Start with workload needs
Classify criticality, dependencies, data sensitivity, latency, lifecycle, elasticity, and recovery needs.
Price the operating model
Compare skills, tools, governance, connectivity, observability, support, and exit—not only infrastructure unit cost.
Design common controls
Use consistent identity, policy, logging, backup, configuration, and service management across environments.
Sequence for reversibility
Migrate in waves, prove recovery, measure performance, and keep decisions reversible where uncertainty remains.