Explain how you would migrate a workload from on-prem to AWS.
AWS · Advanced level
Answer
For on-prem to AWS migration, I discover dependencies, classify workloads by migration strategy, build a landing zone, design connectivity/security/observability, migrate in waves, validate data, cut over safely, and optimize afterward.
Technical explanation
Dependency mapping is usually the hardest part of migration because hidden flows break cutovers.
Migration planning requires application discovery, dependency mapping, network/security foundations, data movement strategy, cutover plan, rollback plan, and post-migration optimization.
Choose rehost, replatform, refactor, repurchase, retain, or retire per workload based on risk and business value.
Pilot with a low-risk workload before migrating critical systems, and validate performance, data integrity, monitoring, and operations.
Hands-on example
1. Inventory applications, dependencies, data stores, network flows, identities, and compliance constraints.
2. Create the landing zone, connectivity, security baseline, monitoring, and backup patterns before migrating production.
3. Migrate a pilot workload, validate data and performance, then cut over with DNS TTL reduced and rollback documented.
4. After cutover, right-size and modernize instead of preserving all on-prem assumptions.
Check how well your resume matches the role with our free resume checker— match score, ATS check, and the skills you're missing.
More AWS interview questions
- What is the AWS shared responsibility model, and where is the line between AWS and the customer?
- Explain the difference between a Region, an Availability Zone, and an Edge Location.
- What is a VPC, and what are its core components (subnets, route tables, IGW, NAT)?
- Difference between a public and a private subnet, and how does each reach the internet?
- What is the difference between a Security Group and a Network ACL?
- Are Security Groups stateful or stateless? What about NACLs?
- What is an Internet Gateway versus a NAT Gateway, and when do you need each?
- How does a NAT Gateway differ from a NAT instance?