Title

AWS re:Invent 2023 - Migration madness: The dos and don’ts of a self-run migration to AWS (SMB211)

Summary

The session emphasizes the importance of understanding the "why" behind migrating to AWS, with cost efficiency and business agility being top motivators.
Agility, operational efficiency, and risk reduction are highlighted as key benefits of migrating to AWS.
The speaker stresses the importance of following a proven methodology for migration, leveraging AWS tools, partners, and support models.
Training and investing in the team's cloud knowledge are critical for a successful migration.
AWS is willing to invest in customer success, including financial support for migration.
The concept of "YOMO" (You Only Migrate Once) is introduced, emphasizing the need to get migration right the first time with expert help.
The speaker advises against treating AWS as just another data center and encourages continuous modernization.
Making a case for change, understanding software licenses, and vendor management are discussed as part of the migration planning process.
A mental model for migration is presented, including training, proof of concepts, assessing the environment, mobilizing resources, and executing the migration.
The importance of a migration readiness assessment, developing a detailed plan, and executive engagement are underscored.
The session concludes with a call to set aggressive goals and execute quickly with trusted partners.

The session highlights a common trend in cloud migration where cost savings are an initial driver, but the focus quickly shifts to the broader benefits of agility and operational efficiency.
The speaker's emphasis on "knowing your whys" suggests that successful migrations are often rooted in a clear understanding of the strategic benefits beyond just cost savings.
The mention of AWS's investment in customer success, including financial support, indicates AWS's commitment to fostering long-term customer relationships and ensuring successful cloud adoption.
The "YOMO" concept underscores the unique challenges of cloud migration and the importance of leveraging AWS's experience and partner ecosystem to mitigate risks.
The discussion around continuous modernization and not treating AWS as just another data center reflects the ongoing evolution of cloud services and the need for businesses to adapt their strategies accordingly.
The mental model for migration presented in the session provides a structured approach to cloud adoption, emphasizing the importance of readiness assessments, training, and planning.
The focus on executive engagement and setting aggressive goals suggests that leadership buy-in and a proactive approach are critical factors in the speed and success of cloud migrations.