In the context of CompTIA Cloud+ and deployment, 'Lift and Shift'—technically known as rehosting—is a migration strategy where applications, data, and workloads are moved from an on-premises environment to a cloud infrastructure with little to no modification to the underlying code or architecture.…In the context of CompTIA Cloud+ and deployment, 'Lift and Shift'—technically known as rehosting—is a migration strategy where applications, data, and workloads are moved from an on-premises environment to a cloud infrastructure with little to no modification to the underlying code or architecture. Essentially, the workload is 'lifted' from the local data center and 'shifted' into a cloud provider's Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) environment.
From a deployment perspective, this is often the fastest method to migrate. Organizations typically utilize this strategy when facing time constraints, such as an expiring data center lease or hardware reaching end-of-life. The process involves creating images of existing servers (Physical-to-Virtual or P2V) or transferring existing virtual machine files (Virtual-to-Virtual or V2V) to the cloud, replicating the exact operating environment.
The primary advantage is speed and a reduction in the immediate complexity associated with refactoring code. However, the disadvantage is that the application does not become 'cloud-native.' Because the architecture remains unchanged, the application cannot fully leverage specific cloud benefits such as auto-scaling, serverless computing, or deep integration with managed services. Consequently, a lift and shift migration can sometimes result in higher operational costs, as the application may consume more resources than necessary compared to a modernized, refactored solution.
For a Cloud+ professional, it is important to verify system prerequisites during this deployment phase to ensure the operating system and legacy configurations are compatible with the cloud hypervisor. Often, lift and shift is viewed as the first step in a migration journey, with plans to optimize (right-size) or re-platform the application after it has been successfully stabilized in the cloud.
Guide to Lift and Shift Migration for CompTIA Cloud+
What is Lift and Shift Migration? Lift and Shift, often referred to technically as rehosting, is a cloud migration strategy where an organization moves applications and data from an on-premises environment to the cloud without modifying the underlying application code, architecture, or design. It involves replicating the existing environment on cloud infrastructure, essentially treating the cloud as a virtual data center.
Why is it Important? This strategy is critical for scenarios requiring speed and minimal disruption. It allows organizations to exit on-premises data centers quickly—perhaps due to lease expirations or hardware end-of-life—without the high cost and time investment required to re-architect applications for cloud-native features.
How it Works The process relies heavily on Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). 1. Assessment: IT teams inventory existing servers, mapping CPU, RAM, and storage requirements. 2. Replication: Virtual machine images or disk volumes are copied directly to the cloud provider using migration tools. 3. Configuration: Network settings (IPs, subnets, firewalls) are adjusted to match the cloud environment. 4. Validation: The application is tested to ensure it runs exactly as it did on-premises.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Lift and Shift Migration To answer CompTIA Cloud+ questions correctly regarding this topic, apply the following logic:
1. Look for Urgency: If a scenario mentions a tight deadline, immediate data center evacuation, or lack of development resources, Lift and Shift is usually the correct answer. 2. Identify 'Legacy' Constraints: If the question states that the application cannot be recoded or is a legacy system that must be moved 'as-is,' choose Rehosting/Lift and Shift. 3. Associate with IaaS: Remember that Lift and Shift moves workloads to IaaS (Virtual Machines), not PaaS or SaaS. 4. Know the Downside: Be prepared for questions about cost optimization. Lift and Shift is often the least cost-efficient model initially because it does not utilize auto-scaling or serverless features; it typically runs 24/7 just like an on-prem server.