor cloud resource metrics continuously for first 72 hours post cut-over

Phase 5: Post-Migration Improvement

• ✅ Right-size VM instances after 2 weeks of real production usage data
• ✅ Implement auto-scaling for variable workloads to avoid over-provisioning
• ✅ Enable Reserved Instances or Savings Plans for stable workloads, saves 40 to 60%
• ✅ Set up cost alerts and budgets in your cloud console
• ✅ Decommission on-premises hardware only after 30-day ongoing support period

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Migrating without a dependency map, one missed dependency causes post-migration failures
• ❌ Over-sizing cloud VMs, start with the measured size, scale up only if needed
• ❌ Ignoring Reserved Instances, running on-demand pricing for months is expensive
• ❌ No rollback plan, always keep on-premises running for 30 days post-migration
• ❌ Skipping the post-migration improvement phase, right-sizing can save an additional 20 to 30%