AWS Transform MGN (formerly AWS Application Migration Service)

Overview

AWS Transform MGN is a server rehosting service that automates the move of physical, virtual, and cloud servers into native Amazon EC2 instances. AWS Application Migration Service was renamed AWS Transform MGN on June 8, 2026. The service focuses on replicating servers, converting them for AWS, and coordinating cutover while aiming to keep downtime minimal.

Migration teams can work through an agentic AWS Transform workflow or manage rehosting steps in the MGN console. They can switch between these approaches without losing progress. For a wider category view, see our Cloud Migration Tools list.

Key features

Replication and migration sources

MGN continuously replicates source servers at the block level before conversion and cutover. It supports migrations from physical servers, VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, other on-premises infrastructure, and other public clouds. It can also move workloads across AWS Regions, Availability Zones, and accounts.

Its supported infrastructure has a clear boundary: source servers must be x86, and replication volumes can be up to 16 TB. Larger volumes are not supported, so this limit should be checked before planning a migration.

Post-launch actions

Built-in and custom post-launch actions support follow-up work such as disaster recovery configuration, operating system upgrades, license conversion, and CloudWatch Agent installation. These options can connect the migration process with configuration tasks after launch.

Organizing work at scale

MGN lets teams group servers into applications and migration waves. Launch, cutover, archival, and configuration operations are available at server, application, or wave level. This provides more than one scope for managing migration work, from an individual server to a grouped set of workloads.

Discovery, monitoring, and security

Discovery and assessment and continuous replication are listed capabilities, as is database migration. Monitoring documentation describes integration with Amazon CloudWatch, CloudWatch Events, CloudWatch Logs, and AWS CloudTrail.

MGN requires TLS 1.2 or later and uses TLS and IAM for authentication. AWS recommends EBS encryption and limiting replication server exposure to the public internet. AWS also says the service retains certifications including FedRAMP High, HIPAA, PCI DSS, ISO, and SOC 1, 2, and 3. Support for installation or replication issues is limited to operating systems listed as supported.

Pricing

MGN is a paid service with a 90-day free period. The listed free-period price is 0.00 USD per free, billed for 2,160 hours (90 days when used continuously) per source server. This covers the service charge only; AWS infrastructure used for replication, testing, or cutover is charged separately. After the free period, continued replication is charged per hour. The product is also listed as having a free plan, while its pricing details describe this time-limited free period; no separate free-trial offer is listed.

Platforms

MGN is listed for API, Linux, web, and Windows, with a SaaS deployment model. AWS says the service is available in commercial AWS Regions and both AWS GovCloud (US) Regions.

Who it's for

MGN is aimed at organizations moving supported x86 server workloads into Amazon EC2, including migrations from on-premises environments, other public clouds, or other AWS locations and accounts. Its application and wave grouping, multiple management scopes, and post-launch actions suit teams coordinating migrations across sets of servers. The 16 TB replication-volume limit and operating-system support boundary are important fit checks.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Continuous block-level replication and coordinated cutover are built into the rehosting workflow.
• Migration sources include physical, virtual, on-premises, public-cloud, and cross-AWS environments.
• Teams can organize servers into applications and waves and operate at several management levels.
• Post-launch actions cover several operational tasks, including upgrades and disaster recovery configuration.

Cons

• Only x86 source servers and replication volumes up to 16 TB are supported.
• AWS infrastructure charges for replication, testing, and cutover are separate from the free-period service charge.
• Support for installation or replication issues is limited to listed supported operating systems.

Alternatives

Depending on the migration target and workload, alternatives to consider include Google Cloud Migration Center and Google Migrate to Containers. For database-focused migration or conversion needs, options include Amazon Database Migration Service, AWS Schema Conversion Tool, pgloader, Ora2Pg, and Striim. Flexera One IT Asset Management is another product to compare when the focus is IT asset management.

Verdict

AWS Transform MGN is a focused choice for rehosting supported servers as EC2 instances, with continuous replication, cutover coordination, migration grouping, and post-launch actions in one service. Its scope is clearly bounded: it is not suitable for non-x86 source servers or replication volumes above 16 TB, and the stated free period does not include the AWS infrastructure used during migration. Teams should also confirm that their operating systems fall within the supported list. For migrations that fit those conditions, MGN offers a structured path from replication through cutover and selected post-launch work.