Replatforming
Replatforming is a software migration strategy where an application is moved from one platform to another with minimal changes to its codebase, often to modernize infrastructure, improve performance, or reduce costs. It involves lifting and shifting the application to a new environment, such as moving from on-premises servers to cloud services, while keeping the core architecture intact. This approach balances the benefits of new technology with reduced risk compared to full rewrites.
Developers should consider replatforming when they need to modernize legacy systems without extensive code refactoring, such as migrating from physical servers to cloud platforms like AWS or Azure for scalability and cost-efficiency. It is useful in scenarios where the application is stable but the underlying infrastructure is outdated, allowing teams to leverage new technologies like containerization or managed services while minimizing disruption. This method is often chosen over more invasive strategies like refactoring or rewriting when time, budget, or risk constraints are high.