AWS MGN: Unlocking AWS’s Migration Powerhouse

Summary

Table of Contents

Introduction

Moving applications to the cloud doesn’t have to be a mess, and AWS MGN is proving it in 2025. Known as AWS Application Migration Service, or AWS MGN for short, this tool is designed to shift servers and apps to AWS with less hassle. It’s not new—it grew out of the old Server Migration Service and was retooled to handle today’s bigger migration jobs. Whether your workloads are on-prem or stuck in another cloud like Azure, AWS MGN gets them onto AWS quickly and cleanly. Businesses need that speed and dependability without huge costs, and this service delivers.

The proof? AWS reports that AWS MGN cuts migration time by up to 70% compared to manual efforts. That’s a game-changer when every minute offline hits revenue or user trust. This blog breaks down what MGN by AWS offers—its standout features, real-world benefits, and, yes, a few limits to watch for. Curious about making it work? You’ll find a clear step-by-step guide for an AWS MGN migration, plus best practices to avoid headaches. Looking to 2025, this tool’s future looks bright, with trends like hybrid support on the way. Whether you’re exploring options or ready to move, this guide lays out the essentials—no hype, just straight info to see why MGN, offered by AWS, is worth your time.

What Is AWS MGN?

AWS MGN is a service that moves applications to AWS with little interruption. It stands for AWS Application Migration Service, a tool designed for ‘lift and shift’ migrations—taking servers or apps as they are and placing them on AWS without major changes. It picks up your workloads—physical, virtual, or in another cloud—and shifts them to Amazon’s environment, keeping it quick and steady.

This isn’t a shiny new toy. AWS Application Migration Service (MGN) evolved from the Server Migration Service, which handled basic server moves but is now broader. As the AWS MGN tool, it lifts entire applications—not just servers—and shifts them to setups like EC2 instances or other AWS systems. Its purpose is clear: get you to AWS quickly while keeping things running, avoiding long downtimes or complex overhauls.

What does it cover? Here’s the rundown:

• On-prem systems: Lift and shift physical servers or VMware/Hyper-V machines to AWS.
• Other clouds: Move apps from Azure or Google Cloud straight into AWS.
• Broad support: Handles databases, web apps, or business software—most server-based.

MGN by AWS works by copying data live and letting you test before the final cutover. It’s not for redesigning apps—it’s a lift-and-shift approach to get you on AWS fast, whether you’re ditching old hardware or switching providers. That’s MGN by AWS in a nutshell—migration kept simple and steady.

Explore the official AWS MGN Document.

Key Features of AWS MGN

AWS MGN stands out because of its smart features that make moving to AWS smoother and faster. It’s not just a basic migration tool—it’s packed with capabilities that handle the heavy lifting. Below are the core elements that define MGN by AWS, each playing a clear role in confidently getting applications to the cloud.

Continuous Data Replication

• What It Does: AWS MGN keeps copying your source servers’ data to AWS in real-time, even while they’re still running.
• Why It Helps: There’s no big pause to transfer everything. Your apps stay live during the MGN by AWS migration, and the latest changes—like a customer order—make it to AWS without getting lost. It’s like syncing a phone to the cloud while still using it.

Automated Testing

• What It Does: Before fully switching to AWS, AWS MGN lets you test the migrated setup on temporary AWS instances.
• Why It Helps: You can check if everything works—say, a web app loads right—without risking the live system. This reduces the chance of surprises when you flip the switch, saving time and stress during migration.

Broad Compatibility

• What It Does: AWS MGN works with a wide range of setups—physical servers, VMware, Hyper-V, or even other clouds like Azure and Google Cloud.
• Why It Helps: It doesn’t matter where your apps live now; AWS Application Migration Service can lift and shift them to AWS. AWS notes it supports over 90% of common enterprise workloads, making it a versatile MGN by AWS migration tool for almost any starting point.

Minimal Downtime Cutover

• What It Does: When it’s time to go live on AWS, AWS MGN switches over with almost no break—often just minutes.
• Why It Helps: Your business keeps running. For example, a retail app can switch midday without losing sales, unlike older methods that might need hours offline. It’s quick and clean.

Easy Setup and Management

• What It Does: MGN by AWS uses a simple console and agents to start migrations, so no deep coding is needed.
• Why It Helps: You don’t need a PhD in cloud tech to use it; install an agent on your servers, pick your AWS target (like EC2), and go. It’s built for straightforward control, even across dozens of servers.

Flexible Target Options

• What It Does: After migration, MGN by AWS lets you access various AWS services, such as EC2 instances and EKS for containers.
• Why It Helps: You’re not stuck with one choice. Move a database to EC2 now, then tweak it for EKS later—MGN by AWS adapts to your needs, not vice versa.

These features make AWS MGN, or AWS Application Migration Service, a standout player. That stat—supporting over 90% of workloads—shows it’s not just talk, but a tool built to handle real-world migrations quickly and reliably.

Benefits of AWS MGN

AWS MGN isn’t just a migration tool—it delivers real wins that make the switch to AWS worth it. This service brings practical advantages, whether moving a small app or an entire data center. Here’s why AWS MGN stands out: its key benefits and what they mean for real use.

Speed:

• What You Get: It moves apps to AWS fast—think weeks, not months.
• Why It Matters: Time is money. A business can shift a web app from on-prem servers to AWS over a weekend, not a quarter. Continuous replication keeps data syncing live, so there’s no long wait to catch up. It’s a quick win for tight deadlines.

Cost Savings:

• What You Get: AWS MGN offers a free tier—90 days per instance—before standard AWS rates kick in.
• Why It Matters: No big upfront costs mean budget relief. A company migrating 20 servers saves thousands compared to hiring a full migration team or buying pricey software. After 90 days, you only pay for what you use on AWS—simple and lean.

Reliability:

• What You Get: MGN offered by AWS ensures apps stay stable with live replication and testing before launch.
• Why It Matters: No one wants a crash mid-migration. If a retail system moves to AWS, it keeps running—orders don’t drop, and data stays intact. The AWS MGN tool builds trust by minimizing risks at every step.

Flexibility:

• What You Get: AWS MGN works with almost any source—on-prem, Azure, Google Cloud—and lands on various AWS setups like EC2 or EKS.
• Why It Matters: It fits your situation. A team can lift and shift a database from VMware today and then tweak it for containers later. This adaptability makes MGN by AWS a go-to for all kinds of migrations.

These benefits aren’t just tech perks—they solve real problems. Speed gets you live sooner, cost savings keep the budget in check, reliability avoids disasters, and flexibility matches your needs. AWS MGN makes the move to AWS less of a chore and more of an innovative step forward.

The Catch: Limitations of AWS MGN

AWS MGN is a solid tool for getting apps to AWS, but it’s not perfect for every situation. It has limits that can trip up an AWS MGN migration if you’re not ready. Here’s a look at the main drawbacks, what they mean in practice, and how to work around them.

Best for Lift-and-Shift, Not Overhauls

• The Limit: AWS MGN shines at lifting and shifting apps as they are—moving a server from VMware to EC2 without changes. It’s not built for big redesigns or modernizing old systems.
• Impact: If your app needs a complete rewrite—like turning a legacy monolith into microservices—MGN by AWS won’t help much. You’ll move it, but it won’t run better or cheaper without extra work. For example, a 20-year-old database might migrate fine but still struggle on AWS without updates.
• Workaround: Stick to lift-and-shift goals—use AWS MGN for quick moves, then plan a separate modernization step. Tools like AWS App2Container can pick up where MGN by AWS leaves off for refactoring later.

Needs Careful Planning Upfront

• The Limit: AWS MGN isn’t a “set it and forget it” tool. You must map out servers, check compatibility, and set replication right—or it stumbles.
• Impact: Skip the prep, and you might hit errors, like a server missing dependencies and crashing mid-migration. A rushed AWS MGN migration could delay a project by days if testing fails. Consider a retail app missing a key library after the switch—customers see errors, not products.
• Workaround: Take time to assess—list every app, server, and connection before starting. AWS’s Migration Evaluator (free tool) can spot issues early, making the process smoother.

Limited Control During Migration

• The Limit: AWS MGN runs the show once replication starts—custom tweaks mid-process are tough.
• Impact: If you need to pause or adjust—like resizing a database during the move—you’re stuck waiting for the cutover. A business moving 50 servers might find one choking on traffic but can’t fix it until MGN by AWS finishes.
• Workaround: Test thoroughly pre-migration using AWS MGN’s test launch feature. If fine-tuning is key, pair it with manual checks or a tool like CloudEndure Migration for more control (though it’s phasing out).

Dependency on the AWS Ecosystem

• The Limit: AWS MGN moves apps to AWS—not elsewhere. It’s tied to Amazon’s world, like EC2 or EKS.
• Impact: If you’re eyeing a multi-cloud setup or want to shift back to Google Cloud later, MGN offered by AWS locks you in. A company testing AWS might find its apps stuck without another migration plan.
• Workaround: Know your endgame—AWS MGN is great for AWS commits. For flexibility, explore multi-cloud tools like Terraform post-migration to keep options open.

These limits don’t break MGN AWS—they just mean it’s not a one-size-fits-all fix. It’s a powerful AWS MGN migration tool for straightforward shifts, but planning and purpose keep it on track.

Step-by-Step Guide to Migrating with AWS Application Migration Service

Migrating to AWS with AWS MGN doesn’t have to feel like an uphill climb—it’s a straightforward path when you know the steps. This guide walks through the AWS MGN migration process, breaking it into six clear stages. Each step comes with practical info to keep things moving, whether you’re shifting a single app or a whole fleet of servers. Let’s get started.

Step 1: Assess Your Setup

Before anything else, figure out where you’re going. This is about knowing your starting point so the AWS MGN tool can work its magic.

• What to Do: List every server, app, and dependency—like a web app needing a database or a payment system tied to specific ports. Check compatibility—AWS MGN handles VMware, Hyper-V, physical servers, or other clouds like Azure.
• How It Works: Scan your setup using AWS’s free Migration Evaluator. It flags what’s ready and what needs a tweak—say, an old server missing updates.
• Why It Matters: Skip this, and you might migrate a broken app. A retail system with unmapped links could crash post-move—planning saves that headache.

Step 2: Set Up AWS MGN

Now, get MGN by AWS ready to roll. This is where you connect your source to AWS.

• What to Do:
  ● Sign in to the ‘AWS Management Console’ and enable AWS MGN (it’s under “Migration & Transfer”).
  ● Install the ‘AWS Replication Agent’ on each source server—just download it, run it, and enter your AWS credentials.
  ● Pick your target—like EC2 instances—and set a staging area (AWS creates this automatically).
• How It Works: The agent links your servers to AWS without shutting them down. It’s quick—10 minutes per server if your network is solid.
• Why It Matters: This ties everything together. A business moving 20 servers can have them all linked up in a day with no fuss.

Step 3: Start Replication

Here’s where the AWS MGN migration begins—copying your data live to AWS.

• What to Do: In the console, hit “start replication.” MGN by AWS mirrors your servers to the staging area, keeping them in sync as changes occur.
• How It Works: It’s continuous—new customer data or app updates flow to AWS in near real-time. Initial sync might take hours for a 100GB server; then it’s just deltas.
• Why It Matters: Your apps stay live. A finance platform can keep processing trades while AWS MGN builds the AWS copy—no downtime is needed yet.

Step 4: Test the Migration

Before going all-in, test what AWS MGN has built. This step catches glitches early.

• What to Do:
  ● Launch test instances from the console—AWS spins up temporary EC2 copies.
  ● Check key functions—does the app load? Are databases talking? Test user logins or transactions.
  ● Fix issues, like a missing firewall rule, and then retest until it’s smooth.
• How It Works: It’s a dry run. You’re not live yet, so tweak without risk. A web app might need a port tweak, sorted in an hour.
• Why It Matters: Going live blind is a gamble. Testing ensures a CRM system works on AWS before customers notice anything.

Step 5: Perform the Cutover

It’s time to make the switch—cut over to AWS for real.

• What to Do:
  ● Pick a quiet time (e.g., late night for a retail app).
  ● Stop source servers briefly—AWS MGN finalizes the sync.
  ● Launch the live instances—hit “cutover” in the console, and AWS flips the switch.
• How It Works: Downtime is short—minutes, not hours. MGN by AWS uses that final sync to ensure nothing’s missed and then boots the EC2 setups.
• Why It Matters: A clean cutover keeps users happy. A booking system can switch at 2 a.m., and no one will be the wiser come morning.

Step 6: Verify and Clean Up

After the move, check it’s working and tidy up. This seals the AWS MGN migration.

• What to Do:
  ● Verify live apps—run full tests (e.g., place an order, pull a report).
  ● Shut down old servers once you’re sure—don’t leave them running by mistake.
  ● Delete the staging area in AWS to stop extra costs.
• How It Works: It’s a final sweep. A migrated payroll app gets a full run-through and then old VMware boxes power off for good.
• Why It Matters: Loose ends cost money or cause mix-ups. Cleaning up keeps your AWS bill lean and your setup clear.

That’s the process—six steps to get from wherever you are to AWS with AWS MGN tool. It’s not rocket science, just a steady plan to make the AWS MGN tool deliver without drama.

Best Practices for a Successful Migration with AWS MGN

AWS MGN makes moving to AWS smoother, but success isn’t automatic—it takes some smart moves to get it right. These six best practices keep an AWS MGN migration on track, whether you’re shifting a small app or a big fleet of servers. Each tip is practical and proven, ensuring the AWS MGN tool delivers without headaches.

Test Thoroughly Before Cutover

• What to Do: Run full tests on AWS MGN’s test instances—check every app function, from logins to data pulls, before going live.
• Why It’s Valuable: Catching issues early avoids disasters. A web app might load fine but fail at checkout if a port is off. Testing spares you that mess mid-launch. It’s your safety net for a clean switch.

Monitor Costs from Day One

• What to Do: Track spending in the AWS console—watch replication, staging, and post-migration costs like EC2 usage.
• Why It’s Valuable: MGN by AWS is free for 90 days per instance, but bills can creep up after. Without checking, a company moving 10 servers might miss $200 in staging fees. Staying on top keeps the budget intact.

Plan Downtime Carefully

• What to Do: Schedule the cutover for a low-traffic window—like late night or a weekend—and warn users if needed.
• Why It’s Valuable: AWS MGN cuts downtime to minutes, but zero disruption isn’t guaranteed. A retail app switching at peak hours risks lost sales—planning a 2 a.m. cutover dodges that bullet.

Map Dependencies First

• What to Do: List every app’s connections—databases, APIs, or third-party services—before starting the AWS MGN migration.
• Why It’s Valuable: Missing a link breaks things. A CRM might migrate but fail if its email server is left behind—mapping ensures nothing’s stranded. AWS says thorough prep boosts success rates by 30%.

Use Automation Where Possible

• What to Do: Using AWS CLI or scripts, set up automated scripts for repetitive tasks, such as agent installs or test launches.
• Why It’s Valuable: Manual work slows you down and invites errors. Automating 50 server agents saves hours and cuts mistakes—a payroll system goes live faster with less human fumble.

Document Every Step

• What to Do: Keep a log of your work—server lists, replication start times, test results, and cutover notes.
• Why It’s Valuable: If something goes wrong, you’ve got a trail to fix it. A team moving a booking app can backtrack a failed cutover to a missed test, not guess in the dark.

These practices aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re the difference between a bumpy AWS MGN migration and a smooth one. Test well, watch costs, plan smart, map it out, automate, and write it down—AWS MGN works best when you’ve covered the basics.

AWS MGN in 2025: What’s on the Horizon

AWS MGN is already a strong tool for successful migration, but 2025 is set to push it further. New trends are shaping how this service fits into cloud plans. Here’s what’s coming for the AWS MGN tool and what it means for its future.

Hybrid Support:

• Trend: AWS is boosting hybrid options. I think on-prem and AWS are working tighter together.
• Impact: AWS MGN will move apps to AWS while keeping some pieces on-site. A business can shift its web app to EC2 but leave a sensitive database local, all synced up. This option offers more choices for tricky setups.

AI Integration:

• Trend: AI is creeping into AWS tools, including migration helpers.
• Impact: AWS MGN could get smarter—spotting the best EC2 setup or predicting cutover times. A team moving a CRM might see MGN by AWS suggest tweaks for speed, cutting guesswork, and getting live faster.

Sustainability Focus:

• Trend: AWS is pushing greener cloud options, like low-energy regions.
• Impact: AWS MGN can target these eco-friendly zones for migrations. A company moving servers can lower its carbon footprint without extra steps—just pick the green region and go. It’s practical and planet-friendly.

These shifts make AWS MGN more than a lift-and-shift tool in 2025. Hybrid support opens doors for mixed setups, AI sharpens it, and sustainability adds a green edge. Whether it’s flexibility, smarts, or eco-goals, MGN by AWS is gearing up for bigger things. How will MGN by AWS shape your cloud plans?

Conclusion

AWS MGN is a standout choice for moving apps to AWS; this guide shows why. Its strengths are clear: it’s fast—shifting workloads in weeks, not months—saves costs with a 90-day free tier, keeps things reliable with live replication, and fits almost any setup, from on-prem to other clouds. That’s the power of the AWS MGN tool—lifting and shifting made simple. But it’s not flawless. It works best for straightforward moves, not big redesigns, and needs solid planning to avoid hiccups. If you’re after a quick AWS MGN migration without fuss, it delivers; just know its limits and prep well.

Looking to 2025, the future of MGN offered by AWS shines bright. Hybrid support will bridge on-prem and cloud setups, AI could sharpen its moves, and a sustainability push align it with greener goals. It’s not just a migration tool—it’s evolving into a smarter, more flexible option for cloud shifts. Whether you need speed, savings, or a path to AWS, AWS MGN has the pieces to make it happen. The steps are laid out, the best practices are clear—it’s about putting it to work.

Ready to explore what AWS MGN can do for you? Opt for Bacancy Technology’s AWS Migration Service to simplify your AWS MGN migration—get started today and turn a complex move into a smooth win.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is AWS Application Migration Service, and how does it work?

The AWS Application Migration Service (AWS MGN) is a migration tool that uses automation to simplify the lift-and-shift migration process, including replication testing and cutover of servers from on-premises or cloud environments to AWS. It continuously syncs source servers with AWS, allowing businesses to transition with minimal downtime.

How does AWS MGN minimize downtime during cloud migration?

AWS MGN uses continuous block-level replication, ensuring that source servers and AWS instances remain synchronized throughout migration. This allows businesses to test their workloads in AWS before cutover, reducing disruptions. AWS MGN can lower downtime by up to 40% compared to traditional migration methods.

What are the benefits of using AWS MGN for lift-and-shift migrations?

AWS MGN simplifies migrations by:
– Automating replication to reduce manual intervention.
– Supporting both agent-based and agentless migration for flexibility.
– Minimizing downtime with continuous sync.
– Ensuring security with encrypted data transfers.
– Optimizing post-migration actions like right-sizing instances.
This makes AWS MGN a cost-effective and reliable solution for migrating workloads to AWS.

What’s the difference between agent-based and agentless migration in AWS MGN?

– Agent-Based Migration: Requires installing an AWS replication agent on source servers. Ideal for real-time, block-level replication.
– Agentless Migration: Uses existing infrastructure APIs instead of an agent. Best for legacy systems or environments where installing an agent isn’t possible.
Both options provide automated replication and testing, ensuring smooth migrations.

How does AWS MGN compare to AWS Server Migration Service (SMS) and AWS Migration Hub?

AWS MGN is designed for continuous replication and automation, making it ideal for large-scale application migrations. In contrast:
– AWS Server Migration Service (SMS) is primarily used for VM migrations but lacks real-time replication.
– AWS Migration Hub is a centralized tracking tool rather than a migration engine itself.
AWS MGN offers a faster, more automated solution for most modern cloud migration needs.

Is AWS Application Migration Service free?

AWS MGN offers replicated servers for 90 days of free usage. After that, standard AWS pricing for compute, storage, and network resources applies. Businesses should estimate costs using the AWS Pricing Calculator to ensure cost-effective planning.