Lift-and-shift is often seen as the fastest and simplest way to migrate a system. With minimal changes and a clear path forward, it appears to offer a low-risk way to move from one environment to another. And in some cases, that assumption holds. But only under specific conditions. Because lift-and-shift does not change how a system works — it only changes where it runs. Which means it can move problems just as effectively as it moves systems. The real question is not whether lift-and-shift works, but whether it addresses the risks your system already carries. What Lift-and-Shift Actually Does At its core, lift-and-shift is a straightforward approach: the system is moved from one environment to another with minimal changes. Applications, databases, and configurations are largely preserved, while the underlying infrastructure is replaced. From a technical perspective, this can simplify the migration process.…