AWS Transform MGN (formerly AWS Application Migration Service)

aws.amazon.com

Free plan WebWindowsLinuxAPI

Spec score 8.2 #4 of 32 in Cloud Migration Tools

What it is

AWS Transform MGN automates rehosting physical, virtual, and cloud servers as native Amazon EC2 instances. It continuously replicates source-server data at the block level, converts servers for AWS, and coordinates cutover with minimal downtime. Teams can use an agentic AWS Transform workflow or manage migration steps in the MGN console, switching paths without losing progress. Sources include physical servers, VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, other on-premises infrastructure, public clouds, and migrations across AWS Regions, Availability Zones, or accounts. After launch, built-in or custom actions can configure disaster recovery, upgrade operating systems, convert licenses, or install CloudWatch Agent. Servers can be organized into applications and waves for launch, cutover, archival, and configuration operations. MGN supports x86 sources and replication volumes up to 16 TB; larger volumes are not supported. A 90-day free period covers 2,160 hours per source server when used continuously. AWS infrastructure for replication, testing, or cutover is charged separately, and continued replication is charged per hour after the free period.

Spec sheet

Purpose: AWS Transform MGN automates rehosting physical, virtual, and cloud servers as native Amazon EC2 instances.Read 30 Sep 2026 · aws.amazon.com
Security: MGN requires TLS 1.2 or later, uses TLS and IAM for authentication, and recommends EBS encryption and limiting replication server exposure to the public internet.Read 30 Sep 2026 · docs.aws.amazon.com
Compliance: AWS says MGN retains certifications including FedRAMP High, HIPAA, PCI DSS, ISO, and SOC 1, 2, and 3.Read 30 Sep 2026 · aws.amazon.com
Support: AWS documentation says support for installation or replication issues is limited to operating systems listed as supported.Read 30 Sep 2026 · docs.aws.amazon.com
Founded: 2006Read 28 Sep 2026 · aws.amazon.com
Availability: AWS says MGN is available in commercial AWS Regions and both AWS GovCloud (US) Regions.Read 30 Sep 2026 · aws.amazon.com
Management at scale: MGN groups servers into applications and waves, with launch, cutover, archival, and configuration operations available at server, application, or wave level.Read 30 Sep 2026 · docs.aws.amazon.com
Migration paths: Customers can use an agentic AWS Transform workflow or manage rehosting steps directly in the MGN console, and switch paths without losing progress.Read 30 Sep 2026 · aws.amazon.com
Migration sources: MGN supports migrations from physical servers, VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, other on-premises infrastructure, other public clouds, and across AWS Regions, Availability Zones, or accounts.Read 30 Sep 2026 · aws.amazon.com
Modernization: Built-in and custom post-launch actions include disaster recovery configuration, operating system upgrades, license conversion, and CloudWatch Agent installation.Read 30 Sep 2026 · docs.aws.amazon.com
Monitoring and integrations: MGN documentation describes monitoring with Amazon CloudWatch, CloudWatch Events, CloudWatch Logs, and AWS CloudTrail.Read 30 Sep 2026 · docs.aws.amazon.com
Product name: AWS Application Migration Service was renamed AWS Transform MGN on June 8, 2026.Read 30 Sep 2026 · aws.amazon.com
Replication and cutover: It continuously replicates source servers at the block level, converts them for AWS, and orchestrates cutover with minimal downtime.Read 30 Sep 2026 · aws.amazon.com
Supported infrastructure limit: MGN supports x86 source servers and replication volumes up to 16 TB; larger volumes are not supported.Read 30 Sep 2026 · docs.aws.amazon.com

Plans and prices

Free period Free 2,160 hours (90 days when used continuously) per source server; service charge only AWS infrastructure used for replication, testing, or cutover is charged separately · after the free period, continued replication is charged per hour Read 30 Sep 2026 · aws.amazon.com

Every AWS Transform MGN (formerly AWS Application Migration Service) plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

Continuously replicates source servers at the block level.
Supports physical, VMware, Hyper-V, and cloud sources.
Offers two migration management paths.
Supports post-launch actions such as OS upgrades.
90-day free period per source server.

Limits

Supports x86 source servers only.
Replication volumes above 16 TB are unsupported.
AWS infrastructure charges apply separately during the free period.
Continued replication is charged per hour after the free period.

Who it suits

MGN suits teams rehosting physical, virtual, or cloud servers to Amazon EC2. Its application and wave controls are relevant to migrations managed across groups of servers.

Verdict

MGN provides replication, migration coordination, and post-launch actions for rehosting servers to EC2. Check the 16 TB volume ceiling and separate AWS infrastructure charges before planning a migration.