13 May 2026 · Mei-Ling Chen
When not to migrate yet
Cloud migration planning includes the discipline to leave systems where they are. Here are signals that a pause is the responsible call.
A readiness assessment that always recommends moving everything has failed its job. Some workloads are tightly coupled to on-site equipment, specialised appliances, or regulatory processes that a rushed move would break.
We treat “remain” as a first-class outcome with the same documentation standard as “migrate.” That includes revisit criteria: what would have to change before the topic returns.
Leadership often appreciates the honesty. Budget that would have funded a fragile move can fund remediations that make a later wave safer.