Migration and transfer
Migration follows three steps: assess (Migration Evaluator), mobilize (Application Discovery Service) and migrate (Application Migration Service, DMS). The strategies, the 7 Rs, are under Cloud computing.
Builds the business case for migrating by estimating the cost of running the current environment on AWS.
Key points
- Collects usage data from the on-premises environment.
- Projects the cost on AWS with right-sized resources.
- Supports the decision before migrating.
On the exam
"Build the business case (TCO) for migrating": Migration Evaluator.
Application Discovery Service
AWS Application Discovery Service
Collects information about on-premises servers: configuration, usage and dependencies.
Key points
- Agent-based and agentless discovery.
- Maps dependencies between servers.
- Helps plan the order of the migration.
On the exam
"Discover servers and dependencies before migrating": Application Discovery Service.
Migrates servers to AWS lift-and-shift (rehost), with continuous replication.
Key points
- Replicates physical, virtual or other-cloud servers.
- Fast cutover with little downtime.
- The recommended tool for rehosting.
On the exam
Lift-and-shift of servers: Application Migration Service.
DMS and SCT
Database Migration Service and Schema Conversion Tool
DMS moves database data; SCT converts the schema when the engine changes.
Key points
- The source database keeps running during the migration.
- Homogeneous migrations need only DMS.
- Heterogeneous migrations use SCT before DMS.
On the exam
Oracle to Aurora PostgreSQL: SCT converts the schema, DMS moves the data.
Migration Hub
AWS Migration Hub
Tracks migration progress in one place. It still appears in the exam guide.
Key points
- A central view of migrations run with several tools.
- Closed to new customers since November 7, 2025.
- AWS recommends AWS Transform for new projects.
On the exam
"Track migration progress on a central dashboard": Migration Hub.