Comparison of Application Migration Service, Database Migration Service, and Mainframe Modernization Service:
| Feature | Application Migration Service (AMS) | Database Migration Service (DMS) | Mainframe Modernization Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Migrate entire applications (OS, configurations, data) to AWS | Migrate databases between environments (on-prem to cloud or cloud to cloud) | Migrate and modernize mainframe workloads to AWS |
| Migration Type | Lift-and-shift (rehosting applications) | Data migration with minimal downtime | Re-hosting or Re-platforming mainframe apps |
| Supported Systems | Physical, virtual, and cloud applications | Relational and NoSQL databases | Mainframe systems (e.g., IBM Z Series, AS/400) |
| Use Case | Moving entire applications to AWS with minimal disruption | Migrating databases like Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL to AWS | Modernizing mainframe applications, either through re-hosting or re-architecting |
| Key Features | Full application migration, minimal downtime | Continuous data replication, minimal downtime | Tools for modernization, re-hosting, cloud-native architectures |
| Supports Multiple Sources | Yes (on-prem, other clouds, AWS) | Yes (on-prem databases, AWS, hybrid) | Yes (mainframe legacy systems) |
| Best For | Applications that need to be moved without redesign | Databases that need to be moved or replicated | Mainframe applications that need to be migrated or modernized |
Which Service to Use?
- Application Migration Service (AMS): Use this if you’re migrating entire applications (including servers, OS, and configurations) to AWS, and you prefer a lift-and-shift approach without making significant changes to the application architecture.
- Database Migration Service (DMS): Use this service if you’re specifically focused on migrating or replicating databases with minimal downtime, especially if you are moving between different database platforms (e.g., Oracle to MySQL, or on-premise to AWS databases).
- Mainframe Modernization Service: Choose this if you’re looking to modernize mainframe workloads that may require a re-architecting effort, or if you’re aiming to migrate legacy mainframe applications (like IBM Z) to cloud-based infrastructure with minimal risk.
AWS Server Migration Service (SMS) was officially deprecated in favor of the AWS Application Migration Service (AWS MGN).
What’s the Difference?
- AWS Server Migration Service (SMS) was initially designed to help automate the migration of virtual machines (VMs) from on-premises to AWS by replicating and migrating the virtualized environments.
- AWS Application Migration Service (AWS MGN) now replaces SMS and offers a more comprehensive, modernized solution. AWS MGN is designed for the migration of entire applications (including OS, configurations, and data) to AWS, which makes it a more robust option for large-scale migrations.