Lift and Shift vs. Refactor: Which Cloud Migration Strategy Is Right for You?  

• 01/Oct/2025
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Migrating to the cloud is no longer a question but a matter of how. As more businesses look for better performance, cost savings, and flexibility, the cloud has become a clear choice. But one decision stands out in this journey: which cloud migration strategy to use?  

According to a recent report by Gartner, more than 85% of businesses will have a cloud-first approach by 2025. This shift is reshaping how businesses build and manage technology.  

But moving to the cloud isn’t just about flipping a switch. The path you choose impacts cost, risk, and long-term flexibility. That’s why choosing the right strategy matters.  

Two common approaches stand out: Lift and Shift, and Refactor. Each has its strengths, trade-offs, and best-fit scenarios. Let’s explore what they mean and understand which one suits your goals.  

What is Cloud Migration?  

Cloud migration means relocating data, applications, IT processes and workloads from legacy infrastructure to cloud-based platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.  

Now it is not just for tech giants anymore. Small businesses, startups, and government agencies are getting on board, driven by the need for speed, scale, and smart spending.  

Benefits   

• Lower operating costs  

• On-demand scalability  

• Improved performance  

• Business continuity  

• Better disaster recovery  

Categories of Migration Strategies  

There’s no one-size-fits-all. The 6 R’s of migration outline six strategic paths –   

• Rehost – Move apps without change (aka Lift and Shift)  

• Refactor – Modify apps to better suit the cloud  

• Revise – Make minor tweaks before moving  

• Rebuild – Rewrite from scratch  

• Replace – Swap with a SaaS solution  

• Retain – Keep it on-premise for now  

Out of these, two of the most used are Rehost (Lift and Shift) and Refactor.  

What is Rehost or Lift and Shift?  

Lift and Shift means moving an existing application to the cloud without making changes to its core code or architecture.  

Key Characteristics include 

• Minimal disruption  

• Quick to execute  

• Same architecture, just on cloud infrastructure  

• Often uses Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)  

Advantages include

• Speed: Fast to deploy  

• Cost predictability: Short-term savings on hardware and maintenance  

• Lower risk: No code changes mean fewer surprises  

• Quick wins: Immediate cloud benefits like backups and uptime  

And what are the Limitations?  

• Missed cloud-native features: Doesn’t fully use the benefits of the cloud  

• Performance issues: Legacy code might not run well in cloud environments  

• Future costs: Optimisation often needed later  

You may use this process when there is –   

• A pressure to migrate fast (e.g., datacentre shutdowns)  

• For legacy apps that are stable but not cloud-optimised  

• As a temporary move before long-term refactoring  

Now, what is Refactoring?  

Refactoring involves reworking parts of an application—sometimes entirely—to make it cloud-optimised.  

Key Characteristics include  

• Takes longer to implement  

• Requires code-level changes  

• Usually shifts to Platform as a Service (PaaS) or serverless  

• Improves performance, scalability, and maintainability  

Advantages include

• Cloud-native benefits: Auto-scaling, microservices, faster deployments  

• Efficiency: Uses cloud resources more effectively  

• Future-ready: Easier to integrate with modern tools and services  

And here are the Limitations 

• Time and cost: Upfront investment in time, money, and skill  

• Complexity: Needs a solid understanding of the app’s codebase  

• Potential downtime: Careful planning needed to avoid disruptions  

This method is ideal

• For apps that need to scale dynamically  

• When modernisation is a core business goal  

• If you plan to adopt DevOps, microservices, or containerisation  

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Strategy  

The right migration strategy depends on more than just budget or timing. It’s about aligning tech decisions with your business goals.  

• Business Goals  

What are you aiming to achieve? If speed and short-term savings are key, Lift and Shift might work. If innovation and agility matter more, Refactoring makes sense.  

• Application Complexity  

If you are looking for simple apps, Lift and Shift could be enough. But if you work with complex apps with performance issues, use Refactor to gain efficiency and stability.  

• Compliance and Security Needs  

Some industries (like healthcare or finance) have strict compliance rules. Refactoring can help build in better security controls. But Lift and Shift might help you move quickly while meeting basic security standards.  

• Internal Expertise and Resources  

Don’t have a cloud-native development team? Lift and Shift is easier to manage. If you have experience with cloud architects, Refactoring gives them room to build something better.  

When confused, start by understanding your business needs, the nature of your applications, and your internal capabilities. No strategy is perfect—but one will fit better than the rest.  

Make sure your strategy supports where your business is going, and what your team can realistically handle. Try a pilot. Move one app using Lift and Shift. Refactor another. Compare the results. Learn as you go.  

Remember, the wrong approach could cost time, money, and stability. But the right one will set you up for years of flexibility and growth.  

If you need help choosing the right strategy for your business, whether you’re building your first cloud app or migrating a complex system, our team at Cyberhaven Technologies will guide you through each step. Let’s make your move to the cloud simple, smart, and secure.