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AWS Application Migration Service

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AWS Application Migration Service (formerly CloudEndure Migration) automates the migration of applications and data to AWS using continuous block-level data replication, facilitating lift-and-shift migrations with minimal downtime. It is a key service in the 'Migration' phase of the cloud journey and its status can be monitored via AWS Migration Hub. (source_page: 1)

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the core function and mechanism of AWS Application Migration Service.
  • Identify the primary use cases for AWS Application Migration Service, including lift-and-shift migrations.
  • Comprehend the licensing and cost structure associated with using AWS Application Migration Service.
  • Recognize the role of AWS Application Migration Service within the larger AWS cloud migration process and its integration with other services like AWS Migration Hub.

Introduction to AWS Application Migration Service

AWS Application Migration Service is a critical tool for automating the process of migrating applications and their associated data from on-premises environments to AWS.

AWS Application Migration Service automates the actual migration of applications and data to AWS. It represents phase three in the overall migration process. The service was previously known as CloudEndure Migration.
The service utilizes continuous block-level data replication. This involves installing an agent on the source server, which then mirrors its disks to a staging area within AWS in real-time.
During the cutover phase, the replicated server's data is converted into a standard AWS AMI (Amazon Machine Image). This AMI then allows for the launch of EC2 instances, effectively bringing the migrated application online in AWS.
AWS Application Migration Service is designed for lift-and-shift migrations. It is highly effective for migrating large numbers of servers, such as thousands of physical servers, to EC2 with minimal downtime, making it suitable for enterprise workloads.
There is no traditional license fee for AWS Application Migration Service. It offers up to 90 days of free use per migrated server. After this free period, the service operates on a pay-as-you-go model. Users are responsible for the costs of temporary AWS resources (such as EC2 instances and EBS volumes) provisioned for staging data and replication, irrespective of the 90-day free use period.

Role in the End-to-End Migration Process

AWS Application Migration Service is strategically positioned within the broader AWS cloud migration framework, integrating with other services for comprehensive project management.

The typical cloud migration journey follows four stages: Assessment, Planning, Migration, and Monitoring. AWS Application Migration Service is specifically the service used during the 'Migration' stage, which involves replicating data and launching new EC2 instances during cutover.
AWS Migration Hub serves as a single monitoring dashboard that provides a centralized view of the entire migration journey. It aggregates status reports and progress updates from various migration services, including AWS Application Migration Service, AWS Migration Evaluator, and AWS Application Discovery Service.

Exam Focus

  • When encountering questions about 'lift and shift', 'minimal downtime', or 'block-level replication' for application migration, think of AWS Application Migration Service.
  • Remember that AWS Application Migration Service (formerly CloudEndure Migration) is distinct from AWS Database Migration Service (DMS).

Glossary

CloudEndure Migration
The previous name for AWS Application Migration Service.
Lift-and-shift migrations
A migration strategy where applications are moved from one environment to another (e.g., on-premises to AWS) without redesigning, re-architecting, or making major changes to the application code.
Block-level data replication
A method of data replication that captures and mirrors changes at the raw storage block level of a disk, often in real-time, for continuous synchronization.
Staging area
A temporary environment in AWS, provisioned with EC2 instances and EBS volumes, used to receive and store replicated data from source servers before the final cutover.
Cutover
The final step in a migration, where the replicated server's data is converted into a standard AWS AMI, and new EC2 instances are launched from it, effectively switching production traffic to the migrated application in AWS.

Key Takeaways

  • AWS Application Migration Service (AMS) automates lift-and-shift migrations of applications and data to AWS.
  • AMS uses continuous block-level data replication to minimize downtime during migration.
  • The service incurs no license fee and offers 90 days of free use, though users pay for temporary AWS staging resources.
  • AMS is the primary service for the 'Migration' stage in the AWS cloud migration process and integrates with AWS Migration Hub for centralized monitoring.

Content Sources

AWS Cloud Migration Services: A Struc... 07_AWS_Solutions_Architect_Associate_... API Gateway Stage and Canary Deployments AWS_MIGRATION_PLAN Automated and Repeatable Deployments Overview Extracted: 2026-03-25T01:05:05.967831+00:00 Model: gemini-2.5-flash