The ClearScale Cloud Newsline - The Microsoft Modernization Issue

How to Modernize Microsoft Workloads on AWS

Legacy Microsoft technologies are holding companies back in the modern computing age. Windows Server, .NET Framework, SQL Server, and other Windows software formed the IT backbone for countless organizations from the late 1980s through the early 2000s. Fast-forward to today and many of these enterprises are stuck in place or losing ground to more agile, cloud-native businesses.

The problem is that upgrading or replacing these legacy Microsoft technologies isn't easy. First, many companies don’t have the in-house expertise to modernize Windows applications successfully on the cloud. Designing effective cloud architectures requires a new way of thinking that emphasizes flexibility and agility. Gone are the days when having a single codebase (i.e., monolithic applications) was the best way to enable fast development.

What’s more, enterprises that have relied on Windows technologies for decades have so many resources, dependencies, and licenses to consider before moving forward with any migration. One wrong step can create tremendous risk for a company and its customers. And while some organizations may be candidates for lift-and-shift migrations, these projects often leave significant value on the table and don’t fully unlock the power of the cloud.

Getting Microsoft workloads to a cloud platform like AWS and then modernizing appropriately is a massive undertaking. The good news is that it’s worth the investment with the right expertise and solution set involved.

The Benefits of Migrating to AWS

Migrating Microsoft workloads to AWS opens up countless doors of opportunity.

One of the biggest benefits of moving Windows workloads to AWS is that organizations can break free of inflexible licensing agreements…?

Continue reading to learn more about modernizing your Microsoft workloads on AWS.?

Did You Know?

By moving Microsoft workloads to AWS, customers can realize a 98% reduction in unplanned downtime, 71% faster deployment, and 26% higher developer productivity. (IDC )

Tales From The Trenches

J.J. Keller Migrates and Modernizes Legacy Window Applications to Enhance Performance, Cut IT Costs J. J. Keller & Associates, a compliance solutions provider, needed to modernize its IT infrastructure on AWS. ClearScale led the company through a migration and modernization project, implementing managed services and automation along the way. As a result, J.J. Keller’s Windows infrastructure is more resilient, performant, and cost-effective overall, thanks to its new IaC cloud-based architecture. Read the case study .

StayWell Achieves Migration and Automation Goals

StayWell, a health engagement company, needed to migrate its on-premises data center to AWS and build a microservices platform under tight deadlines. ClearScale helped the company migrate hundreds of Windows-based systems and Microsoft SQL databases, simplified network complexity and implemented a HIPAA-compliant, scalable architecture. The new microservices platform supports horizontal auto-scaling and streamlined application delivery. StayWell is now equipped with a secure and efficient cloud environment to drive innovation. Read the case study .?

Quotable

“If you look at Windows in the cloud, 57% of Windows in the cloud runs on AWS.” - Andy Jassy, Former CEO, Amazon Web Services?

Technology Trends?

How to Optimize Windows Costs on AWS Managing Windows workloads doesn’t have to break the bank. AWS offers solutions to reduce costs while enhancing flexibility and performance. By leveraging AWS, businesses can optimize their IT spend and avoid overpaying for unused resources. This blog outlines proven strategies for cutting Windows licensing and compute costs, as well as tips for right-sizing workloads in the cloud. Read the Article

How to Modernize Microsoft Workloads on AWS AWS provides the ideal platform to reimagine Windows Server and SQL Server environments, offering tools to streamline operations and optimize costs. With proven modernization strategies such as replatforming and refactoring, businesses can optimize performance, enhance security, and unlock the potential of cloud-native services. In this blog, we look at key steps to modernizing Microsoft workloads on AWS and achieving seamless transformations. Read the Article

5 Key Benefits of Moving Windows Workloads to AWS Running Windows workloads on outdated infrastructure can hold businesses back. But by migrating to AWS, companies gain access to a more reliable, scalable, and cost-effective platform that enhances performance and simplifies management. AWS offers tools to optimize licensing costs, modernize legacy applications, and improve security — all while reducing the operational burden on IT teams. This blog dives into the top five benefits of making the switch, from reducing costs to increasing security. Read the Article

Featured Cloud Resource

Learn how AWS empowers businesses to run Microsoft workloads in the new eBook, Running Microsoft Workloads on AWS. Find out why AWS is the ideal cloud platform for Microsoft applications, offering opportunities to reduce licensing dependency while optimizing costs for Windows Server and SQL Server workloads. Whether you’re planning your cloud migration or seeking to enhance existing workloads, this eBook is an essential guide to leveraging AWS for Microsoft environments.

Get the eBook

Learn From the Experts

Webinar: From Legacy to Leading-Edge: Modernizing Windows Workloads

Watch this on-demand Techstrong webinar where we will explore the strategies and best practices for modernizing your Windows workloads on the cloud. We cover the benefits of migrating to AWS, optimizing performance and scalability, ensuring security and compliance, and leveraging advanced services like AI and machine learning to unlock new capabilities. We also include case studies to highlight how real-world companies achieved their Windows modernization journeys on the cloud.

Watch Now

Cloud Computing Terms Defined

Cloud Modernization?

Cloud modernization is the process of migrating, updating, and transforming on-premises applications, infrastructure, and data sources into a cloud-based architecture and environment. Read more in the Glossary of Cloud Computing Terms .?

Learn More About Microsoft Modernization

Is your company ready to modernize its Microsoft applications and workloads? Migrating legacy Microsoft systems to the cloud can enhance scalability, security, and performance while reducing costs. Whether you’re moving SQL Server databases, .NET applications, or Active Directory, ClearScale has the expertise to modernize your Microsoft infrastructure.?

Learn more about ClearScale’s Microsoft Modernization services and start your journey to a cloud-enabled future.