A widely discussed topic in IT is migrating workloads to the cloud. In today’s digital world, cloud computing is a well-established, trusted model for delivering IT services. It is also becoming the default choice for many modern-day organizations.
Currently, there are vast number of benefits of using cloud computing in your business. These range from remote working, supporting mobility, providing their business with the agility and scalability to compete and deliver a customer-centric experience – without the upfront capital expenditure.
These are a few factors that businesses should think about before deciding to make the switch to the cloud.
1. Selecting the Right Approach
A move to the cloud can be a complex process. It could partially be due to the regulations, existing complexities, and infrastructure, amongst a host of other factors. It is reasons such as these why there is no one size fits all approach with cloud solutions.
There are workloads within a business that can be migrated to the cloud in their current format immediately. They do not require any changes to be made. Due to their format, they can be moved to the cloud with minimal effort. However, others might require extensive work to be completed for them to be cloud ready.
In addition to this, some companies will need to consider what their desired end state will be. They will have to think about how they can achieve it.
For instance, it might be choosing to heavily re-structure an existing system or review the benefits of replacing the solution with a cloud-native approach. Changes such as these can have significant implications. As such, it is worth carefully considering what your cloud strategy would be before investing.
Recommended Article: Types of Cloud and Cloud Computing Service Models
2. Aligning IT to Your Business Goals
Cloud computing can sound as though it is an IT decision. However, this should be seen as being a business decision. Before you move your business to the cloud, understand your company’s aim for migrating to the cloud. Know the intended benefits that your company is hoping to gain by making the switch.
When moving to the cloud, companies are open up to new markets and opportunities. It can also alter the way their company operates.
Consider involving other departments and make the migration to the cloud a company-wide move, not just an IT project. By implementing cloud strategies into your business, your company could reap the benefits of the cloud.
Simultaneously, your company can also highlight the importance that IT and digital transformation have in the growth of a business.
3. Knowing the Costs and Return on Investment
A well-planned move to the cloud should consider the cost of migration. It includes the provider fees that will be paid during the first three years of the transition. Before moving, take a close look at your current infrastructure.
In doing so, you might be able to obtain third party warranties that can help you to reduce costs significantly. All whilst allowing your business for better future planning and preparation.
4. Consider Your Backup Policies and Disaster Recovery
It is inevitable for any business to run into some obstacles along the way. A common one is their systems failing and potentially losing their data. Check to see how well your current backup policies are operating. Look to see if they fit with your current cloud provider.
You can use the cloud to archive and create backups. Having this type of workload is important. However, the data IT administrations will deal with will be a copy of data you already have. As such, it is already less risky. Taking this approach, it will allow your company to start using the cloud.
All without having to change too much of your current backup processes. When moving some of the less critical workloads, you can begin to take the first steps into the cloud and increase your cloud footprint. Various cloud experts will help your firm with creating your cloud footprint.
Making the move to the cloud does have its advantages for many businesses. However, it is not just a technological change for a business. Moving to the cloud successfully requires a shift in mindset around infrastructure management and security. It also requires new skillsets and experience. All of which is why finding the right cloud partner is crucial for organizations.
Before you make the switch, ensure that you have thought about all the potential outcomes and have found a suitable cloud provider. Boasting a clear understanding of these areas and having a plan in place, your company could move to the cloud with confidence. You will also have a strong foundation in place to support long-term success in the cloud.
With the right provider on your side, the possibilities, and rewards that your business could reap will be worth the investment.
Suggested Articles:
