Cloud Migration Checklist: 25 Steps to Success

Cloud migration can transform your business, but poor planning leads to cost overruns and downtime. Use this checklist to ensure success.

Phase 1: Assessment (Steps 1-8)

• Inventory all applications and infrastructure
• Classify data by sensitivity and compliance requirements
• Identify dependencies between systems
• Assess current costs (hardware, maintenance, power, staff)
• Define success metrics (cost, performance, availability)
• Identify compliance requirements (HIPAA, SOC 2, PCI-DSS)
• Evaluate team skills and training needs
• Get executive buy-in with clear ROI projections

Phase 2: Planning (Steps 9-16)

• Choose cloud provider(s) - AWS, Azure, GCP, or multi-cloud
• Select migration strategy per application (rehost, refactor, replace)
• Design target architecture
• Plan network connectivity (VPN, Direct Connect)
• Design security controls and IAM policies
• Create detailed migration timeline
• Plan for rollback scenarios
• Establish communication plan for stakeholders

Phase 3: Execution (Steps 17-22)

• Set up cloud environment and security baselines
• Migrate test/dev environments first
• Validate performance and functionality
• Migrate production in phases, starting with low-risk apps
• Monitor closely during and after migration
• Document everything for future reference

Phase 4: Optimization (Steps 23-25)

• Right-size resources based on actual usage
• Implement cost monitoring and alerts
• Train team on cloud-native practices

Need Migration Help?

Black Node has migrated dozens of businesses to the cloud. We handle the complexity so you can focus on your business. Schedule a free assessment.