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Cloud Migration Options (the 6 Rs)

Business analysisTechnology and architecture

Reference model

Cloud Migration Options (the 6 Rs)A canvas of 6 boxes laid out on a grid of 3 columns and 2 rows: Rehost, Replatform, Repurchase, Refactor, Retire, Retain.RehostLift and shift to the cloudwithout changes.ReplatformMake minimal changes to optimizefor the cloud.RepurchaseReplace with a cloud-nativesolution.RefactorRe-architect for cloudoptimization.RetireDecommission applications thatare no longer needed.RetainKeep applications on-premises fornow.

The 6 Rs guide organizations in choosing the right cloud migration strategy.

About this model

The 6 Rs of cloud migration include Rehost, Replatform, Repurchase, Refactor, Retire, and Retain, providing a framework to categorize migration strategies.

Originator not stated.

How to read it

  • Each R represents a different approach to cloud migration.
  • Consider the specific needs of each application when selecting an R.

What this does

Helps organizations evaluate and select the most suitable cloud migration strategy based on their specific needs and constraints.

When to use it

Use it when planning a cloud migration to determine the best approach for each application or workload.

Not when: Do not use it when the cloud migration is already decided or when there are no applications to migrate.

What happens next

Conduct a detailed cost analysis for the selected migration options.

Golden thread

Builds on ←

  • Current IT Infrastructure Assessment
  • Cloud Strategy Definition

Feeds into →

  • Cloud Migration Roadmap

Use this tool, free

Sign in to open the worksheet. Your work saves as you type, the AI can draft the parts you have not filled in, and you finish with an analysis and a 30/60/90-day action plan.

Drafted with AI and reviewed by Eccellere on 04/11/2026. Guidance, not advice: apply your own judgement.