Cloud Migration
Expert guidance for moving MarkLogic to cloud environments
The cloud offers compelling advantages: elastic scalability, reduced infrastructure management overhead, and consumption-based pricing. But migrating enterprise MarkLogic deployments to cloud environments requires more than just provisioning virtual machines. Success demands understanding cloud-specific architectural patterns, operational considerations, and the nuances of running distributed databases in dynamic infrastructure.
The Cloud Migration Challenge
MarkLogic's distributed architecture—with its ACID compliance, high availability, and shared-nothing clustering—works well in cloud environments. However, the cloud introduces unique considerations that differ fundamentally from on-premises deployments:
Infrastructure Dynamics
Cloud infrastructure is dynamic by design. Virtual machines restart. IP addresses change. Storage volumes have different performance characteristics than physical disks. Network topology behaves differently. These realities require architectural adaptations that may not be obvious from on-premises experience.
Storage Considerations
MarkLogic's storage requirements—both capacity and I/O performance—must be matched to appropriate cloud storage types. Block storage, network-attached storage, and instance storage each have different performance profiles, cost structures, and durability characteristics. Choosing correctly impacts both performance and operational costs significantly.
Networking Architecture
Cloud networking differs from traditional data center networking. Understanding Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs), subnets, security groups, and load balancers is essential. MarkLogic cluster communication patterns must work efficiently within these constraints while maintaining security and performance.
Security Models
Cloud platforms offer powerful security capabilities, but they must be configured correctly. Identity and access management, encryption in transit and at rest, network security, and compliance requirements all require careful planning and implementation.
Operational Patterns
Managing MarkLogic in the cloud requires different operational patterns than on-premises. Backup strategies, disaster recovery, monitoring, and scaling approaches must adapt to cloud capabilities and constraints.
Cloud Platform Expertise
We have extensive experience deploying and managing MarkLogic across major cloud platforms:
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Deep knowledge of EC2 instance types, EBS storage configurations, VPC networking, and AWS-specific services that complement MarkLogic deployments. We understand how to optimize for cost while maintaining performance and availability.
Microsoft Azure
Experience with Azure Virtual Machines, managed disks, virtual networks, and Azure-native services. We navigate the Azure-specific considerations for MarkLogic deployments, from storage configuration to networking patterns.
Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
Expertise in Compute Engine, persistent disks, VPC networking, and GCP services. We know how to leverage GCP's unique capabilities while addressing its specific constraints for MarkLogic workloads.
On-Premises Cloud (Private Cloud)
Experience with private cloud environments using technologies like VMware, OpenStack, and Kubernetes. We understand the hybrid scenarios where MarkLogic must operate across both on-premises and public cloud infrastructure.
Our Migration Approach
Cloud migration isn't just about moving data—it's about reimagining your infrastructure for cloud-native operation while maintaining service continuity.
Assessment & Planning
We analyze your current deployment, requirements, and constraints:
- Current infrastructure and MarkLogic configuration
- Performance requirements and data volumes
- Compliance and security requirements
- Cost optimization objectives
- Timeline and risk tolerance
This assessment informs a migration strategy tailored to your specific situation—whether that's lift-and-shift, replatforming, or cloud-native redesign.
Architecture Design
We design cloud infrastructure that balances performance, availability, security, and cost:
- Compute instance sizing and types
- Storage configuration and performance
- Network topology and security
- High availability and disaster recovery
- Monitoring and operational tooling
The architecture leverages cloud capabilities while respecting MarkLogic's specific requirements.
Migration Execution
We guide or execute the migration itself:
- Data migration strategies that minimize downtime
- Cluster configuration in the cloud environment
- Testing and validation procedures
- Cutover planning and execution
- Rollback contingencies
Our experience means we anticipate and avoid common pitfalls that delay or complicate cloud migrations.
Post-Migration Optimization
Migration is just the beginning. We help optimize your cloud deployment:
- Performance tuning for cloud-specific characteristics
- Cost optimization through right-sizing and configuration adjustments
- Operational procedures adapted to cloud platforms
- Automation and infrastructure-as-code implementation
Why Cloud Migration Expertise Matters
Moving MarkLogic to the cloud without proper expertise leads to common problems: degraded performance from incorrect storage configuration, unexpected costs from oversized or inefficiently configured resources, security gaps from misconfigured cloud services, or operational difficulties from inadequate planning.
Our years of experience with MarkLogic in cloud environments—both on-premises private clouds and external public clouds—means we've encountered and solved these challenges. We bring proven patterns, architectural best practices, and operational knowledge that accelerates your cloud journey while avoiding expensive mistakes.
The Cloud Advantage, Realized
When executed properly, cloud migration delivers real benefits: scalability to handle growth, operational flexibility, and often cost advantages over on-premises infrastructure. Our expertise ensures you realize these benefits rather than trading one set of challenges for another.
Whether you're planning an initial cloud migration, optimizing an existing cloud deployment, or evaluating cloud options, we provide the specialized knowledge to make your MarkLogic cloud journey successful.