Cloud computing is becoming increasingly popular among businesses due to its flexible and scalable nature.
However, cloud migration is a complicated process that requires careful planning and strategy. You need to consider the cost, security, scalability, and reliability of the cloud provider before making any decisions about your services.
The decision of migrating to the cloud is a complex one. It will require careful planning as well as an understanding of migrating strategies, so you can choose the right one for your business model.
What is cloud migration?
Cloud migration is a process of moving data and applications from on-premises to the cloud. It is a strategic decision that should be made before implementing any major changes in an organisation.
Stages of cloud migration:
- Analysis: understand the benefits and drawbacks of the cloud. This includes identifying your current business needs and how they can be met by cloud computing.
- Planning: what systems will be down, and when? What methods will it take to get the data from one place to the other? Many critical decisions will be made here, and this is also where your providers will be utilised the most.
- Migration: moving your data, applications, and assets to the cloud.
- Monitoring: understanding how your new cloud infrastructure is performing and how it will change over time. Ensure that all of your existing systems and applications run smoothly in the cloud environment. Implement security solutions. Cost and budget monitoring, and adjustments necessary to optimise cost.
Cloud migration benefits
Cloud migration is not an easy decision for businesses, as it requires a lot of planning before execution. However, the benefits are worth it in the long run:
- cost savings
- increased flexibility
- faster time to market
- better scalability and flexibility
- improved productivity
- reduced infrastructure costs due to reduced hardware and software
Why do you need a cloud migration strategy?
Cloud migration can be a difficult process if not done properly and with the right resources in place. It is important for businesses to have a clear understanding of what they are migrating and why they are doing so before they start their migration process.
Cloud migration strategies are highly dependent on the needs of an organisation. The strategy will vary depending on factors such as saving money, improving efficiency, reducing downtime, etc.
In order for companies to successfully migrate their assets, they need a strategy that includes both short-term and long-term goals. In addition, it needs to be flexible enough so that it can change over time as new technologies become available or certain requirements change.
Three popular cloud migration strategies
Rehost
Rehosting – also known as “lift and shift” – is the process of moving your company’s current applications to a cloud service. This is often the first step in cloud migration, and where companies often dip their toes into the waters of the cloud without fully committing.
Rehosting allows systems and apps to be easily pulled out of the cloud should something not work appropriately. This gives companies an introduction into how doing business in the cloud works.
The benefits of re-hosting are that you don’t have to make any changes on your current software and hardware. You also get to keep all of your data in one place instead of having them scattered across different providers.
Re-platform
A re-platforming cloud migration strategy is a process that helps companies to migrate their existing on-premises infrastructure to the cloud.
Re-platforming allows companies to move from a traditional IT model – in which they own their servers and data centres – to a new model, where they have access to the latest technologies and are able to focus on innovation, rather than infrastructure.
The core architecture of the application remains unchanged but adjustments are made that allow it to more easily scale up with a service model. Now, your data is spread across a PaaS model and won’t migrate out as easily, but you will begin to experience the benefits of a serverless model.
Re-architect/refactor
Re-architecting an existing application to the cloud is usually an expensive choice. However, you will be able to save time and money in the long run by getting access to more features, better security, and easier maintenance than if they were hosted on your own old platforms.
This improves the performance of the application and makes it more flexible and future-proof.
Choosing the right strategy for your business
Migrating your business to the cloud is a big decision. It requires careful planning, time, and resources.
Choosing the right cloud migration strategy will largely depend on your business needs. You should consider the following three factors:
- Your company’s size and industry.
- The cost of migrating to the cloud.
- The complexity of your IT environment.
- Your business objectives.
The strategy should include a plan for what will happen when the company moves their current infrastructure and applications to the cloud, as well as how they will make use of it.
Talk to the cloud migration experts
Migrating to the cloud is a long-term process that requires a lot of planning and strategy.
The cloud specialists at Steadfast Solutions will help you find the right cloud migration strategy for your business model. They have all the experience, knowledge, and tools to help you devise a strategy, implement a migration plan, or take care of the entire cloud migration for you. Talk to them today and get started.