Optimizing order of migrating virtual computing instances for increased cloud services engagement

The order of migrating virtual computing instances from a private data center to a public cloud is optimized using a TSP solver. The method of migrating a plurality of virtual computing instances that are in communication with each other within a private data center to a public cloud includes the steps of assigning, for each different pair of virtual computing instances, a numerical value that represents an amount of data transmission between the pair over a predetermined period of time, determining a recommended order of migration for the virtual computing instances based on the assigned numerical values, and migrating the virtual computing instances according to the recommended order.