Best Cloud Migration Solutions Shortlist
After trying dozens of cloud migration solutions, I’ve collected my top recommendations based on the unique features where each tool excels.
- LeapLogic – Best for consistency
- CloudFuze – Best for enterprise scalability
- AWS Cloud Migration Services – Best for AWS infrastructure
- Cloudamize – Best analytics
- N-iX – Best for custom migration solutions at scale
- Carbonite Migrate – Best for flexibility
- Cloudsfer – Best for user-friendly migration tools
- IBM Turbonomic – Best for cost-effective migration solutions
- CloudScape – Best discovery tool for cloud migrations
- VMWare Cloud – Best for migrating VMs to the cloud
- CloudPilot – Best for detailed recommendations
- Dynatrace – Best for visibility mapping
Cloud migration can be a beast, so I’m happy to take advantage of any tools that can simplify facets like data transfer, network configuration, and access management. Each solution has something a little different to offer, so while making this list, I dug into the details to compare features and integrations along with the best use cases to help you choose the right cloud migration solution.
What Is a Cloud Migration Solution?
The cloud is a network of remote servers that provides a secure, scalable alternative to on-premise servers. Thanks to advantages such as flexibility, resiliency, and cost efficiency, businesses are increasingly moving from legacy on-premise servers to more agile cloud solutions.
The process of moving applications and data from on-premises networks to cloud-based solutions is called cloud migration. For businesses with a large volume of data, it’s a time and labor-intensive task with many complexities.
Thankfully, cloud migration solutions can help facilitate the movement from on-premise servers to the cloud.
Overviews of the 12 Best Cloud Migration Solutions
I know that you’re feeling a little overwhelmed with the options, so I’ve made this list as easy as possible to compare the options by providing what you need to know for each solution.
1. LeapLogic – Best for consistency
LeapLogic is a great choice for adding automation with a systematized process. This solution is designed to work with legacy technology stacks, helping modernize businesses of all sizes.
Why I picked LeapLogic
I put LeapLogic on this list because they rely on a standardized four-step process that identifies unique opportunities and then makes recommendations to leverage those opportunities during the migration process. This systematization enables LeapLogic to deliver consistent, repeatable results. It also means that LeapLogic customers see a smoother transition with fewer errors in the process.
LeapLogic Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features that grabbed my attention include LeapLogic’s standardized 4-step process that begins with an assessment, followed by the transformation, validation, and then operationalization. I like that this provides a consistent, repeatable process that you can trust with your biggest migration projects.
Integrations include native support for all of the major public cloud providers, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. LeapLogic also works with the Databricks Partner Network.
Pricing: Pricing upon request
Trial: Free trial available
Pros
- Integrated assessment supports a variety of workload types
- AWS-native conversion
- Full support with documentation and training
Cons
- Custom integrations can be costly
- Some competitors might provide better granular-level controls
2. CloudFuze – Best for enterprise scalability
CloudFuze enables seamless migration, management, and collaboration across multiple cloud platforms with an intuitive solution. Effortlessly transfer files, sync data, and maximize productivity without compromising enterprise-level security.
Why I Picked CloudFuze
I like CloudFuze because it offers a lot of bang for your buck. The platform includes a comprehensive suite of cloud migration and management tools that give you more flexibility to tailor the migration solution to meet your specific needs. With custom multi-cloud integrations, advanced security features, and complete scalability, I think it’s a shoo-in for enterprise cloud migrations.
CloudFuze’s Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features that are most appealing, in my opinion, include multi-cloud management and built-in collaboration tools that make it easy to sync and transfer files in complex environments. Not only is this platform designed to simplify cloud migration, but also to assist large teams working on large-scale migration projects asynchronously. I also appreciated that it seems built for speed and includes unlimited data transfers.
Integrations include full support through native integrations for Microsoft, Google, Cisco, and CenturyLink. Several third-party integrations are also available to support popular collaboration and file-sharing tools, as well as other utilities.
Pricing: Pricing by quote only
Trial: Yes
Pros
- Dedicated migration manager is available
- Pre-migration and project planning assistance
- Daily reporting and status updates
Cons
- Variable, need-based pricing can be a challenge to budget for
- There’s a learning curve to fully utilize all features
3. AWS Cloud Migration Services – Best for AWS infrastructure
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a leading cloud platform provider with a series of cloud migration tools, all accessible from the AWS migration hub. The hub is a centralized platform that lets users track their cloud migration projects from a single location.
Why I Picked AWS Migration Services
I chose AWS migration services because when it comes to working with AWS cloud environments, native integrations provide the easiest and quickest way to get things done. AWS offers scalability, reliability, and a comprehensive range of services that check off all the right boxes on my list of requirements.
AWS Migration Services’ Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include automated provisioning, one-touch data migration, and a suite of options that support scalability. With AWS, my business can leverage all the tools that we need to simplify and speed the process up. I appreciate the rich ecosystem and advanced built-in security measures that AWS solutions provide.
Integrations include many industry-leading tools and services like VMWare, Microsoft Azure, Oracle, and SAP. I like that an AWS-native service provides multi-cloud flexibility so that you can work with your existing infrastructure investments, building for the future one component at a time.
Pricing: Always free
Trial: Always free
Pros
- Cost-effective scalability goes both ways (up or down)
- Centralized control of a comprehensive suite of tools
- Full security enablement, including encryption, access controls, and monitoring tools
Cons
- May require additional investments in training or IT support
- While many AWS migration tools are free, some may incur costs
4. Cloudamize – Best analytics
Cloudamize is a great choice for gathering detailed analytics before, during, and after a large migration project.
Why I Picked Cloudamize
I really appreciate the simple user interface and easy-to-use migration planning tools that Cloudamize offers. It’s also helpful that this tool supports popular multi-cloud environments like AWS, Google, and Microsoft Azure. This tool really helps save a lot of time, even when working with complex migrations.
Cloudamize’s Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include detailed analytics that provide visibility into costs and workloads, as well as several effective migration planning tools. I feel confident tackling any migration project (big or small) with Cloudamize. This tool just makes planning and visibility feel easy.
Integrations include native support for a variety of popular tools like VMware, Kubernetes, Docker, and several others that facilitate collaborative workloads during large migration projects. I find these necessary integrations helpful because many companies are already using their favorite tools and want to continue using them.
Pricing: Quote only with a demo
Trial: Demo available
Pros
- Analytics-driven visibility facilitates accurate, complete migrations
- Built-in resource optimization tools help control costs
- Advanced cost control options for greater financial control
Cons
- Limited support for smaller cloud providers
- Needs-based pricing can be costly for large-scale migrations
5. N-iX – Best for custom migration solutions at scale
This company provides a team of more than 400 experienced cloud migration and software development specialists to custom-tailor cloud migration solutions beginning with a needs assessment, solution design, and pilot program to prepare for success. Then, they execute the migration and provide diligent post-transition support.
Why I chose N-iX
Some organizations need more than an off-the-shelf solution. Where others fall short, N-iX can provide the elasticity that modern, digitally-enabled businesses need to execute successful migrations. I really like their use of a repeatable, consistent process behind a customized migration solution.
N-iX’s standout features and integrations
Features include a consistent structure provided by a uniform process, which I appreciate. N-iX begins with a thorough assessment which informs a custom solution design. Then, a dedicated team creates a pilot to test for functionality before advancing to the actual migration. Finally, each project benefits from support all the way through post-implementation to ensure success.
Integrations include native support for all major cloud platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, as well as the ability to build custom integrations based on the specific needs of a client-side tech stack.
Pricing: Pricing upon request
Trial: Not available
Pros
- Custom solutions for every need
- Migrate to the cloud with or without infrastructure changes
- Improves interoperability with multi-cloud support
Cons
- Custom solutions can be cost-prohibitive
- More complex than off-the-shelf migration solutions
6. Carbonite Migrate – Best for flexibility
Carbonite Migrate provides the flexibility to do it all while your systems remain up and running. This tool works with a variety of environments and operating systems, bringing hands-off automation to the migration process.
Why I chose Carbonite Migrate
I love that you can keep your systems up and running during the entire migration process. Carbonite Migrate makes it easy to minimize downtime while also automating many of the steps to reduce errors and save time, making each migration more efficient.
Standout Features and Integrations
Features that caught my eye include the flexibility to choose between full-server or data-only migrations, automated migration configuration, and virtual provisioning. This tool can be used with any configuration of physical, virtual, and cloud-based systems.
Integrations are native to multi-cloud environments like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, VMware, and others.
Pricing: Pricing upon request
Trial: 15-day free trial
Pros
- Wide range of support for multi-cloud providers
- Easy automation to plan and execute migrations
- Systems stay up during execution
Cons
- Some of the simplicity is lost when using multi-cloud environments
- Limited options to troubleshoot failures
7. Cloudsfer – Best for user-friendly migration tools
Cloudsfer is a cloud-to-cloud migration software that is well-known for its user-friendly layout and support for a wide range of data sources and targets.
Why I picked Cloudsfer
I chose this tool because the architecture is logical and intuitive, making it easy for users to navigate within the software and find what they need. I find that the interface provides clear, simple instructions and helpful prompts that dramatically reduce the learning curve compared to other competitors.
Cloudsfer Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include multi-user migration support tools that facilitate the quick migration of large teams in less time using batching. I like that Cloudsfer also makes it easier to maintain permissions across multiple systems for enhanced security and is built with complete scalability.
Integrations include more than 30 on-premise and cloud systems, making Cloudsfer widely compatible with nearly any configuration for cloud-to-cloud, on-premise-to-cloud, and cloud-to-on-premise migrations. My favorite native integrations include Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, Egnyte, FTP, OneDrive, and many more.
Pricing: Starting at $25/Month
Trial: Yes
Pros
- Simplifies complex data migrations with easy-to-use tools
- Wide range of compatibility
- Prioritizes data security
Cons
- Slower speeds can make large-scale data transfers time-consuming
- Dependency on third-party systems might increase infrastructure costs
8. IBM Turbonomic Cloud Migration Platform – Best for a cost-effective solution
IBM’s Turbonomic platform is an all-inclusive cloud migration solution that automates every step of the process, beginning with a fully optimized migration plan. With a fully integrated platform, you can make the shift between clouds or between on-premise and cloud solutions while simultaneously boosting efficiency through cost-savings and optimized workflows.
Why I picked Cloudsfer
I chose IBM’s Turbonomics platform because it is a fully-integrated platform solution that provides a streamlined alternative to other complex, highly technical migration tools. In most cases, migration projects are part of a larger strategic cost-savings plan, so I appreciate being able to optimize long-term cloud spending costs.
Cloudsfer Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features that I think are most useful include real-time analysis and control of application resource management in multi-cloud environments. The wide range of optimization tools enables you to make smarter, faster decisions during large-scale migrations.
Integrations include native support for popular cloud management platforms and public cloud providers such as Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud. Other native integrations I liked included databasing via MySQL and Oracle, and support for infrastructure tools like Kubernates, VMware, and Hyper-V.
Pricing: Quote available
Trial: Yes
Pros
- Quick configuration gets your migration moving quickly
- Automated optimization tools inform configurations for successful migrations
- Built-in cost-saving optimization tools help reduce ongoing cloud spend
Cons
- Up-front pricing can be cost-prohibitive for small companies
- Steep learning curve
9. CloudScape – Best discovery tool for cloud migrations
There are plenty of tech-enablement tools that share the CloudScape name. The one I am recommending here is RISC Networks CloudScape planning tool, which provides visibility and discovery features that assist in planning large-scale cloud migrations.
Why I chose CloudScape:
I chose CloudScape because I like the detailed mapping of different environments that it provides. Technical migrations are complex, and the bigger they are, the more complex, so I always appreciate tools that focus on visibility.
CloudScapes’ standout features and integrations:
Features include automated scanning of cloud and on-premises environments to detect devices, routers, switches, servers, and other components with built-in grouping for effortless organization. I really appreciated the granular and comprehensive visibility CloudScape provides. It also offers cost and resource management features that provide all the information you need when beginning a new project.
Integrations are pre-built for popular cloud providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. CloudScape doesn’t seem to natively integrate with more modern collaboration and IT tools, but third-party APIs may be available on a case-by-case basis.
Price: $30 per Month
Free Trial: No
Pros:
- Hands-off discovery
- Visual solutions for managing workflows
- Economically priced
Cons:
- Limited features
- Better suited for large migration projects
10. VMWare Cloud – Best for migrating VMs to the cloud
In 2018, VMware acquired CloudVelox, marking its evolution to facilitating hybrid cloud environments and solidifying a strong partnership with public cloud providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. Prior to this acquisition, VMware was primarily an on-premises provider.
Why I chose VMWare Cloud
I chose this tool because it’s uniquely designed to facilitate migrations of on-premise solutions using Virtual Machines (VMs) into public cloud environments. While other tools might have similar features, VMware is an industry leader in virtualization and their cloud-migration tools are especially well-designed if you want to keep running VM workloads as you shift into the cloud.
CloudVelox’s Standout Features and Integrations
Features include a no-downtime migration process that lets your business stay up and running while making big infrastructure changes in the background. Since time is money, I really appreciate the fact that you can migrate while keeping your systems up and running.
Integrations include native support for all major public cloud providers, including Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.
Price: Quote available
Free Trial: Demo available
Pros:
- Familiar interfacing for existing VMware users
- Wide range of support for operating systems and applications
- Hybrid cloud compatibility
Cons:
- Closed ecosystem can be restrictive
- Expensive licensing may be cost prohibitive
11. CloudPilot – Best for detailed recommendations
CloudPilot is a tool designed for efficiency, providing fast data transfers with actionable guidance in a step-by-step format that’s easy to follow from beginning to end.
Why I chose CloudPilot
I like this tool because it’s loaded with detailed recommendations to optimize cloud computing resources without the bloat of additional pricing to access those features. For enterprise-level migrations, this tool is really handy to make sure that every piece of data is migrated according to predefined processes and best practices.
CloudPilot’s standout features and integrations
Features include static code analysis to identify opportunities and make customized recommendations to optimize the migration project. CloudPilot also includes efficient application migration services, which stood out to me, alongside cost management features and continuous compliance features that help you stay in control of your budget, keeping everything on track.
Integrations include native support for Azure’s migrate hub as well as most open-source applications running in a Linux environment.
Price: Quote available
Trial: Free for up to 50 servers
Pros:
- Safe migration process, preventing data loss and downtime
- Natively secure and compliant
- Centralized dashboard
Cons:
- Limited cloud provider compatibility
- Requires technical familiarity to use
12. Dynatrace – Best for visibility mapping
DynaTrace provides AI-assisted intelligence that helps you see the whole picture in complex, multi-cloud environments. This gives essential visibility for planning and optimizing your cloud migration project.
Why I chose DynaTrace
I’m a sucker for visual data formats, so I was immediately drawn to the variety of maps, charts, and graphs that DynaTrace provides. I find this to be a really effective tool for seeing the bigger picture and planning or optimizing complex cloud migration projects.
DynaTrace’s standout features and integrations
Features include real-time monitoring and AI-assisted optimizations that enable users to see and cloud environments to plan for successful migrations. I appreciate a modern tool that incorporates AI-assisted automation to save me time during tedious migrations.
Integrations include continuous delivery tools like Jenkins, cloud environments like Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud with native support, as well as containerization tools like Kubernetes to provide a comprehensive cloud management solution that happens to include migration support.
Price: Starts at $0.04/hour/any size
Free Trial: 15-day free trial
Pros:
- Includes a broad scope of detail for big-picture visualizations
- Provides AI-assisted intelligence for strategic optimizations
- Easy to collaborate with teams
Cons:
- Complex configuration
- Maybe more comprehensive than some users need
Other Options
There are a lot of tools out there that can do some or all of the tasks you need to manage during a migration. Here are a few more that didn’t make my top 12 list but are still worth a mention.
- CloudEndure – Best for combined migration and disaster recovery
- RiverMeadow – Best for virtual server migrations
- Rackware – Best for minimal downtime
- Morpheus – Best for creating unified cloud environments
- Skykick Migration Suite – Best for customer support
- Sureline Cloud Migration – Best for automation
You can also check out my guide to the best cloud service providers, some of which offer migration support.
Selection Criteria For Cloud Migration Solutions
Here’s a short summary of the main selection and evaluation criteria I used to develop my list of the best cloud migration solutions for this article:
Core Functionality
First, I looked at what each solution was essentially designed to do. When it comes to cloud migration solutions, here’s what I feel is important:
- Planning, visibility, and administrative controls to keep track of large migration projects
- Data transfer speed and migration task effectiveness
- Multi-cloud and hybrid cloud compatibility
Key Features
The features that enable core functionality include:
- Discovery and assessment: Features that include automated search and discovery engines, as well as visualization tools like network mapping that can help assess and plan a large-scale cloud migration project.
- Automated workflows: The migration process can be time-consuming, so automation that adds speed and efficiency ranks high on my list of key features.
- Network security: While speed and automation are both important, they can’t come at the cost of compromising security, so any conversation about potential migration tools would be incomplete without prioritizing security features as well.
Usability
Cloud migration tools are all inherently a bit technical, but usability is still an important consideration. Here, the most important aspects are speed and automation. I rank speed first because the entire project will be affected if slow data transfer speeds hold things up or cause migration failures. Then, a close second, I think that automation is important in the overall usability of appropriate migration tools because the technology is available and accessible.
What’s Next?
It’s really not a matter of if you will need a migration tool but when. The pace of change in the digital era is rapid. Businesses that want to remain at the forefront of innovation are embracing this change-specifically, new capabilities through cloud enablement. And that means, whether it’s today or sometime down the road, you’ll need to face the future.
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