The cloud has become a popular place and has taken IT by storm. According to statistics, 61% of businesses have successfully migrated to the cloud, and the global cloud computing market is expected to witness 17.5% annual growth, reaching $461 billion by 2025. Additionally, 7 out of 10 businesses use a cloud migration strategic plan to increase their expenditures.
Simply put, cloud computing is based on the internet. Instead of running applications or programs by downloading the software on a physical computer or server, cloud migration allows access to the same applications through the internet. Let’s take some real-life examples – the messaging apps that you use, for instance - WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, are some of the examples of the cloud.
Why are companies adopting a cloud migration strategy? Companies that adopt cloud migration can have a positive impact on their business. Here are some points stating the benefits of cloud migration:
Having data stored in the cloud reduces the scope of data loss and downtime. Under service level agreements (SLA), most cloud providers guarantee 99% uptime. Also, maintaining reliability and availability becomes easier when a cloud provider manages an infrastructure with a high-speed connection.
Cloud migration is a compelling technology that can cut down the capital expenses of a company to almost half. Furthermore, cloud computing services include maintenance and upgrades that can save money and time.
With Cloud computing platforms, computing storage and networking resources are scalable and procurable on-demand without requiring physical infrastructure and connectivity contracts as in on-premises models.
By deploying applications in the cloud, IT can deliver applications when and where end-users need them. Besides, you get easy access to security updates and general maintenance, resulting in more flexible and sustainable operations.
According to Deloitte Insights, cloud migration's top drivers are Data Modernization, Costs and Performance of IT Operations, and Security and Data Protection. 37% of respondents ranked No. 1, and 21 % ranked No.2 under the Security and Data Protection category. Also, for Data Modernization, 22% ranked No. 1, and 22% ranked No. 2. Lastly, 15% ranked No. 1, and 17% ranked No. 2 under the cost and performance of IT operations category.
When subscribing to cloud-based applications, it’s essential to ensure they are compatible with your existing legacy systems. For example, suppose your cloud-based customer relationship management system (CRM) is incompatible with your on-premises enterprise content management system (ECM). In that case, you may have difficulty managing your customer information. When that happens, you scramble to find workarounds that can be both expensive and time-consuming.
Some companies opt for middleware tools that connect the legacy on-premises application with the cloud-based application. It again leads to unnecessary complications that can be avoided if you ask the right questions before cloud migration:
Most companies look for cloud providers that offer both IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service) and PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service) capabilities.
Before embarking on a cloud migration strategy or signing in with a cloud-based vendor, consider your future goals. As your organization grows, your needs will also evolve. So, consider asking yourself:
Considering these essential questions to protect your company’s future interests would be best. Your cloud provider may seem like the ideal choice at that moment in terms of offerings and cost, but you need to concentrate on the long-term perspective.
Some companies consider going with multiple cloud providers at one time. This cloud migration strategy is good and can help you maintain control and protect your enterprise if one vendor doesn’t meet demands.
Cloud migration is far more secure than on-premises applications because cloud providers are typically better at handling security than individual businesses. They tend to stay up-to-date on the latest cybersecurity threats and know how to mitigate them. In addition, data stored on the cloud is encrypted, making it safer than other hosting solutions.
In addition to security, you need to consider compliance regarding where you can and can’t store certain types of data. While migrating collaboration apps to the cloud, you can follow these tips to minimize risk:
Lost laptops are a billion-dollar business problem. In addition to the lost equipment, there is a more significant loss of the potentially sensitive data inside it. At that point, cloud computing gives you greater security, as data is stored in the cloud. You can access it no matter what happens to the hardware. You can also remotely wipe data from lost laptops with cloud computing.
Cloud migration can be expensive, and research shows that most companies underestimate the costs. To ensure cost doesn’t overburden your pocket, starting with a financial plan for cloud migration and a timeline for completion is essential.
While most companies hire outside experts to implement a cloud migration strategy, many don’t consider the importance of hiring financial planning experts who understand cloud migration's technologies, processes, and complexities. These experts can save you money in the long run and help you avoid “surprises” along the way.
Most companies move their applications to the cloud one at a time. But how do you determine which collaboration applications to migrate and when? Before embarking on a cloud migration strategy, create a detailed plan that outlines which apps will be moved and in what order, along with a timeline. When deciding which apps to move, consider the following:
When migrating to the cloud, it is best to prioritize applications that represent the greatest reward and the least risk. It is always advisable to migrate noncritical applications first.
Cloud migration involves a lot of factors – as it’s said, the devil is in the details! Before implementing a cloud migration strategy, consider which apps to migrate and which sequence. Find out the direct and indirect migration costs by getting help from your financial planner and cloud provider. Be aware of security and compliance issues associated with cloud migration and ensure that the cloud applications are compatible with your on-premises applications. Finally, make sure the cloud migration provider can help you meet your future business goals. Considering all these factors before cloud migration, you achieve a smooth transition and maximize the benefits.
If the process still sounds overwhelming, why not talk to an expert? Softura provides turnkey services that enable companies to transform digitally, including IT consulting, custom app development, integrations, and cloud migrations.
