23 Mar 6 Tips for Transitioning to the Cloud
Cloud services have the potential to create a more efficient and cost-effective workplace. That’s why many businesses want to migrate to a cloud-based platform. According to a study by IDG, an IT consulting firm, cloud-related services topped the list of IT priorities of companies and were second only to security. However, creating a cloud migration strategy with the least amount of risk and higher payoff requires thorough planning and execution.
Here are six guidelines for transitioning to the cloud effectively:
1. Create a strong business case
Migration to the cloud requires some amount of initial investment; so, you should do a careful cost-benefit analysis to see how much the operating expenses of migrating to the cloud platform cost in comparison to the existing solution. On the whole, transitioning to the cloud reduces IT security and support-related expenses. However, having an absolute clarity through a comparative cost-benefit analysis will help you make a strong business case for cloud migration.
2. Go for a Trusted Cloud Service Provider
So, you have decided firmly to migrate to the cloud, but are unsure about where to start from. Starting with data should be your strategy. If you have sensitive clients’ data, hire a trusted cloud service provider to store your clients’ information. Your data will be secure and easily manageable.
3. Identify Under-Utilised Servers
You would be reluctant to admit it, but some of your servers are extremely under-utilised. That hardware is wasting both power and space and it makes sense to virtualise them. Migrating the data and apps to a cloud infrastructure would be a good idea. If you are aware of the operating costs of your servers, you can easily calculate the returns on your investment.
4. Test the backup
Taking data backups should be your priority area in cloud migration. Specify regular checkpoints to test the functionality and ensure everything goes on smoothly. This is important as having a proper backup plan prepares you if anything goes wrong.
5. Ensure proper connectivity
The biggest advantage of the cloud is that it offers a lot of storage without requiring you to keep and maintain hardware. But to access data in the cloud, you will require a strong internet connection. You should keep in mind that cloud storage can be demanding for your network infrastructure. Therefore, you must evaluate the stability of your internet services.
6. Partner with a reliable service provider
Migration to the cloud with an unreliable partner can be troublesome because of the hidden costs such as unexpected fees for the overuse of a subscription plan. So, to avoid such things like that after signing up to a subscription, you should take time researching and hire a trusted partner. Transitioning to the cloud may seem daunting on the surface, but these tips can help you get a good head start.
Summing up…
In a nutshell, make a solid plan to take advantage of cloud technology. Successful cloud migration also depends on your risk assessment and your ability to deal with other challenges that may arise with time. These tips will help you transition to the cloud smoothly.