Selecting the appropriate application transfer mechanism

Describe a scenario where AWS DataSync would be the most appropriate service to transfer applications to AWS.

AWS DataSync is most appropriate for transferring large volumes of data and applications over the internet or direct connect links. It is particularly suitable for scenarios that require recurring, scheduled transfer tasks, or when data needs to be moved at high-speed, as DataSync can automate and accelerate the transfer process up to 10 times faster than traditional tools.

When would you consider using AWS Transfer for SFTP over other services for application transfer?

You would consider AWS Transfer for SFTP when you need to securely transfer files directly into and out of Amazon S3 using the Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) and you rely on SFTP for file operations in your business workflows. It is a managed service that scales automatically to meet demand without needing to manage the underlying infrastructure.

How would you approach the transfer of a legacy application that relies heavily on a file system interface?

For a legacy application with dependency on a file system interface, AWS offers the Amazon FSx service, which provides fully managed third-party file systems like Windows File Server and Lustre. Amazon FSx integrates with S3 and can be accessed over VPN or AWS Direct Connect, facilitating the transfer and modernization of legacy applications that require file system capabilities.

What would lead you to use AWS Snowball over internet-based transfer services?

AWS Snowball is optimal when dealing with large-scale data migrations (several petabytes) from on-premises environments which would be time-consuming and costly over the internet. Snowball is also suitable for transferring data from locations with limited connectivity or cost-prohibitive internet bandwidth, as it involves physical transport of data using secure, ruggedized devices.

Can you explain the benefits of AWS Direct Connect for application transfer as opposed to VPN solutions?

AWS Direct Connect provides a dedicated network connection between your premises and AWS, offering more consistent network performance and potentially reducing network costs compared to VPN solutions. It is ideal for transferring large volumes of data or applications, as it provides higher bandwidth options and lower latency than internet-based VPNs.

What factors should be considered when choosing between multi-part upload and Amazon S3 Transfer Acceleration for transferring large application files?

When choosing between multi-part upload and Amazon S3 Transfer Acceleration, you should consider the file size and your proximity to an AWS region. Multi-part upload is effective for large files and is capable of improving performance by uploading parts in parallel. S3 Transfer Acceleration is more appropriate when your upload speed to an S3 bucket is constrained by your distance from an AWS region; it utilizes Amazon CloudFront’s globally distributed edge locations to accelerate uploads to S

In what scenario is it recommended to use AWS Application Discovery Service during the transfer process of an application?

AWS Application Discovery Service is recommended when transferring complex or enterprise applications where there is a need to understand the application dependencies and performance profile. It helps in identifying the necessary components of the application, its workload, and network dependencies before migrating, which ensures a more accurate and efficient transfer.

When would you prioritize the use of AWS Migration Hub over individual migration tools?

AWS Migration Hub is best utilized when managing a large migration which involves multiple migrations tools and services. It provides a single location to track the progress of application migrations across multiple AWS and partner solutions, offering better visibility and control over the entire migration process.

How does Amazon S3’s Intelligent-Tiering storage class affect the cost and efficiency of transferring and storing applications with unknown or unpredictable access patterns?

Amazon S3 Intelligent-Tiering is a storage class designed for data with unknown or unpredictable access patterns, automatically moving data to the most cost-effective access tier based on usage patterns. This can reduce costs without impacting performance or operational overhead since there is no need to analyze and choose a specific storage class in advance for the application data.

When transferring a large database to AWS, what considerations might lead you to choose the AWS Database Migration Service (DMS)?

You would choose AWS DMS when you require minimal downtime, as DMS supports continuous data replication. It is also suitable for heterogeneous database migrations (from one database engine to another), and in situations where you need to keep the source database operational during the transfer process.

How does the use of Amazon EFS affect the choice of application transfer mechanisms for Linux-based applications?

Amazon EFS provides a scalable, elastic, cloud-native NFS file system for Linux-based applications. When transferring these applications, EFS allows you to quickly and easily mount the file system on your AWS infrastructure, simplifying the transfer process for applications that need shared access to data with a file system interface.

What are the key factors to consider when deciding to rehost an application on AWS versus re-platforming or refactoring it during the transfer?

Key factors to consider include the complexity, cost, and time constraints of the project. Rehosting (lift-and-shift) is faster and less complex, and may be appropriate for short-term migrations or when the application must be moved quickly with minimal changes. Re-platforming involves some level of optimization to take advantage of cloud capabilities without changing the core architecture. Refactoring is the most complex and usually undertaken if the application needs substantial changes to support scalability, agility, or other cloud-native features offered by AWS.