// Key takeaway
Successful migrations start with a full inventory, move in phases with tested rollback plans, and set cost controls before the first bill arrives.
Start with discovery
List every application, server, integration and data flow. Hidden dependencies, such as a nightly job on an old server, are the most common cause of migration problems.
Decide what moves, and how
Some systems move as they are, some are rebuilt, and some should be retired. Decide per application rather than forcing one approach.
Migrate in phases
Move lower-risk systems first, learn from them, then tackle critical platforms. Every phase needs a test plan and a rollback plan.
Control cost from day one
Cloud costs creep without oversight. Right-size resources, use auto-scaling and review spend monthly.
Plan operations
Decide before go-live who monitors, patches and responds to incidents in the new environment.
Published 16 October 2026 by the Digital Hosting Services engineering team, York.
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