Migrating ColdFusion to AWS: A Step-by-Step Guide

Can ColdFusion run on AWS?

Yes. Adobe ColdFusion and Lucee both run well on AWS, either on EC2 virtual servers or in containers. Databases move to Amazon RDS, uploaded files to S3, and email to Amazon SES or your existing mail provider. Adobe also publishes ColdFusion images in the AWS Marketplace with licensing billed through AWS.

Step 1: What should you inventory first?

List everything the current server does, not just the code. Missed items are the main cause of post-migration surprises.

• ColdFusion or Lucee version, Java version and installed packages.
• Datasources, mappings, custom tags and CFX tags.
• Scheduled tasks, mail settings and outbound integrations.
• File paths the app reads or writes, including uploads.
• IP allowlists that partners or payment providers apply to your server.

Step 2: EC2 or containers?

EC2 is the closest match to a traditional server and the quickest move for most apps. Containers give repeatable, versioned deployments and easy staging copies, but need more upfront work. Many teams move to EC2 first and containerize later.

Step 3: How do you move the database and files?

Migrate the database to RDS, test it against a copy of the app, and plan a short final sync during cutover. Move file storage to S3 or an attached volume, and update code that assumes local Windows paths.

Step 4: How do you secure the new environment?

• Keep the ColdFusion administrator off the public internet.
• Use security groups to expose only the web ports.
• Store credentials in AWS Secrets Manager or Parameter Store, not in code.
• Turn on backups, CloudWatch monitoring and alerting from day one.

Step 5: How do you test and cut over?

Run the new environment side by side with the old one, test key workflows and integrations, then lower DNS time-to-live ahead of the switch. Cut over in a quiet window, run the final data sync and keep the old server ready to roll back for a few days.

Who should own the AWS account?

You should. We build in your account so you keep the infrastructure, billing and access whoever supports the app. See our AWS migration service, or compare ColdFusion hosting options first.