According to Flexera 2024 survey, 58% of organizations plan to migrate more workloads to the cloud this year. Yet not all businesses find cloud computing to be a one-size-fits-all solution. For some, regulatory demands like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), security concerns, or specific performance needs drive the decision to reverse cloud migration and bring workloads back to on-premise infrastructure. 

This case study delves into one such cloud to on-premise migration, where a client faced significant hurdles, including challenges with Veeam Backup & Replication and issues importing large virtual disk files. These technical barriers required innovative solutions, and the journey is outlined in detail to reveal how the client overcame these obstacles.  

Curious to see how we overcame these obstacles? continue reading the rest of the blog. 

Problem Statement 

The two major obstacles faced during a recent migration project:  

• Limitations with Veeam Backup & Replication  
• Issues related to the importation of Open Virtualization Appliance (OVA) files.  

Veeam – Host Level Privilege Limitations 

Veeam Backup & Replication is a comprehensive data protection and disaster recovery solution developed by Veeam Software. It is designed to back up, restore, and replicate data across various environments, including virtual machines (VMs), physical servers, and cloud workloads. 

The first major hurdle in our cloud to on- premise migration journey arose during the implementation of Veeam, a cornerstone of our backup and restore strategy. Our goal was straightforward: to capture OS-level backups of virtual machines residing in the cloud and seamlessly restore them to our on-premises environment. This would not only ensure data integrity but also facilitate a smooth transition back to our local infrastructure. 

 However, this seemingly simple task was thwarted by a significant roadblock: the absence of host-level privileges from the On-Prem infrastructure provider. Without these essential permissions, it was unable to interact directly with the hypervisor layer, the bedrock of virtual machine management. The hypervisor is responsible for creating and managing virtual machines, and without access to it, Veeam could not perform crucial operations necessary for effective backup and restoration. 

 This limitation of on-premises crippled Veeam’s ability to effectively restore backups, a critical function for spinning up VMs from these backups in our on-prem environment. To overcome this challenge, we engaged in discussions with our infrastructure provider to explore options for obtaining the necessary permissions. We also evaluated alternative strategies that could work within the constraints we faced. Ultimately, by addressing these challenges head-on and collaborating closely with our infrastructure provider, we were able to find an alternate method that enabled us to migrate the workload from cloud to on-premise. 

This experience not only enhanced our technical capabilities but also reinforced the significance of adaptability and problem-solving in navigating complex IT migrations. 

OVA Import and Large Disk Limitations   

Since on-premises had this limitation, we came up with new plan along the on-prem infrastructure provider. The on-prem infrastructure provider has a VMware infrastructure, for which they provided access through VMware Cloud Director 

The second major obstacle we encountered during our migration process emerged during the conversion and importation of virtual hard disks (VHD) into the VMware environment. Our objective was to create virtual machine disks (VMDK), a format native to VMware, and package them into an Open Virtualization Appliance (OVA) file for seamless import into VMware Cloud Director. This format is designed to simplify the deployment of virtual machines across different environments.  However, this seemingly straightforward task proved to be more complex than anticipated, particularly when dealing with large disk sizes.  

The upload process repeatedly failed due to the substantial size of the OVA files created from our large database servers. These files exceeded 100GB, making it challenging to transfer them over the internet. The sheer volume of data was beyond what VMware Cloud Director could handle efficiently through standard internet connections. This limitation not only delayed our migration efforts but also posed a significant risk to our project timeline. 

 In contrast, we found that the OVA files for our application servers, which ranged from 30GB to 50GB, were successfully imported into Cloud Director without any issues. These smaller files allowed us to spin up virtual machines quickly, demonstrating that while some components of our migration were progressing smoothly, others were severely hampered by the size constraints of our database servers. 

This discrepancy highlighted a critical bottleneck in our migration strategy. The inability to successfully create virtual machines from these larger OVAs was preventing us from fully realizing our migration goals and hindering overall progress. To address this challenge, we needed to explore alternative methods for transferring large data servers, such as utilizing dedicated data transfer 3rd party services like carbonite. By doing so, we aimed to ensure a more efficient migration experience and maintain momentum in our cloud to on-premise migration journey. 

Ready for the Big Reveal? Your Most Awaited Part is Here! Excited?  Let’s move to the solution. 

Solution Overview – A Strategic Shift for Migration Success 

Given the challenges we encountered with the Veeam Proof of Concept and the OVA import process, we pivoted to a Carbonite-based replication strategy as a viable workaround. This decision was driven by the need for a reliable and efficient method to ensure the successful migration of our workloads while overcoming the technical challenges that had previously hindered our progress. The Carbonite solution offered us a robust alternative that could facilitate our cloud to-on-premise migration effectively. 

• Virtual Machine Creation

The first step in our new approach involved the meticulous creation of a virtual machine at the destination site. This virtual machine was designed to mirror the source environment in every detail, ensuring that all configurations were compatible and that no critical settings were overlooked. 

This included replicating specifications such as CPU and memory allocation, file formats, and operating system configurations. By doing so, we aimed to create an environment that would seamlessly accept the replicated data without encountering compatibility issues. 

• Network Connectivity  

Next, we focused on establishing reliable network connectivity between the source and destination environments. This involved creating a secure tunnel to facilitate data transfer while maintaining security protocols. 

We ensured that necessary ports were opened to allow the flow of data without interruptions. This step was crucial because a stable network connection would minimize latency and ensure that data replication could occur smoothly and efficiently. 

• Carbonite Replication

With the virtual machine in place and network connectivity established, we turned to Carbonite for the replication process. Carbonite is known for its robust data protection solutions, and it proved to be an excellent fit for our needs. The software was employed to replicate the virtual machine from the source environment to the destination site. 

 This replication process was not only successful but also effective in bypassing the obstacles we had faced with previous methods, such as issues related to large OVA file sizes. 

The Carbonite replication strategy allowed us to continuously sync changes made in the source environment with the destination environment, ensuring that we maintained data integrity throughout the migration process. This near-real-time replication capability was particularly beneficial for minimizing downtime and ensuring business continuity during the transition. 

Outcome and Results 

By adopting this Carbonite-based approach, we were able to streamline our migration efforts significantly. The successful replication of our virtual machines meant that we could proceed with confidence, knowing that our data was secure and accurately reflected in the new environment. 

Lessons Learned from Successful Cloud-to-On-Premise Migration

• Proactive Assessment of Infrastructure Dependencies 

One of the key takeaways from this case study is the significance of conducting a comprehensive evaluation of infrastructure dependencies, especially when depending on external providers for critical permissions and resources. Lack of required permissions from these providers can cause delays and complications. To minimize risks and ensure a seamless transition, organizations must address these dependencies at the earliest of the planning phase. 

• Evaluation of Virtualization Platforms 

Virtualization platforms are essential during the migration process, especially when handling extensive amounts of data. Organizations need to comprehend the capabilities and restrictions of these platforms in order to prevent potential failures. This includes evaluating how each platform handles data transfer, storage capacity, and system compatibility. Conducting thorough assessments that account for performance benchmarks and scalability is vital for a seamless transition. 

• Exploring Alternative Solutions for Data Protection  

The case study demonstrates the value of exploring alternative data protection and migration strategies when traditional methods fall short. In this instance, shifting to Carbonite’s replication method proved effective in overcoming challenges like large OVA file transfers. Organizations should have contingency plans that include tested alternative solutions to maintain flexibility and resilience during migrations. 

• Flexibility and Adaptability in Migration Strategies 

Having the flexibility to switch to a different approach is essential for achieving success in the migration process. Carbonite’s replication capabilities helped the organization keep data synchronized between source and destination environments, decreasing downtime and improving data integrity. This adaptability is crucial for businesses managing intricate migration projects, enabling them to address unforeseen challenges and accomplish their migration goals. 

Use cases of Cloud-to-On-Premise Migrations 

• Data Compliance and Privacy

For regulatory reasons such as GDPR, one financial services organization relocated sensitive customer data from the cloud environment back to the premises-based servers. This allowed for better enforcement of data access and security. 

• Performance Optimization

A healthcare organization migrated its patient management system from the cloud to on-premise environment. The company encountered issues with data breaches and adhering to HIPAA regulations when utilizing cloud services. By migrating their workloads to on-premises environments, they were able to set up personalized network security measures to tailor to their specific needs. 

• Cost Management

A mid-sized company discovered that the ongoing expenses for cloud services were surpassing their budget. After performing a cost-benefit analysis, they opted to move their workloads back to on-premises, resulting in anticipated costs related to hardware and maintenance. 

• Legacy System Integration

The healthcare organization required the use of certain legacy systems that were unable to be transitioned to a cloud-based system. Moving back the operations on premises, they ensured that there is good integration with the available systems, which enhances productivity. 

• Disaster Recovery

A manufacturing company required a disaster recovery solution with limited bandwidth preventing effective cloud management. Migrating to an on-premises setup enabled them to establish a customized disaster recovery strategy that addressed their individual requirements, guaranteeing uninterrupted business operations. 

Roadmap for Successful Cloud to On-Premise Migrations 

Migrating workloads from cloud to on-premise infrastructure is a complex process that demands thorough preparation. Reversing cloud migrations has become a more frequent occurrence as organizations strive for improved data control, cost savings, and regulatory compliance. However, these migrations can present unique challenges, and the key to overcoming them lies in strategic planning, evaluating dependencies, and remaining flexible. Here’s a step-by-step roadmap to ensure a smooth cloud to on-premise migration. 

• Proactively Assess Infrastructure Dependencies

The first step in a successful migration is understanding the infrastructure you depend on. Cloud to on-premise migrations often require permissions from third-party providers to access essential systems, and not having these in place can lead to significant delays. For example, in this case study, the migration hit a roadblock when Veeam couldn’t interact with the hypervisor due to a lack of host-level privileges. 

What to Do: Make sure to thoroughly assess any dependencies on third-party infrastructure providers. Determine what permissions and access are needed for backup, restoration, and virtual machine management. Secure these ahead of time. 

Why It Matters: Proactively addressing these dependencies helps avoid last-minute complications and ensures your team can keep the migration process on schedule. 

• Evaluate Virtualization Platforms Thoroughly

Not all virtualization platforms are created equal, especially when it comes to handling large volumes of data. Understanding the strengths and limitations of the platform you’re migrating to is crucial. In this case, the large OVA files (over 100GB) could not be imported into VMware Cloud Director, causing delays. 

What to Do: Conduct a detailed evaluation of your target virtualization platform. Test its ability to handle large data transfers, assess storage capacity, and check for compatibility with your existing systems. 

Why It Matters: Doing this upfront reduces the risk of hitting performance bottlenecks or compatibility issues that could derail migration. 

• Always Have an Alternative Solution in Place

Migrations rarely go exactly as planned, which is why having a fallback plan is essential. When the initial approach failed in this case study, switching to Carbonite’s replication technology provided the alternative needed to complete the migration successfully. 

What to Do: Develop a backup strategy that can kick in if your primary method encounters problems. Test your alternative solution thoroughly to ensure it can handle the data volumes and system requirements of your migration. 

Why It Matters: Having a backup plan keeps the migration moving forward, even when obstacles arise, ensuring minimal disruption to operations. 

• Strategic Planning and Flexibility Are Key

The most important part of any migration is planning. This means mapping out the entire migration process from start to finish, identifying potential challenges, and allocating resources effectively. However, flexibility is equally important. In this case, pivoting from Veeam to Carbonite for this particular use case when issues arose was critical in keeping the migration on track. 

What to Do: Create a detailed migration roadmap, including contingency plans, timelines, and resources. Ensure that your team is ready to adapt if unexpected challenges emerge. 

Why It Matters: A well-thought-out plan allows your team to stay on course, while flexibility ensures you can make quick adjustments when necessary. 

This case demonstrates how proactive planning, adaptability, and a strategic shift in solutions can ensure success, even in complex migration scenarios. 

Final Thoughts 

Migrating from cloud back to on-prem infrastructure can feel daunting with all the potential challenges. But as this case study has shown, with the right approach and strategies in place, success is well within reach. By proactively identifying dependencies, thoroughly evaluating virtualization platforms, and maintaining flexibility with alternative solutions, your organization can ensure a seamless transition. 

And now, here’s the final step in your cloud journey: KaarTech is here to help you every step of the way!

Tired of the complexities of cloud to on-premise migrations? Let us pave the way for you. Our cloud experts will assess your situation and offer advice on how to migrate seamlessly, whether it’s from the cloud to on-premise or from one cloud platform to another.

For customized solutions tailored to your business’s needs, contact KaarTech today!

 

 

FAQ’s 

1. Why move from cloud to on-premise? 

There are several reasons why organizations may choose to reverse cloud migration. Key drivers include regulatory requirements (like GDPR), the need for greater control over data, security concerns, cost savings, and performance optimization for specific workloads that require low-latency environments. 

2. What were the main challenges faced during this cloud-to-on-prem migration? 

The key challenges in this case study were the limitations with the on-premises infrastructure for Veeam Backup & Replication due to a lack of host-level privileges and the difficulty of importing large Open Virtualization Appliance (OVA) files, which created bottlenecks in transferring large data sets between cloud and on-premise infrastructure. 

3. How did the team overcome the technical barriers in the migration process? 

The team pivoted from the initial Veeam Backup strategy to a Carbonite-based replication approach, which allowed for near-real-time synchronization between cloud and on-prem environments. This solution resolved issues related to file size constraints and network limitations, ensuring data integrity and minimal downtime. 

4. What are key factors to consider when planning cloud-to-on-prem migrations? 

Businesses should prioritize early assessment of infrastructure dependencies, thoroughly evaluate the capabilities of their virtualization platforms, always have an alternative solution in place for potential technical roadblocks and maintain flexibility in their migration planning to handle unexpected challenges efficiently.