AWS Server Migration Service

Overview

• Lift&Shift server migration
• Supports incremental migration of live servers
• Orchestrates large-scale migrations (see Migration Hub)
• Tracks progress
• Produces AMI
  • Removes unwanted VM tools before AMI
• Replication schedules
• Supports
  • VMWare
  • Microsoft Hyper-V
• Alternatives
  • VM Import API

Agentless

• No need to install agent on each source server
• Connector
  • Needs to be installed on the host (hypervisor)
  • Captures block-level changes

Incremental replication

• Constantly hydrates data into target environment
• Requires one-time snapshot
• Limits network bandwidth
• Frequency configurable (e.g. every 2h)
  • Every run is separate AMI
• Duration 90 days
• Shortens the cut-over time
  • "Last sync" only

Licensing

• Auto
  • Windows - AWS will provide license
    • AWS will charge for license
  • Linux - BYOL
• AWS
• BYOL

References

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxtcB21xXzM