Breaking the Monoliths: Architecting the Cloud-First Approach for Low Latency Critical Applications

Purpose: This paper introduces the new framework, Phased Parallel Transition Framework (PPTF), to transform monolithic architecture into cloud-first systems. The focus will be on low-latency critical applications while trying to achieve seamless migration without many traditional limitations of different migration strategies so that operational continuity can be achieved for an organization with better scalability and performance. Methodology: The development of PPTF involved a mixed-method research design, combining a review of existing migration strategies and architectural patterns with empirical analysis of real-world implementations. Data was collected through case studies of enterprises undergoing cloud transitions, performance benchmarks of critical applications, and expert interviews with cloud architects. Information was analyzed using comparative evaluation to identify gaps in current strategies and refine the PPTF structure. The framework was further validated through simulations of latency-critical use cases, ensuring scalability and resilience while balancing performance and cost-efficiency. Findings: By embedding these strategies and tools within an integrated framework, the research provides recommendations for an organization pursuing a cloud-first strategy. Early assessment suggests that PPTF improves response times, reduces operational risk, and enhances resilience, particularly in applications sensitive to latency. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice, and Policy: This work contributes to contemporary architectural practices by introducing PPTF as a transforming approach for cloud-first modernization. To theory, it provides formalization of a structured method to the migration of monolithic systems. In practice, this enables an enterprise to modernize architectures, reduce latency, and unlock innovation opportunities. From the perspective of policy, it gives organizations a pathway to meet the demand of modern applications without breaking continuity and resilience in environments that are critical.