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AWS Transform MGN (formerly AWS Application Migration Service)
What it is
AWS Transform MGN automates rehosting physical, virtual, and cloud servers as native Amazon EC2 instances. It continuously replicates source servers at the block level, converts them for AWS, and coordinates cutover with minimal downtime. Teams can use an AWS Transform workflow or manage rehosting in the MGN console, switching between paths without losing progress. Sources include physical servers, VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, other on-premises infrastructure, other public clouds, and moves across AWS Regions, Availability Zones, or accounts. Post-launch actions can configure disaster recovery, upgrade operating systems, convert licenses, or install CloudWatch Agent. Servers can be grouped into applications and waves for launch, cutover, archival, and configuration operations. MGN supports x86 source servers and replication volumes up to 16 TB; larger volumes are unsupported. Its free period covers 2,160 hours, or 90 days when used continuously, per source server. AWS infrastructure for replication, testing, or cutover is charged separately, and continued replication is charged per hour after the free period.
For and against
For
- Continuously replicates server data at the block level.
- Supports several on-premises, cloud, and AWS migration paths.
- Allows switching between workflow and console without losing progress.
- Post-launch actions include OS upgrades and disaster recovery configuration.
- Servers can be grouped into applications and waves.
Against
- Supports x86 source servers only.
- Replication volumes larger than 16 TB are unsupported.
- AWS infrastructure charges apply separately during the free period.
- Continued replication is charged per hour after the free period.
The verdict
AWS Transform MGN combines continuous replication, cutover coordination, and post-launch actions for server rehosting to EC2. Its 90-day free period covers the service charge only; account for separate AWS infrastructure charges and the 16 TB volume limit.
Who it suits
MGN suits teams rehosting physical, virtual, or cloud servers to Amazon EC2, including migrations across AWS locations or accounts. Its application and wave controls may suit teams organizing larger migrations into groups.
Plans and prices
Free period
AWS infrastructure used for replication, testing, or cutover is charged separately · after the free period, continued replication is charged per hour
Read 30 Sep 2026 · aws.amazon.com
On the record
- Availability
- AWS says MGN is available in commercial AWS Regions and both AWS GovCloud (US) Regions.aws.amazon.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Compliance
- AWS says MGN retains certifications including FedRAMP High, HIPAA, PCI DSS, ISO, and SOC 1, 2, and 3.aws.amazon.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Management at scale
- MGN groups servers into applications and waves, with launch, cutover, archival, and configuration operations available at server, application, or wave level.docs.aws.amazon.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Migration paths
- Customers can use an agentic AWS Transform workflow or manage rehosting steps directly in the MGN console, and switch paths without losing progress.aws.amazon.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Migration sources
- MGN supports migrations from physical servers, VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, other on-premises infrastructure, other public clouds, and across AWS Regions, Availability Zones, or accounts.aws.amazon.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Modernization
- Built-in and custom post-launch actions include disaster recovery configuration, operating system upgrades, license conversion, and CloudWatch Agent installation.docs.aws.amazon.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Monitoring and integrations
- MGN documentation describes monitoring with Amazon CloudWatch, CloudWatch Events, CloudWatch Logs, and AWS CloudTrail.docs.aws.amazon.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Product name
- AWS Application Migration Service was renamed AWS Transform MGN on June 8, 2026.aws.amazon.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- AWS Transform MGN automates rehosting physical, virtual, and cloud servers as native Amazon EC2 instances.aws.amazon.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Replication and cutover
- It continuously replicates source servers at the block level, converts them for AWS, and orchestrates cutover with minimal downtime.aws.amazon.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Security
- MGN requires TLS 1.2 or later, uses TLS and IAM for authentication, and recommends EBS encryption and limiting replication server exposure to the public internet.docs.aws.amazon.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Support
- AWS documentation says support for installation or replication issues is limited to operating systems listed as supported.docs.aws.amazon.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Supported infrastructure limit
- MGN supports x86 source servers and replication volumes up to 16 TB; larger volumes are not supported.docs.aws.amazon.com · read 30 Sep 2026
