Let’s Move to Cloud Computing: Migration Methods Explained
In this article, we will explain how cloud computing migration works, especially when moving customers from Private Cloud or Hybrid Cloud environments to Indonesian Cloud Computing (Public Cloud).
It is important to note that IndonesianCloud Public Cloud only provides virtualization infrastructure. It is not a VPS (Virtual Private Server) service and not a colocation server. This distinction is important for proper system planning and architecture decisions.
1. Application/OS-Level Migration
This cloud computing migration method is commonly used for customers still operating physical servers. Typically, the data size is relatively small, usually under 30 GB. Therefore, migration can be done efficiently through an internet connection.
In this approach, IndonesianCloud provides access to the Public Cloud environment. Customers can then transfer or copy data from their Private Cloud to the Public Cloud with assistance if needed. Importantly, existing application services remain online during the migration process, meaning there is no downtime.
Once migration is completed, the application is tested before being officially moved into production.
For larger datasets (above 30 GB), a backup and restore method is applied. In addition, this approach is commonly used for applications with multimedia content such as images, videos, and audio files.
For very large datasets located in restricted or unreachable regions, synchronization over the internet becomes the primary transfer method. As a result, applications remain available throughout the process.
However, the main drawback of this method is that applications must be rebuilt in the Cloud environment. Suitable workloads include:
- Web-based applications
- Linux-based systems
- E-commerce platforms
- Small databases (MySQL, MS SQL Express)
2. Infrastructure-Level Migration in Cloud Computing
The second cloud computing migration method is infrastructure-level migration. Organizations typically use this approach when they still rely on physical servers.
In this method, administrators convert servers from physical to virtual using tools such as VMware Standalone Converter. Therefore, the process performs physical-to-virtual (P2V) conversion, which turns physical machines into virtual files that can run in a cloud environment.
System integrators worldwide actively use these tools. For reference, VMware also provides documentation and tools such as:
http://www.vmware.com/products/converter
The main advantage of this method is that teams do not need to reconfigure applications. As a result, the migrated system stays identical to the original environment.
However, this approach also has drawbacks. During the conversion process, services may go down because synchronization requires full system alignment. In addition, the migration also carries over legacy issues such as unnecessary files, misconfigurations, or hidden system vulnerabilities into the cloud environment.
3. Virtualization-Based Cloud Migration
For customers who already use virtualization in their data center, migration becomes significantly easier. Virtualization platforms such as VMware vSphere Hypervisor, VMware Workstation, or VMware Fusion enable organizations to run servers as virtual machines.
In this case, teams migrate systems simply by copying virtual machine files. Therefore, they avoid complex conversion processes. IndonesianCloud only provides storage media such as external drives or transfer channels, depending on customer requirements.
This method offers strong advantages in terms of simplicity and hardware independence. However, organizations must already have a virtualization infrastructure in place before they can use this migration approach.
Written by: Garibaldi – Cloud Consultant
Conclusion
Choosing the right cloud computing migration method depends on the customer’s current infrastructure, data size, and business requirements.
Therefore, organizations must carefully evaluate whether application-level migration, infrastructure-level migration, or virtualization-based migration is the most suitable approach.
Each method has its own advantages and limitations. In addition, proper planning ensures minimal disruption and a smoother transition to the cloud environment.
This concludes our explanation. If you would like to read more articles about technology or obtain further information about Indonesian Cloud products, please visit our website at Indonesiancloud.com. See you in our next article.