AWS re:Invent 2025 - Accelerating workload modernization using next generation agentic AI (PEX203)

Accelerating Workload Modernization with Next-Generation Agentic AI

Overview

• The presentation discusses how AWS is leveraging "agentic" AI technology to dramatically accelerate workload modernization and migration for customers and partners.
• Key focus areas include:
  • Assessments and planning for migrations
  • Automated migration tools for VMware and Windows workloads
  • Mainframe modernization capabilities
  • Custom transformation services

Driving the Need for Speed

• Customers and CEOs are increasingly impatient for innovation and faster time-to-value.
• Research shows that CEOs view innovation as critical, but many are unsatisfied with the pace of change in their organizations.
• Trillions of dollars in potential value are up for grabs for companies that can adapt and modernize quickly.

AWS's Internal Transformation Journey

• AWS has used its own "agentic" AI technology to modernize 10,000 of its own applications, saving nearly 5,000 developer years in the process.
• Customers like Thomson Reuters have also achieved 50% reductions in technical debt, 4x faster, using these technologies.
• AWS partners like Kalin have seen dramatic reductions in project timelines for customers.

Transform for Assessments

• New "Transform for Assessments" tool in the AWS console provides fast, self-service assessments of on-premises environments.
• Analyzes x86 servers, storage, databases, and licensing to generate cost and infrastructure recommendations.
• Democratizes the assessment process, allowing partners to quickly deliver this service to customers.
• Migrates functionality of the existing Migration Evaluator tool into the new Transform platform.

Transform for VMware

• Automates key steps in migrating VMware VMs to EC2, including:
  • Discovery and data ingestion of VMware environment
  • Automated wave planning based on VMware configuration
  • Network conversion and topology mapping to AWS VPC
  • VM migration using the MGN service
• Helps customers eliminate VMware licensing costs and unlock access to AWS services.
• Partner Slalom helped Vector, an Australian energy utility, migrate 100% accurately in half the expected time.

Transform for Full-Stack Windows Modernization

• Modernizes .NET Framework applications to .NET Core, eliminating Windows Server licensing costs.
• Transforms SQL Server databases to Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL, avoiding expensive SQL Server licensing.
• Ports Windows VMs to ECS or EC2 containers.
• Experian saw a 40% reduction in effort to modernize 687,000 lines of code using these tools.

Transform Custom

• Allows partners and customers to transform any code pattern to reduce technical debt.
• Can handle Java runtime upgrades, Node.js upgrades, and other application stack modernization.
• Provides a framework for partners to integrate their own custom agents and workflows.

Transform for Mainframe

• Analyzes mainframe COBOL applications, generates documentation, and decomposes code to modernize to Java.
• Toyota is using the tool to modernize 40 million lines of COBOL code, 50% faster than previous efforts.
• Helps customers shut down expensive mainframe hardware and move critical applications to cloud-native on AWS.

Partner Enablement and Funding

• AWS offers various programs to fund partner-led assessment, migration, and modernization activities for customers.
• Helps offset professional services costs so customers can choose the right partner and get started with confidence.
• Encourages adoption of both skilled people and modernization technologies through funding and enablement.

Key Takeaways

• AWS is heavily investing in "agentic" AI technologies to dramatically accelerate workload modernization.
• New tools like Transform for Assessments, VMware, Windows, and Mainframe simplify and automate complex migration and modernization tasks.
• Customers are seeing 50%+ reductions in technical debt, 4x faster delivery, and significant cost savings.
• AWS is enabling partners to leverage these tools and integrate their own custom agents to deliver differentiated modernization services.
• Comprehensive funding and enablement programs help customers get started with confidence and leverage partner expertise.