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MSFTCOST08-BP01 Refactor to cross-platform .NET and move to Linux - Microsoft Workloads Lens - AWS Well-Architected Framework
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MSFTCOST08-BP01 Refactor to cross-platform .NET and move to Linux

Migrating .NET Framework applications to .NET 8 or later enables cross-platform deployment, improved security, and better performance. This modernization allows applications to run on Linux systems, leverage cloud-native features, and benefit from the latest optimizations, resulting in more efficient and maintainable systems.

Desired outcome: Aim to achieve reduced licensing costs, improved performance, and enhanced security. The modernized applications run efficiently on Linux environments, including AWS Graviton processors, while leveraging the latest .NET features and cloud-native capabilities. This transformation results in a more cost-effective, scalable, and maintainable application portfolio that aligns with modern cloud architecture principles.

Common anti-patterns:

  • Continuing to rely on Windows-specific dependencies and COM components without evaluating modern alternatives, making the migration to Linux impossible and perpetuating technical debt and higher operational costs.

  • Attempting to run portions of the application on Linux while keeping critical components on Windows servers, creating a complex hybrid architecture that increases operational overhead and negates the cost benefits of the migration while introducing potential compatibility issues.

Benefits of establishing this best practice:

  • Moving to Linux eliminates Windows licensing costs while enabling the use of cost-effective infrastructure options like AWS Graviton processors, resulting in significant operational cost savings and improved performance metrics through modern .NET optimizations.

  • Cross-platform .NET applications can be deployed across diverse environments using containerization technologies, enabling efficient CI/CD pipelines, simplified scaling strategies, and better resource utilization in cloud environments, leading to improved application reliability and reduced maintenance overhead.

Level of risk exposed if this best practice is not established: High

Implementation guidance

Begin with an AWS Transform-assisted assessment to identify Windows dependencies, then implement an incremental migration strategy focusing on high-impact components first. Utilize automated refactoring tools for conversion to cross-platform .NET, containerize the application, and establish comprehensive testing protocols to ensure successful deployment on Linux environments while maintaining application performance and reliability.

Implementation steps

  1. Conduct application assessment using AWS Transform to identify Windows dependencies and migration challenges

  2. Develop a phased migration plan, prioritizing components for maximum cost-benefit impact

  3. Refactor code to cross-platform .NET using AWS Transform's AI-powered tools and manual adjustments

  4. Containerize the application and implement a robust testing strategy for Linux environments

  5. Deploy the refactored application to Linux servers, including AWS Graviton instances, and monitor performance

Resources

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