AEM 6.5 to AEM as a Cloud Service Migration
Migrating from AEM 6.5 On-Premise or AMS to AEM as a Cloud Service (AEMaaCS) is a complete refactoring project involving Java/OSGI code modernization, content transfer via Content Transfer Tool (CTT), CI/CD reconfiguration via Cloud Manager, and Dispatcher updates. Adobe has set the end of core support for AEM 6.5 to February 2027. Our firm — with successful AEM Cloud migrations at Accor and AXA — completes this migration in 3 to 6 months, with packages starting at €80,000.
Why migrate now
AEM 6.5 is reaching end of life. Key dates:
- February 2027: end of core support — no more regular security patches
- February 2028: end of extended support — no more Adobe support at all
- Starting now: new features (Firefly, GenStudio, AEM Agents, Edge Delivery Services) are only available on AEM Cloud Service
What our migration service includes
Our 4-phase approach:
- Phase 1 — Audit & Analysis (1-2 weeks): Adobe BPA, component inventory, Dispatcher analysis, integration identification, technical debt assessment
- Phase 2 — Refactoring & Development (4-12 weeks): Maven restructuring, OSGI refactoring, Sling Models adaptation, config migration, Oak indexes, Dispatcher SDK, Cloud Manager CI/CD
- Phase 3 — Content Migration (2-4 weeks): CTT transfer, user/group/permission migration, workflow migration, integrity validation
- Phase 4 — Testing & Go-Live (2-4 weeks): regression testing, performance testing, UAT, rollback plan, go-live with monitoring, team training
Our tools and accelerators
We use official Adobe tools combined with our own AI accelerators:
- Best Practices Analyzer (BPA) — Automatic compliance analysis
- Cloud Acceleration Manager (CAM) — Migration project management
- Repository Modernizer — Maven project restructuring
- Content Transfer Tool (CTT) — Content transfer
- Dispatcher Converter — Dispatcher configuration adaptation
- Claude Code (our accelerator) — Automated OSGI code refactoring, test generation, documentation
Indicative pricing
| Project size | Number of sites | Estimated duration | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 1 simple site | 2-3 months | €80,000 — €120,000 |
| Medium | 1-3 sites | 3-5 months | €120,000 — €250,000 |
| Large | 5+ multi-country sites | 4-8 months | €200,000 — €500,000 |
FAQ
How long does an AEM to Cloud Service migration take?
Between 2 and 8 months depending on complexity. A simple site with few customizations can be migrated in 2-3 months. A multi-site environment with complex integrations takes 4-8 months.
Can we migrate progressively or must it be all at once?
Progressive migration is possible and often recommended. You can migrate a pilot site first, validate the process, then chain the other sites.
What happens if we don't migrate before February 2027?
After February 2027, Adobe will no longer provide regular security patches for AEM 6.5. Extended support (paid) will be available until February 2028, but Adobe's new AI features will never be available on AEM 6.5.
Do we need to stop development on AEM 6.5 during migration?
No, but it's recommended to minimize new development on the on-premise environment. A code freeze of 2-3 weeks is usually necessary near go-live.
What's the difference between on-premise and AMS migration?
Migration from AMS is generally simpler than from on-premise, as AMS is already partially aligned with Cloud standards. However, both require code refactoring and content transfer.
Ready to launch your AEM Cloud migration?
Book a 30-minute call with our AEM architect. We assess your situation and give you a precise estimate — no commitment.
Book a discovery call