Seamless AWS Migrations Canada for Resilient Business Growth
Amazon Web Services offers one of the broadest sets of cloud services available, and for businesses with variable workloads, developer teams, or specific AWS-native applications, it is often the right choice. North Star plans and executes AWS migrations for BC and AB businesses, handling everything from the initial assessment and architecture design through to cutover and post-migration optimisation.
What is involved in an AWS migration?
An AWS migration begins with an inventory of your current on-premises or hosted environment, followed by a workload assessment that determines which applications are good candidates for lift-and-shift versus those that need re-architecture before moving. North Star produces a target-state design covering EC2 instance sizing, VPC networking, IAM roles and policies, storage (S3, EFS, RDS), and backup configuration using AWS Backup. The migration is executed in phases with tested rollback, and includes configuring AWS Security Hub, GuardDuty, and CloudTrail for security monitoring from day one. Cost governance is built in from the start: North Star configures AWS Cost Explorer, sets billing alerts, and reviews your usage monthly to catch and eliminate wasteful spending before it accumulates.
What North Star delivers.
Workload inventory and AWS readiness review.
We document your applications, their dependencies, performance requirements, and data volumes. Some workloads move as-is; others need preparation first. We tell you which is which before the project starts.
VPC, IAM, compute, storage, and networking designed for your workloads.
EC2 sizing, multi-AZ for high availability, S3 lifecycle policies, RDS configuration, and IAM least-privilege policies designed before any resources are provisioned.
Phased cutover with rollback at each stage.
AWS Application Migration Service (MGN) or Database Migration Service (DMS) as appropriate. Each workload has a defined cutover plan and rollback procedure.
GuardDuty, Security Hub, and CloudTrail from day one.
Security is not an afterthought. GuardDuty threat detection, Security Hub aggregated findings, and CloudTrail audit logging are configured as part of the migration, not added later.
Billing alerts, rightsizing, and Savings Plans guidance.
AWS costs are easy to underestimate. North Star configures cost controls and provides monthly spend reviews with rightsizing recommendations to keep your AWS bill predictable.
What buyers ask before they sign.
How is AWS different from Azure and which should we choose?
Azure is often the better fit for businesses already using Microsoft 365, Active Directory, and Windows workloads - the integration is tighter. AWS offers broader services and is often preferred by businesses with developer teams, containerised applications, or specific AWS-native requirements. North Star can help you evaluate both options objectively.
How long does an AWS migration take?
A straightforward SMB migration typically takes six to 16 weeks from kick-off to final cutover. Complexity, number of workloads, and application re-architecture requirements are the main variables.
What does an AWS migration cost?
Professional services for an SMB-scale AWS migration are typically $8,000 to $25,000. AWS running costs depend on instance types, storage, and data transfer volumes. North Star provides a cost estimate for both the project and the ongoing AWS spend before the engagement begins.
Can we use AWS for disaster recovery only, without moving all workloads?
Yes. AWS is well suited to disaster recovery scenarios where your primary systems remain on-premises but replicate to AWS for recovery. North Star designs these hybrid architectures and tests recovery regularly.
Does North Star manage AWS environments after migration?
Yes. North Star offers AWS managed services including monitoring, patching, backup management, security alerting, and monthly cost reviews. This is a separate retainer from the migration project.
Ready to plan your AWS migration?
Tell us about your environment and we will come back with a scoped proposal in two business days. No obligation, no pressure.
Start Your Free Assessment Back to CloudFrequently asked questions
How long do typical AWS migrations Canada take to complete?
The duration of AWS migrations Canada depends on the complexity and volume of your data. A simple lift and shift migration for a small business in Prince George might take a few weeks, while a full refactoring of legacy applications for a mid-market firm in Edmonton could take several months. Northstar IT provides a detailed timeline during the initial assessment to ensure your business operations face minimal disruption throughout the transition.
What are the costs for AWS cloud migration services in Canada?
Costs for AWS cloud migration services in Canada vary based on the migration strategy and the size of your environment. We offer transparent, fixed-fee options for many migration projects to help you budget effectively. By leveraging our expertise, Canadian SMBs can often reduce long-term infrastructure costs by up to 30 percent. We also help you identify AWS credits and funding programmes that may be available to offset initial migration expenses.
How does Northstar IT ensure data residency in Canada?
Data residency is a critical concern for Canadian businesses under PIPEDA and other regional regulations. During your AWS migration, we configure your environment to use AWS regions specifically located in Canada (such as Canada Central). This ensures your sensitive data stays within national borders, meeting legal requirements for businesses in BC, Alberta, and the Yukon while providing the low latency your users expect from high-performance cloud applications.
Do you offer support after the migration is finished?
Yes, Northstar IT provides comprehensive managed services following the completion of your migration. Our 24/7 helpdesk and proactive monitoring ensure your AWS environment remains secure and efficient. We focus on continuous optimisation, helping you adjust resources as your business grows in cities like Kelowna or Grande Prairie. This includes regular security audits, cost management reviews, and technical support to ensure you are getting the most value from your cloud investment.
Can you migrate legacy Microsoft workloads to AWS?
Absolutely. Northstar IT specialises in migrating legacy Windows Server and SQL Server workloads to AWS. Our team ensures that your Microsoft applications are properly licensed and optimised for the cloud. We handle the technical complexities of moving legacy systems, ensuring that your essential business tools continue to function perfectly in the new environment while benefiting from the superior reliability and security features offered by the AWS cloud platform.