Skip to content
elsio
Start a project

Cloud migration to AWS, without a big-bang cutover

We move business applications, databases and file servers from on-premise hardware or ageing hosting to AWS, in planned stages so the business keeps running throughout. Our team is based in London and works with businesses across the UK.

Start a project

What we migrate

  • On-premise servers

    Applications and databases running on servers in your office or a data centre, moved to managed AWS services.

  • Legacy hosting

    Ageing virtual servers or shared hosting, rebuilt on infrastructure that can be patched, scaled and monitored.

  • Databases

    SQL Server, MySQL or PostgreSQL moved to managed databases with automated backups and tested restores.

  • Line-of-business applications

    Internal systems re-hosted as they are, or improved during the move where that reduces cost or risk.

How the project runs

Every phase ends with something you can see and approve.

  1. Readiness review

    We list what runs where, what depends on what, the data involved and your compliance obligations, and produce a costed migration plan.

    Usually one to two weeks

  2. Target design

    The AWS set-up: networking, security, backups and monitoring, defined as code so it is reproducible and auditable.

  3. Migrate in stages

    Systems move one at a time, with the old and new running side by side where needed, so each step can be checked and rolled back.

  4. Cut over and decommission

    Traffic moves to the new environment once it is proven, then the old infrastructure is retired after a final data check.

What to expect

  • Data hosted in the AWS London region (eu-west-2) where UK residency matters
  • Infrastructure defined as code (Terraform), so it is documented and reproducible
  • Backups, monitoring and alerting set up from day one, and restores tested
  • A clear monthly cost estimate before you commit, and cost controls once you are live

The cloud is not automatically cheaper. For a small, stable workload, well-run existing hosting can cost less. We will show the expected running costs before you decide, and say so if staying put makes more sense.

Common questions

Will there be downtime?
We plan migrations so systems move in stages and are tested before traffic switches over. Where a short maintenance window is unavoidable, it is scheduled out of hours and agreed with you in advance.
Will it save money?
Sometimes. Savings usually come from retiring hardware, right-sizing and paying only for what you use; costs can rise if systems are moved without changes. We give you a running-cost estimate during the readiness review.
Can our data stay in the UK?
Yes. AWS has a London region, and we can keep data and backups there to support your UK GDPR obligations.
Do you only work with AWS?
AWS is our default for business systems. If you are committed to Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud, tell us; the approach is the same.

Related

Plan your move to the cloud

Send a short brief and we will come back with questions, a rough approach and whether we are the right fit. No sales sequence.

Start a projectCall 07343 090512

Prefer email? info@elslabs.co.uk

Or message us on WhatsApp.