Cloud Migration Strategy: What Exactly Are the 7 R's?

Migrating to the cloud isn’t just a technical upgrade—it’s a shift in how your organization thinks about infrastructure, flexibility, and long-term planning. If you’ve heard people talk about the "7 R’s" of cloud migration but aren’t sure what they are or how to use them, you’re in the right place. 

Key Takeaways 

• The 7 R’s give you a flexible approach to cloud migration based on your goals and system needs. 

• Each R represents a different path—some are quick, others need more planning. 

• You can mix and match strategies depending on what works best for each app or system. 

• Cost, complexity, and team readiness all play a role in choosing your migration approach. 

• Concourse is the preferred provider for Blackbaud CRM private cloud hosting. 
   

Cloud migration can feel overwhelming at first. You’ve got systems that work, teams that rely on them daily, and budgets that don’t stretch as far as you’d like. But moving to the cloud doesn’t mean starting from scratch. The cloud migration strategies framework helps you evaluate your current systems and decide what to move, what to keep, and what to rethink. 

The 7 R’s: Choose What Fits, Not What’s Next 

These strategies aren’t a checklist to follow in order. Each R stands for a different migration option, and most teams mix and match depending on the system, timeline, and goal. Some are fast and simple; others require more planning but bring greater long-term value. 

It’s not uncommon to use different R’s across the same organization—or even within the same project. One team might rehost a stable legacy system just to get off aging hardware, while another team refactors a more complex application to better support scaling. What matters most is choosing the approach that supports your long-term goals without overwhelming your resources. 

This flexibility is what makes the 7 R’s so useful. They give you room to start where you are and adjust as your needs evolve. You’re not locked into one path—you’re building a strategy that can grow and adapt over time. 

Let’s break down each of these R’s, look at when they make sense, and talk through some examples so it’s easier to figure out where you stand.

1. Rehost (aka "Lift and Shift")

Rehosting is exactly what it sounds like—you’re lifting an application from your current setup and shifting it into the cloud without changing the code or architecture. Think of it like moving your house to a new location without doing any remodeling. 

This approach is often used when time is tight or when teams want to move quickly without making major changes. It’s one of the fastest and least complex ways to get started with the cloud. But there’s a trade-off: since you’re not modernizing anything, you could end up carrying over inefficiencies or higher operational costs into the new environment. 

Organizations that use legacy systems often rehost first, then explore other strategies later. For example, a nonprofit might move its Blackbaud CRM instance to the cloud using this method just to get off aging on-premise servers, then plan upgrades down the road.

2. Replatform (aka "Lift and Reshape")

Replatforming is a slight step up from rehosting. You’re still moving an app to the cloud, but you make a few adjustments along the way. Maybe you update the database engine or move storage to a managed cloud service. You’re not rebuilding the app, but you are reshaping it to better fit the cloud environment. 

This strategy allows teams to gain some of the benefits of the cloud—like autoscaling, improved performance, or easier updates—without the time and cost of a full redesign. It’s a solid middle ground for teams looking to modernize at a steady pace. 

Related: 3 Quick Fixes for Slow Queries in Blackbaud CRM

3. Refactor (aka "Re-architect")

Refactoring is the big one. This is where you rewrite your application to take full advantage of cloud-native tools and design patterns. It’s more than just moving the app—it’s reimagining it. 

You might split a monolithic app into microservices. You might use serverless infrastructure. You might build in automation or self-healing processes. The point is, you’re creating something more scalable, flexible, and efficient for the long haul. 

This strategy comes with higher upfront costs and longer timelines, but it pays off when you need your systems to evolve with your organization’s goals. Refactoring works well when your current system is holding you back or when new requirements—like high-volume usage or compliance—demand a more modern solution.

4. Repurchase (aka "Drop and Shop")

Repurchasing means letting go of your old system and buying a new, cloud-based solution instead. It usually involves switching to a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform that offers similar features to what you were managing in-house. 

For example, a team might drop a custom-built fundraising tool in favor of a SaaS alternative with better integrations and lower maintenance costs. You don’t migrate the system—you replace it. 

Repurchasing is often the fastest way to modernize, but it also means adapting your processes to a new platform. It’s a great option when the new tool offers clear benefits and the switch is worth the learning curve. 

This decision might also lead you to evaluate your hosting options. Here’s a deeper look at private cloud hosting and how it compares with SaaS in terms of control and customization. 

5. Relocate

Relocating is a newer approach that lets you move whole systems—like virtual machines or container clusters—from on-premise to the cloud without much change. If you’re using platforms like VMware or Kubernetes, this option lets you keep the same setup while reducing your physical infrastructure. 

It’s often used when speed and continuity matter more than deep modernization. Because it keeps your architecture mostly intact, relocate strategies help maintain uptime and reduce the need for staff retraining. It’s kind of like shipping your entire office into the cloud and plugging it back in. 

This is useful if you’re not ready to commit to refactoring but still want the benefits of cloud infrastructure.

6. Retain

Not everything needs to move right away. Sometimes, you’ve got systems that are working fine, are recently upgraded, or have compliance needs that require them to stay put. Retaining lets you press pause. 

Organizations often retain applications when they’re dependent on other systems that haven’t been migrated yet or when there’s no clear benefit to moving them. You might also retain if a vendor plans to offer a cloud version soon, so you wait. 

This strategy isn’t a shortcut—it’s a conscious choice to hold off and revisit later. The key is documenting what you’re retaining and why so nothing slips through the cracks. 

Related: A Guide to Migrating Blackbaud CRM

7. Retire

Some systems just don’t need to exist anymore. Retiring involves identifying outdated or unused applications and shutting them down. 

It’s one of the most cost-effective steps in a cloud migration plan. No point in moving what no longer adds value. By retiring redundant systems, you reduce clutter, improve performance, and make your migration roadmap simpler. 

This step can free up both budget and mental bandwidth—and sometimes all it takes is asking, “Is anyone still using this?” 

How to Choose the Right R 

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Most teams end up using a mix of strategies across different systems. What matters is matching each app to the R that fits best. 

Start with an audit: What’s working? What’s slow? What’s expensive to maintain? Look at how each system fits into your operations and your future goals. From there, assign each app an R and build your plan step-by-step. 

For example, if you’re dealing with a complex CRM setup, you might replatform the data layer, retain legacy reporting tools for now, and repurchase a modern email integration. This kind of hybrid plan is common—and smart. 

To see what pitfalls to avoid, especially in nonprofit tech, this article on Blackbaud CRM migration breaks down common mistakes and unexpected costs. 

Things to Watch Out For 

Cloud migration isn’t just about technology—it’s about timing, team capacity, and budget. One of the biggest issues? Moving too fast. Some teams go straight to lift-and-shift, thinking it’ll save time, but end up locked into expensive setups that don’t scale well. 

Others go all-in on refactoring without enough support, leading to delays and burnout. And then there’s the trap of trying to migrate everything all at once. It sounds efficient but often turns into a mess. 

Compliance is another key factor. If you’re in healthcare, education, or nonprofit sectors, you’ll need to think carefully about data handling rules and privacy laws. It’s easy to overlook, but the consequences can be serious. 

If you're still asking, what is cloud migration, this beginner-friendly guide lays out the basics. 

Why Concourse is the Preferred Choice 

If you're working with Blackbaud CRM, your migration needs a little more care. It’s not a system you can just move and hope for the best. You need a team that understands its complexity, quirks, and the importance of keeping everything running during the transition. 

That’s why Concourse is the preferred provider. Their Blackbaud CRM private hosting services give you a stable, secure, and flexible environment tailored to your needs. They don’t just offer servers—they offer support, planning, and problem-solving. 

They’ll work with you to map out which R’s to apply where, and how to do it without breaking anything important. 

For a broader perspective, this article on how to streamline cloud migration is worth a look. 

Cloud Migration Strategy Comparison Table 

Need Help with Your Blackbaud CRM Migration? 

If your team is thinking about migrating - is already in the middle of it—now’s a good time to talk to someone who knows the terrain. Concourse can help you find the right combination of strategies, avoid surprises, and keep things running smoothly. 

Their Blackbaud CRM Private Hosting Services are built for teams that need structure, security, and personalized support. They’ll help you make smarter calls from day one. 

In Conclusion 

The 7 R’s of cloud migration aren’t just labels—they’re tools to help you build an actual plan that works. Whether you’re trying to modernize a legacy system or just reduce your overhead, these strategies give you options. 

You don’t have to do it all alone. Concourse brings technical know-how and nonprofit experience to help you move with confidence. So if you’re planning a migration—or just thinking about one—start with the R’s and take it one step at a time.