Introduction

The Instance ARM Migration Tool helps AWS users find ARM-based instance types to replace their current non-ARM instances. Moving to ARM architecture can improve performance and reduce costs. This tool examines both EC2 and RDS instance types, checks possible migration options using a set of clear rules, and displays the results on an easy-to-use website.

Select your region and service below to get started.

Features

Rules Engine

• Direct Evaluation: The tool checks each possible migration from a specific source instance to a target instance using predefined rules.
• Rule Results:
  • Pass: The target instance meets or exceeds the source instance’s specifications.
  • Fail: The target instance does not fully meet the requirements but might still be suitable.
  • Hard Fail: The target instance is not suitable for migration due to major issues, such as higher costs or fewer vCPUs.
• Perfect Match: If all rules pass, the target instance is a "perfect match." This means it has the same or better clock speed, EBS bandwidth, storage capacity, GPUs, and other key features.
• Imperfect Match: If some rules fail but none hard fail, the instance is still shown as a possible option. Important details, like lower sustained clock speed, appear in the "View Comparison" section. These instances may work for some users but need careful consideration.
• Excluded/Hard Fail: Migration paths with at least one hard fail are not shown. These paths are not recommended because the target instance has significant drawbacks, such as being more expensive or having fewer resources.

Similarity Score

• Alternative Options: The tool calculates a similarity score for all possible options. If no good migration paths are found (all rules hard fail), then you can see why using the similar options.
• Clear Information: The most similar instances are shown on the page, even if they do not meet all rules. This helps you see why certain migrations are not recommended, and decide if you can accept the trade-offs.

Pricing Information

• Consistent Currency: All prices are shown in U.S. dollars, even for regions outside the U.S., because the data comes from a U.S.-billed account.
• Pricing Details: Prices are based on Linux, shared tenancy, on-demand instances in one availability zone. If an instance + DB Engine combination does not support one availability zone, multi-AZ pricing is used instead.
• Price Exclusions: Prices do not include upfront fees and do not account for Savings Plans, Reserved Instances, or Spot discounts. These factors can change the actual cost for your business, and might be important enough to wipe out your savings.

Database Engine Versions

• Latest Versions Only: The tool includes only the latest patches from the newest major and minor versions of database engines. For example, if you use MariaDB 10.11.3, you will only see version 10.11.9.
• Upgrade Paths: The tool shows database engine upgrade paths only if you need to upgrade to migrate to the target instance type. This ensures you know about necessary version changes that could affect your migration.

Caveats

• Rules Evaluation: The tool checks migration paths between specific source and target instances. While it covers many factors, it might not include all unique aspects of your setup. You should do extra checks specific to your workloads.
• Pricing Accuracy: Prices can change and may vary based on your AWS account settings, region, and usage. Always use the AWS Pricing Calculator or check your AWS account for the most accurate pricing.
• Database Versions: Upgrading to a newer database version can cause compatibility issues. Make sure to test and verify your applications with the new version before migrating.
• Similar Instances: The similarity score helps you find ARM-based instances that are close to your current ones. However, instances with high similarity scores but failing some rules may still need significant changes to work for your applications or infrastructure.

Note: While this tool gives valuable information, you should perform thorough testing and checks to ensure that the chosen ARM-based instances meet all your specific workload requirements.