AboutFree templates
Free template · Assess phase

7R cloud migration decision matrix template

Rehost, replatform, refactor, retain, retire, repurchase or relocate. Free download in Excel.

CM-TPL-ASS-03Assess phaseExcelFree
Download Excel (.xlsx)
Free download

Download the workload 7r decision matrix template

Decide for each workload whether to rehost, replatform, refactor, retain, retire, repurchase or relocate, with the reasoning recorded.

Download Excel (.xlsx)

Free to use and adapt. Document ID CM-TPL-ASS-03, version 1.0, November 2026.

What's inside

What the template includes

Sheet: Decision matrix

19 columns, with dropdowns, formulas and 8 example rows:

Workload IDWorkloadTypeCurrent platformBusiness ownerBusiness value (1-5)Technical condition (1-5)Cloud readiness (1-5)Change complexity (1-5)SaaS alternative exists?Compliance constraintSuggested by scores7R decisionTarget platformRationaleEffortWave / timingDecision statusApproved by / date

Sheet: 7R guide

4 columns and 7 example rows:

StrategyWhat it meansChoose it whenMigration example
How to use it

How to use this template

  1. List each workload (application, server, data set or service) on the Decision matrix sheet, using the application inventory as the source.
  2. Score the decision drivers (1 = low, 5 = high) with the technical and business owners in the room.
  3. Use the 7R guide sheet to pick a strategy, then record the rationale in plain language; a reviewer should understand it without asking.
  4. Mark the decision as Proposed until the design authority or steering committee approves it.
  5. Retire and Retain decisions still need owners and dates: retirement needs data archived, retention needs a review date.
Built to a standard

Ready to share with your steering committee

  • Branded cover or instructions page with document ID and version
  • QR code linking to the latest version, and a Code128 barcode for your document register
  • Document control, approval block and a clear disclaimer
  • Example rows written for real migration projects, which you replace with your own
Use it with

Guides that use this template

Azure migration: how to move servers, databases and files to AzureHow to migrate between clouds or bring workloads back on premisesHow to migrate from Oracle to PostgreSQL
FAQ

Questions about this template

Is the workload 7r decision matrix template free?

Yes. Download it in Excel and adapt it for your organisation. No sign-up is needed.

Can I use it in Google Sheets or Google Docs?

Yes. Upload the file to Google Drive and open it with Google Sheets or Docs. Dropdowns and most formulas carry across; check conditional formatting after converting.

Can I remove the Cloud-Migrations branding?

Yes. Replace the logo and footer with your own. Keep the disclaimer in mind: the template is general guidance and needs adapting to your project.

How do I know I have the latest version?

Scan the QR code on the cover or instructions sheet. It opens this page, which always links to the current version.