AEM On-Prem vs. Cloud Service: Migration Guide and Strategic Overview

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, organizations utilizing Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) face a critical decision: maintain their traditional On-Premise/Managed Services infrastructure or modernize by migrating to AEM as a Cloud Service (AEMaaCS).

At Associative, we understand that this is more than a technical upgrade—it is a strategic pivot toward agility and scalability. Established in 2021 and headquartered in Pune, Maharashtra, Associative is an Adobe Bronze Solution Partner dedicated to transforming visionary ideas into digital realities. Whether you are looking to optimize your current infrastructure or execute a full-scale migration, this guide breaks down the essential differences and the path forward.

Part 1: AEM On-Prem vs. Cloud Service – Understanding the Differences

Before initiating a migration, it is vital to understand how the architecture changes between the two models.

1. Architecture and Infrastructure

  • On-Premise/Managed Services: You rely on fixed infrastructure. Scaling requires manual intervention to add standby instances or upgrade hardware. You are responsible for the “tarMK” or “mongoMK” storage configurations.

  • AEM Cloud Service: This is a fully cloud-native, containerized architecture. It utilizes auto-scaling to handle traffic spikes instantly without manual provisioning.

2. Updates and Versioning

  • On-Premise: Upgrades are major projects (e.g., migrating from AEM 6.4 to 6.5) requiring extensive regression testing, service packs, and downtime.

  • AEM Cloud Service: Operates on a continuous delivery model. Adobe pushes updates daily (for minor fixes) and monthly (for features), ensuring you are always on the latest version. This eliminates the concept of “End of Life” for your software.

3. Development and Operations (DevOps)

  • On-Premise: Custom CI/CD pipelines are often maintained by internal IT teams using tools like Jenkins.

  • AEM Cloud Service: Heavily relies on Cloud Manager, Adobe’s native CI/CD framework, to enforce code quality and security gating before deployment.

Part 2: The Migration Guide – Strategic Steps to the Cloud

Migrating to AEM as a Cloud Service requires a distinct methodology to ensure zero data loss and business continuity.

Phase 1: Readiness Assessment Using the Best Practices Analyzer (BPA) tool, we generate a report identifying unsupported features, deprecated APIs, and code refactoring requirements.

Phase 2: Code Refactoring AEMaaCS requires strict adherence to cloud-native standards.

  • Immutable Content: separating mutable content (user data) from immutable code (/apps and /libs).

  • Asset Compute Service: migrating custom workflows to Adobe’s microservices-based asset processing.

  • Legacy Code Removal: Updating Java code to remove dependencies on deprecated APIs.

Phase 3: Content Transfer We utilize the Content Transfer Tool (CTT) to migrate actual repository content (blobs and nodes) from the on-premise instance to the cloud instance.

Phase 4: Go-Live and Optimization Once deployed via Cloud Manager, we conduct rigorous performance testing, link dispatchers, and configure CDN caching for optimal delivery.

Why Choose Associative for Your AEM Migration?

As a legally registered firm with the Registrar of Firms (ROF), Pune, Associative operates with unyielding transparency and regulatory compliance. Our status as an Adobe Bronze Solution Partner validates our technical capability to handle complex Adobe ecosystems.

Our Technical Mastery Migration is not just about AEM; it requires a holistic understanding of the full stack. Our team possesses deep expertise in the technologies that power modern AEM implementations:

  • Back-End: Java (Spring Boot, Jakarta EE) and OSGi framework expertise essential for AEM backend logic.

  • Front-End: Advanced proficiency in React, Angular, and Vue.js to build dynamic Single Page Applications (SPAs) within AEM.

  • Cloud & DevOps: Expert management of AWS and Azure, alongside Docker and Kubernetes, ensuring we understand the containerized nature of the new Cloud Service.

Transparent Engagement Model We believe in honesty and open communication.

  • Time & Materials: We operate strictly on a T&M basis. You pay only for the work performed, with invoices submitted daily, weekly, or on milestones.

  • Flexible Hours: We offer engagement models ranging from 3 to 9 hours per day to suit your project velocity.

  • No “Black Box”: We do not provide fixed-bid contracts for complex custom software, acknowledging the dynamic nature of development.

Client Confidentiality and IP Ownership Your intellectual property is safe with us.

  • Strict NDAs: We adhere to rigorous non-disclosure agreements.

  • 100% Ownership: Upon project completion and final payment, you receive full ownership of the source code. We retain no rights and do not use your project in our public portfolio.

Beyond AEM: Comprehensive Digital Innovation

While we specialize in AEM migration, Associative is a one-stop-shop for digital transformation. We can extend your AEM implementation with:

  • E-Commerce Integration: Expertise in Adobe Commerce (Magento) and Shopify.

  • AI & Personalization: Integrating Generative AI and LLMs (using LangChain and Ollama) to automate content creation within your CMS.

  • Analytics: Advanced digital marketing and SEO strategies to ensure your new site ranks high.

Contact Associative

Ready to modernize your digital experience? Let our team of dedicated innovators guide your transition from AEM On-Prem to the Cloud Service.

Address: Khandve Complex, Yojana Nagar, Lohegaon – Wagholi Road, Lohegaon, Pune, Maharashtra, India – 411047

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AEM On-Prem vs. Cloud Service: Migration Guide and Strategic Overview

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