Cloud Migration Strategy: Hybrid Approach with NMA
Learn how to migrate from on-premises to cloud using the Nexus Model Architecture's hybrid deployment pattern, minimizing risk and downtime.
The Migration Challenge
Migrating from on-premises to cloud is complex. Organizations face:
- Risk of downtime during cutover
- Data sovereignty and compliance concerns
- Network latency between on-prem sources and cloud DWH
- Need to maintain business continuity
- Gradual migration requirements
The NMA Hybrid Approach
The Nexus Model Architecture's hybrid deployment pattern enables gradual, low-risk migration:
%%{init: {'theme':'base', 'themeVariables': { 'fontSize': '14px' }}}%%
graph LR
subgraph Phase1["Phase 1: Parallel Setup"]
A["On-Premises
Systems"] C["Sync Layer"] B["Cloud DWH
(NMA)"] A -->|Replicate| C C -->|Load| B end subgraph Phase2["Phase 2: Gradual Migration"] D["Migrate
Source 1"] E["Migrate
Source 2"] end subgraph Phase3["Phase 3: Cloud-Native"] F["Decommission
On-Prem"] end Phase1 --> Phase2 Phase2 --> Phase3 style A fill:#fff3e0 style B fill:#e0f2fe style C fill:#f3e5f5 style D fill:#e8f5e9 style E fill:#e8f5e9 style F fill:#fce4ec
Systems"] C["Sync Layer"] B["Cloud DWH
(NMA)"] A -->|Replicate| C C -->|Load| B end subgraph Phase2["Phase 2: Gradual Migration"] D["Migrate
Source 1"] E["Migrate
Source 2"] end subgraph Phase3["Phase 3: Cloud-Native"] F["Decommission
On-Prem"] end Phase1 --> Phase2 Phase2 --> Phase3 style A fill:#fff3e0 style B fill:#e0f2fe style C fill:#f3e5f5 style D fill:#e8f5e9 style E fill:#e8f5e9 style F fill:#fce4ec
The Sync Layer Advantage
The Nexus Model Architecture's optional Sync layer enables:
- Safe Replication: Copy on-prem data to cloud without impacting production
- Reduced Load: Offload ETL processing from production systems
- Gradual Transition: Move sources incrementally
- Zero Downtime: Business continues while migration happens
Real-World Example: Pricewise
Pricewise successfully migrated from on-premises SQL Server to Azure:
- Started with cloud-native new sources (Google Analytics, BingAds)
- Gradually migrated legacy SQL1 sources
- Used Sync layer for parallel runs during transition
- Zero downtime achieved through careful planning
- Realized cloud cost benefits while maintaining performance
Best Practices
- Start Small: Migrate low-risk sources first
- Validate Thoroughly: Run parallel systems and compare results
- Plan Rollback: Always have a way back if issues arise
- Monitor Closely: Use Fallout system to track data quality during migration
- Communicate: Keep stakeholders informed throughout the process
Conclusion
Cloud migration doesn't have to be risky or disruptive. The Nexus Model Architecture's hybrid approach enables gradual, low-risk migration with zero downtime. By leveraging the Sync layer and metadata-driven architecture, organizations can move to the cloud at their own pace while maintaining business continuity.