Cloud migration was already well underway before COVID-19 hit. The pandemic only accelerated the trend with the need for remote work, and in 2022 an incredible 94% of companies were using cloud services. But what is cloud migration exactly, and how can it benefit your company? Let’s take a look.
What Is Cloud Migration?
Cloud migration is the transfer of applications, data, and other digital assets from on-premises systems to the cloud, which are located off-premises and run by a third party. This is usually done when an organization has the legacy infrastructure or hardware and/or software solutions that are no longer sufficient. However, the term cloud migration also encompasses moving from one cloud to another (known as cloud-to-cloud migration).
Risks and Benefits of Cloud Migration
Cloud migration doesn’t come without risks, which is normal for any organizational change. The risks of cloud migration include the following:
- The potential of being locked in with a cloud provider, making it difficult to switch platforms if necessary.
- The potential need to change your application architecture or design to fit the cloud architecture
- The desire to switch to the cloud despite your existing infrastructure adequately meeting your needs
It is clear that these risks are not universal. They may or may not apply to your situation. However, the benefits of cloud migration are undeniable. They include:
- Cost savings – You no longer need to install or maintain on-premises IT infrastructure to host your data and applications, relying instead on a pay-as-you-go model
- Easier to scale – As your business grows or to match seasonal changes, you can quickly and easily scale your resources to match your current needs.
- Speed-to-market – It is easier for you to quickly develop and deploy applications to meet the needs of your customers.
- Enhanced security – Your cloud provider will ensure security and regulatory compliance are built into the cloud platform.
Types of Cloud Migration
There are three basic types of cloud migration:
- Rehosting – This involves the movement of data and applications to the cloud without the need for changes to app or server architecture.
- Replatforming – The applications are optimized before they are shifted to the cloud.
- Refactoring – The application architecture is completely revamped before moving them to the cloud.
Steps to Take for Cloud Migration
Cloud migration is a process that should not be undertaken lightly. The following steps will ensure that the process goes smoothly for the best possible outcome:
- Determine the business value – Take a close look at your organizational and operational goals and determine whether moving to the cloud supports these goals. In other words, is there value to be had by migrating?
- Plan the move – Assess your existing infrastructure and data and application landscape to determine what data and applications are good candidates for migration and which, if any, should remain on-premises. This is all about managing risk.
- Implement cloud migration – Take the time to update and modernize applications that will be moved to the cloud and develop new applications that are native to the cloud. The goal is to develop a new operating model for your technology that will allow you to move and pivot quickly and easily.
- Monitor and assess – Continue to monitor your cloud migration and operation to ensure it remains the right choice for your business and to determine when a further shift to the cloud is needed.
Migrating to the cloud may be one of the best things you ever do for your company to ensure you stay up-to-date and competitive in the marketplace.
Contact Platinum Technologies today to find out how we can help you determine if cloud migration is right for you and help you implement the shift.
