Lesson 1Data cataloging and normalization: building spreadsheets or CMDB entries, tagging strategy for migration prioritizationLook into ways to list servers, apps, and data in organised lists or CMDBs. Learn about standardising names, labels, and tags that help group migrations, track who owns what, and manage things after moving to AWS.
Planning inventory sheets and CMDB areasStandardising app and system namesSetting ownership, importance, and service levelsMaking tag systems that fit AWSTagging for migration groups and prioritiesLesson 2Two discovery tools researched: AWS Application Discovery Service and VMware vRealize Network Insight — how to use each for inventory, dependency mapping, and export formatsGet into AWS Application Discovery Service and VMware Aria Operations for Networks. Learn to set them up, gather data, map connections, and export info to use with AWS Migration Hub and other planning tools.
Setting up AWS Application Discovery ServiceGathering data without agents and with agents in ADSInstalling VMware Aria Operations for NetworksCreating connection maps and flow picturesSending inventories to AWS Migration HubLesson 3Interview guide for stakeholders: app owners, DBAs, network, security, operations, business stakeholdersMake a clear interview plan for tech and business people involved. Learn questions to ask app owners, database admins, network, security, and operations teams to find hidden links and limits for migration.
Finding main tech and business peoplePreparing questions for each roleHolding good discovery meetings and talksChecking findings with more interviewsWriting down choices, risks, and open mattersLesson 4Storage and I/O characteristics: datastore types, IOPS, throughput, shares, deduplication, backup schedulesGrasp storage and input/output features that shape AWS plans. Learn to note datastore kinds, performance levels, deduplication, and backup times to pick fitting EBS, EFS, or FSx choices and rules.
Grouping datastore and array kinds usedChecking IOPS, throughput, and delay levelsFinding storage levels, quality of service, and share setupsNoting snapshots, backups, and keeping periodsLinking storage needs to AWS storage servicesLesson 5Collecting server and VM inventory: CPU, memory, storage, OS versions, VM tools, snapshotsLearn to gather full details on servers and VMs from VMware and guest systems. Record CPU, memory, storage, OS versions, tools, and snapshots to help size right, check compatibility, and plan moves to AWS.
Gathering CPU, memory, and NUMA detailsRecording disk setup, datastore, and space dataNoting OS versions, types, and updatesFinding VMware Tools status and versionsSpotting snapshots and lost VM itemsLesson 6Application and tier dependencies: web, app, DB processes, inter-host ports, service mapsLearn to spot and record app layers and their links across web, app, and database parts. Understand ports, protocols, and service maps needed to move workloads to AWS without issues.
Spotting web, app, and database layersRecording links between layers, ports, and protocolsBuilding full service link mapsFinding hidden batch jobs and background workRecording calls to outside third-party servicesLesson 7Operational procedures and runbooks: backup/restore, patching, deployment, escalation pathsLook over current daily procedures and guides that keep on-premises workloads running well. Turn backup, update, deployment, and escalation ways into needs and limits for AWS setups and operations.
Listing backup and restore stepsRecording update and upkeep flowsGathering deployment and release stepsUnderstanding monitoring and alert guidesLinking escalation paths and shift rotationsLesson 8Network topology and connectivity: VLANs, subnets, routing, firewalls, NAT, load balancersLearn to record current network layout, including VLANs, subnets, routing, and security parts. See how this info shapes AWS VPC plans, connection choices, and security group and NACL ways.
Mapping VLANs, subnets, and IP rangesRecording routing, VRFs, and main gatewaysGathering firewall, NAT, and ACL setupsSpotting load balancers and VIP linksLinking on-premises networks to AWS VPC plansLesson 9Assumptions to state explicitly when gaps exist: sample load, unavailable metrics, maintenance windows, licensing constraintsLearn to write and share assumptions when discovery info is not full. Note sample loads, missing measures, upkeep times, and license limits to handle risks and what people expect.
Finding missing or unsure data partsSetting traffic and load sample assumptionsStating upkeep and outage time limitsNoting license and support limitsRecording risks and check follow-upsLesson 10Scripts and manual techniques: PowerCLI, govc, vSphere API calls, Linux/Windows commands to collect configurationLearn scripts and hands-on ways to pull VMware and OS setups when tools are few. Use PowerCLI, govc, vSphere APIs, and OS commands to make solid lists and check automatic results.
Using PowerCLI to pull VM setupsUsing govc and vSphere REST APIsRunning Linux commands for system listsRunning Windows commands for system listsChecking hand data against tool resultsLesson 11Database specifics: engine, version, schema size, transaction rates, replication, maintenance windowsFocus on database discovery across types and systems. Record engine kind, version, schema size, transaction speeds, and replication to guide AWS database choices and move plans.
Listing database engines and versionsMeasuring schema size and growth patternsRecording transaction and query speed measuresNoting replication and high availability setupsFinding upkeep and backup timesLesson 12Usage and performance metrics: CPU/memory utilization, latency, throughput, peak patterns, retention windowsLearn to gather and understand use and performance measures for VMware workloads. Use CPU, memory, I/O, and delay data to size AWS instances right, plan storage speed, and see peak and seasonal ways.
Finding main measure data sourcesRecording CPU and memory use baselinesMeasuring disk IOPS, throughput, and delayAnalysing network throughput and connection numbersSpotting peaks, seasons, and keeping needsLesson 13Third-party tool options overview: Cloudamize and Turbonomic use cases for TCO, sizing, and migration prioritizationLook at outside discovery and improvement tools like Cloudamize and Turbonomic. Understand their strong points for total cost analysis, sizing, and move priorities, and how to fit their outputs into AWS plans.
Cloudamize features and data gatheringTurbonomic workload improvement featuresComparing sizing advice across toolsUsing tools for total cost and cost modelsSending results to migration listsLesson 14Security and compliance artifacts: ACLs, firewall rules, encryption, logs, audit trails, identity storesFind ways to list security and rule-following items that affect moves. Record ACLs, firewall rules, encryption, logging, and identity stores to plan safe AWS setups and control links.
Listing firewall rules and security areasRecording ACLs, security groups, and NACLsSpotting encryption ways and key keepingReviewing logging, SIEM, and audit needsLinking identity stores and access waysLesson 15Discovery methods and evidence sources: agentless queries, hypervisor APIs, SNMP, syslogs, perf counters, interviewsLook into discovery ways and proof sources for VMware setups. Compare scans without agents, hypervisor APIs, SNMP, logs, and interviews, and learn to mix them into a repeatable, checkable discovery process.
Using vCenter and hypervisor API linksUsing scans without agents for OS and networkGathering SNMP, syslog, and performance counter dataLinking logs with setup proofMixing automatic discovery with interviews
