Migrating virtual machines (VMs) to the cloud can be daunting, but with AWS Application Migration Service (MGN), it becomes streamlined and efficient. AWS MGN is designed to simplify the migration process, reduce downtime, and ensure a smooth transition to the AWS cloud. This blog post will walk you through the steps to set up AWS MGN to migrate your VMs to AWS.

Why Choose AWS Application Migration Service (MGN)?

Before diving into the setup process, let’s briefly discuss why AWS MGN is an excellent choice for your migration needs:

  • Ease of Use: AWS MGN automates migration, making moving your VMs to the cloud easier.
  • Minimal Downtime: By leveraging continuous data replication, AWS MGN minimizes downtime during the migration.
  • Cost-Effective: AWS MGN offers a pay-as-you-go model, allowing you to control costs effectively.
  • Scalability: Easily migrate multiple VMs simultaneously without impacting performance.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

  • An AWS account with the necessary permissions.
  • Source VMs running on supported operating systems.
  • Network connectivity between your source environment and AWS.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up AWS MGN

1. Create a Replication Settings Template

First, log in to the AWS Management Console and navigate the AWS MGN service. Follow these steps to create a replication settings template:

  1. Click on Create template.
  2. Provide a name for your template.
  3. Configure replication settings such as the replication server instance type, subnet, and security groups.
  4. Save the template.

2. Install the AWS MGN Replication Agent

Next, you need to install the AWS MGN replication agent on your source VMs:

  1. Download the agent installer from the AWS MGN console.
  2. Run the installer on each source VM you wish to migrate.
  3. Register the source VM with AWS MGN using the provided activation key.

3. Configure Source Servers

After installing the agent, configure your source servers in the AWS MGN console:

  1. Navigate to the Source Servers tab.
  2. Add your source servers by providing their details.
  3. Configure replication settings specific to each server if necessary.

4. Launch Test Instances

Before the actual migration, it’s essential to test the setup by launching test instances:

  1. In the AWS MGN console, select the source server you want to test.
  2. Click on Launch test instance.
  3. Monitor the test instance to ensure everything works correctly.

5. Perform the Migration

Once testing is successful, you can proceed with the actual migration:

  1. Select the source servers you wish to migrate.
  2. Click on Launch cutover instance.
  3. Monitor the migration progress in the AWS MGN console.

6. Finalize the Migration

After the cutover instance is launched and verified, finalize the migration:

  1. Decommission the source VMs.
  2. Update DNS settings and other configurations as needed.
  3. Ensure all applications and services are functioning correctly in the AWS environment.

Best Practices for AWS MGN Migration

  • Plan Thoroughly: Define your migration strategy and timeline to minimize disruptions.
  • Test Extensively: Conduct multiple test migrations to identify and resolve potential issues.
  • Optimize Resources: Choose appropriate instance types and sizes to balance performance and cost.
  • Monitor Continuously: Use AWS CloudWatch and other tools to monitor your migrated workloads.

Conclusion

Migrating VMs to AWS using AWS Application Migration Service (MGN) can significantly simplify the process, reduce downtime, and optimize costs. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a smooth and successful migration to the AWS cloud.

For more insights and updates on AWS services, follow us on social media and stay tuned for our upcoming blog posts!

References

Migrate an on-premises VM to Amazon EC2 by using AWS Application Migration Service

AWS Application Migration Service FAQs