Refactoring Applications for the Cloud: A Decision Maker's Guide

Many companies are migrating their applications to the cloud to benefit from scalability, agility, and cost-effectiveness. However, simply putting existing applications into the cloud ‘as is’ might not yield optimal results. Refactoring, the process of restructuring an application to make it more cloud-friendly, can unlock the full potential of cloud computing. But deciding whether and how to refactor can be complex for those responsible for technology in their organizations. This article explores key considerations involved in refactoring applications for the cloud.

What is Refactoring?

Refactoring is not simply rewriting code. It's a strategic approach to improve the design and architecture of an application to better suit the cloud environment. This involves breaking down monolithic applications into smaller, more manageable services. These services can be independently developed, deployed, and scaled. Additionally, refactoring can involve leveraging cloud-native features like auto-scaling (which automatically adjusts resources based on demand) and containerization (which packages applications with their dependencies for easier deployment and management). A good resource for understanding refactoring in a non-technical way is available at Cloud Computing Magazine.

An analogy can help understand refactoring. Imagine a large, cluttered shed filled with tools. Refactoring an application for the cloud is like reorganizing that shed. You might:

• Sort the tools by type: You could group screwdrivers together, hammers together, and so on. In the application, this translates to breaking down the codebase into smaller services, each with a specific function.
• Create labeled shelves: You might label shelves for "carpentry tools," "electrical tools," and "gardening tools." In the application, this translates to creating clear boundaries between different functionalities within the code.
• Discard unused tools: You might get rid of any broken or unused tools taking up space. In the application, this translates to removing any redundant or obsolete code that no longer serves a purpose.

By applying these principles, you end up with a more organized and efficient workspace (your application) that's easier to maintain and use (develop and deploy in the cloud).

The Decision to Refactor

There are two main approaches to consider when migrating applications to the cloud: lift-and-shift and refactoring.

Lift-and-shift offers a quick and seemingly cost-effective way to move your applications. It involves minimal changes, essentially transplanting your application "as-is" to the cloud environment. This might seem appealing initially, especially due to lower upfront costs and faster implementation. However, it's important to consider long-term implications. Legacy applications built for on-premise deployments may not be optimized for the cloud's on-demand resource allocation model. This can lead to inefficiencies and unnecessary costs as you continue to pay for resources that aren't being fully utilized. Additionally, scaling or updating these applications can become cumbersome, hindering business agility.

Refactoring, on the other hand, involves modifying the application's code to better suit the cloud environment. While this approach requires more time and effort upfront, it unlocks significant benefits in the long run. By restructuring your application to leverage cloud-native features and architectures, you can achieve greater scalability and agility. Refactored applications can be easily scaled up or down based on demand, and their modular design simplifies updates and maintenance. This ultimately translates to reduced operational costs and improved performance for your application.

The decision to refactor an application involves a number of considerations:

• Application Age and Complexity: Legacy applications, often built for on-premise deployments, may not be well-suited for the cloud's architecture. These applications can benefit significantly from refactoring to leverage cloud-native features and improve maintainability.
• Business Needs: If an application requires frequent updates and new features, refactoring can make it more agile and adaptable. By breaking down the application into smaller services, developers can make changes and deploy new features faster.
• Cost Considerations: While refactoring requires an initial investment in terms of time and resources, it can lead to long-term cost savings through improved efficiency and reduced maintenance overhead. Cloud-native features like auto-scaling can help optimize resource utilization, and modular services can simplify maintenance and updates.
• Security: Refactoring can address security vulnerabilities present in legacy applications. By leveraging cloud security features and containerization, refactored applications can be more secure and resilient to threats.

The Refactoring Journey

The refactoring process can be approached in several ways:

• Full Refactoring: This involves a complete overhaul of the application to a cloud-native architecture. This approach is ideal for legacy applications that can significantly benefit from the scalability and agility of the cloud. However, it requires a substantial investment of time and resources.
• Incremental Refactoring: This involves breaking down the application into smaller components and refactoring them piece by piece over time. This approach allows for a more manageable transition to the cloud and can be easier to integrate with ongoing development efforts.
• Containerization: Even for applications not undergoing full refactoring, containerization can simplify deployment and management in the cloud. By packaging the application with its dependencies, containerization ensures consistent behavior across different environments and simplifies scaling.

Beyond Technology: Human Considerations and Expertise

While refactoring offers significant benefits, it's crucial to acknowledge the human aspects involved. Refactoring goes beyond technical considerations and requires careful planning for human costs as well.

• Skills and Expertise: Organizations need to assess their internal capabilities for managing the refactoring process. Developers may require training in new cloud-native technologies and methodologies to effectively refactor the application. In some cases, the scope of the project might necessitate acquiring additional expertise.
• External Resources: Utilizing a technology consulting firm can be a valuable strategy. These firms possess extensive experience in cloud migrations and refactoring projects. They can provide the necessary expertise to supplement your internal team, ensuring a smooth transition and maximizing the return on your investment.
• Testing Strategy: A well-defined testing strategy is paramount throughout the refactoring process. Thorough testing helps identify and address potential issues before they impact the application's functionality in production. This can involve unit testing, integration testing, and end-to-end testing, depending on the complexity of the application.

By carefully considering these human factors and potentially leveraging external resources, organizations can ensure a successful refactoring process with minimal disruption and a skilled team prepared for the cloud environment.

To Recap

Refactoring applications for the cloud can be a strategic decision that unlocks significant benefits. By carefully considering the application's characteristics, business needs, and cost factors, decision makers can determine the optimal approach to maximize the return on their cloud investment. While this article provides a foundational understanding, consulting with a trusted technology advisor can be invaluable in navigating the complexities of the refactoring process and ensuring a successful cloud migration.