In today’s cloud-driven landscape, businesses are constantly weighing their options between major cloud providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Both giants offer a broad range of tools and services, and while migration might seem like a straightforward switch, it often comes with a host of hidden traps that can disrupt operations, increase costs, and slow down progress.

Whether you’re moving from on-premise systems or shifting between clouds, understanding these potential pitfalls is crucial. In this blog, we dive into the hidden migration traps you should know when migrating to AWS or Google Cloud—and how to avoid them.

1. Misjudging Cost Structures

One of the most common traps businesses fall into is underestimating or misjudging the cost structures of AWS and Google Cloud. While both platforms offer pricing calculators, the true cost often goes beyond just compute and storage.

AWS Cost Complexity:

AWS has a reputation for being complex when it comes to billing. With hundreds of services, varying regional prices, and multiple pricing models (on-demand, reserved, spot instances), businesses often get surprised by unexpected charges.

Google Cloud Simplicity—But With Limits:

Google Cloud, on the other hand, markets itself as simpler and more cost-effective. While it does offer sustained use discounts and flat-rate pricing for many services, unexpected network egress charges or high costs for certain enterprise features can still catch teams off guard.

Trap: Migrating to either platform without a deep dive into long-term cost modeling can result in budget overruns and inefficient resource allocation.

2. Underestimating Application Dependencies

Applications aren’t standalone systems—they rely on databases, APIs, third-party services, and complex integrations. One of the biggest hidden traps is assuming applications can be lifted and shifted as-is without understanding these dependencies.

AWS Compatibility Challenges:

AWS has deep integrations but often locks users into their ecosystem. For instance, migrating apps that use proprietary services like AWS Lambda or Amazon Aurora may require significant rewrites if you ever switch platforms in the future.

Google Cloud’s Focus on Open Source:

Google Cloud emphasizes open-source frameworks (like Kubernetes and TensorFlow), which may simplify some migrations. But that doesn’t mean it’s entirely seamless—misalignments in configuration or performance can lead to stability issues.

Trap: Failing to map and test all application dependencies can result in service downtime, performance degradation, or even data loss post-migration.

3. Ignoring Security and Compliance Variances

Security is a top concern during cloud migration. Both AWS and Google Cloud offer strong security postures, but they implement controls and compliance frameworks differently.

Compliance Gaps:

AWS tends to lead in compliance certifications globally, making it ideal for industries like healthcare and finance. However, businesses may need to configure services manually to meet those requirements.

Google Cloud offers advanced security features by default (like data encryption at rest and in transit), but fewer pre-packaged compliance templates, requiring more customization for regulatory-heavy industries.

Trap: Assuming security and compliance will “just work” after migration can expose your business to risk. Instead, assess and configure compliance controls before the migration.

4. Overlooking Downtime and Performance Hiccups

Downtime during migration can lead to lost revenue and productivity. Even with detailed migration plans, performance issues often arise due to configuration mismatches, latency problems, or region-specific limitations.

AWS Migration Tools:

AWS provides tools like AWS Migration Hub and CloudEndure, but they often require expert-level configuration and monitoring to ensure success.

Google Cloud Tools:

Google Cloud’s Migrate for Compute Engine and Database Migration Service simplify the process but can encounter compatibility issues, especially with legacy systems.

Trap: Believing cloud-native tools alone can ensure a smooth migration often leads to downtime. External guidance or expert partners are often needed to manage the complexities.

5. Lack of a Multi-Cloud or Exit Strategy

Most businesses start with a single cloud provider, but eventually explore multi-cloud strategies. Unfortunately, both AWS and Google Cloud encourage lock-in through proprietary services, making future migrations difficult.

Vendor Lock-in:

AWS offers robust services, but many are tightly coupled with their ecosystem. Google Cloud also has unique features that aren’t portable. This creates challenges if you want to move to another provider or adopt a hybrid-cloud setup later.

Trap: Not planning for flexibility or a possible future migration can lead to expensive rework, downtime, and legal complications.

How to Avoid These Traps

Migration is not just a technical project—it’s a strategic business decision. Here’s how you can steer clear of the hidden traps:

• Conduct a Cloud Readiness Assessment: Evaluate your current infrastructure, workloads, and team capabilities.
• Engage Experts: Consider working with a Cloud Migration Services partner like Exinent to streamline planning and execution.
• Pilot First: Run a test migration with a non-critical application to identify any performance, compatibility, or security issues early.
• Budget for Hidden Costs: Account for training, downtime, third-party tools, and post-migration optimization.
• Implement Monitoring Tools: Use advanced monitoring and cost management tools post-migration to avoid surprise expenses and ensure peak performance.

Conclusion

Migrating to AWS or Google Cloud can unlock tremendous value—scalability, performance, cost-efficiency—but only if done right. The hidden traps can quickly turn a strategic advantage into a logistical nightmare. Whether it’s cost complexity, app dependencies, security, or vendor lock-in, businesses must navigate the process with caution.

That’s where choosing the right partner becomes essential. Expert-driven Cloud Migration Services from Exinent can help you build a resilient, future-ready cloud infrastructure—without falling into common pitfalls.

Ready to migrate with confidence? Start your cloud journey with clarity and control. Don’t let the traps stop your transformation!