Title

AWS re:Invent 2023 - Cloud migration strategy (NTA102)

Summary

John, the chief product and technology officer at CCC Information Services, shares his experience and best practices for cloud migration to AWS.
The presentation covers the importance of creating a solid business plan to gain executive and board approval for the migration, which includes addressing financial concerns and operational planning.
Key points include understanding the value propositions for stakeholders, the benefits of agility, security, and cost savings, and the importance of managed services for reducing headcount and costs over time.
The Migration Acceleration Program (MAP) is highlighted as a way to offset the costs of running dual environments during the transition.
The operational plan should include choosing the right partners, setting up a governance system with OKRs and a steering committee, and selecting a pilot project to validate the approach.
Post-migration, it's crucial to manage expectations, educate the development team on cost implications of their decisions, and communicate the benefits to customers.
Expect hiccups during and after the migration, and maintain focus for at least three months post-cutover to ensure stability.

The success of a cloud migration is heavily dependent on the ability to articulate a compelling business case that aligns with the company's strategic goals and addresses the concerns of various stakeholders.
Managed services from AWS can significantly reduce the need for large IT teams and are a key factor in achieving long-term cost savings.
The Migration Acceleration Program (MAP) is a critical resource for companies to leverage in order to mitigate the financial impact of running parallel environments during the migration.
Engaging AWS Professional Services and establishing a close relationship with an AWS Solutions Architect (SA) can provide invaluable support and guidance throughout the migration process at no additional cost.
Financial operations (FinOps) practices become increasingly important in a cloud environment where every technical decision has a direct financial impact.
Communicating the migration plan and its benefits to customers can turn a potential concern into an opportunity for enhanced trust and collaboration.
Post-migration, it's essential to have enterprise support from AWS and to expect a period of adjustment as the new environment stabilizes.