Cloud migration has become a critical strategy for businesses aiming to stay competitive in today’s digital landscape. As organizations seek to enhance scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency, understanding the essential steps for cloud migration is more important than ever.
Moving to the cloud? You’re not alone. Tons of businesses are making the leap in 2024.
Over 20% of organisations say they have little to no idea how much different aspects of their business cost as it relates to the cloud. Around 75% of cloud migrations fail!
We get it you want to be in the other 25%. But where do you start? What pitfalls should you watch out for?
Don’t worry, we’ve got your back.
Let’s break down the essential steps for a smooth cloud migration:
1. Audit Your Current Setup i.e. Your Tech Stack
First things first, take stock of what you’ve got.
We can’t stress this enough. Don’t guess. Know EXACTLY what you’re working with:
- Every app
- All your data
- Your entire infrastructure
This step is crucial. It’ll help you figure out what needs to move and how.
This step alone puts you ahead of 90% of businesses.
2. Pick the right Cloud model
Yes, there are models to this.
There’s no one-size-fits-all in cloud computing. Your options include:
- Public cloud
- Private cloud
- Hybrid cloud
- Multi-cloud
Each has its pros and cons. Pick what suits your needs best.
Each can 3-5x your efficiency – IF you choose correctly.
3. Choose your Cloud Provider(s) wisely
The big players are AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
But don’t overlook smaller providers. They might offer specialised services that fit your niche.
Do your homework. Compare pricing, features, and support.
We have saved clients thousands/month just by choosing the right fit.
4. Craft your Migration Strategy
Now comes the nitty-gritty. You’ve got a few approaches:
- Lift and shift: Move everything as-is
- Refactor: Tweak your apps for better cloud performance
- Rebuild: Go cloud-native. Overhaul your apps for cloud-native architecture
Choose based on your budget, timeline, and long-term goals.
Choose wisely – it’s like deciding between a house move, renovation, or a complete rebuild.
5. Prioritise Security
80% of companies have incidents.
Cloud security is a whole new ball game. Here are 3 non-negotiables:
- Encrypt your data
- Set up strong access controls
- Use multi-factor authentication
Skimping here is like leaving your front door open. Don’t do it!
6. Level up your team
A skilled team = Faster growth
Train your people on:
- Cloud basics
- New tools and processes
- Security best practices
Your team needs to be cloud-savvy. A skilled team is your best asset in the cloud.
It’s like teaching everyone to swim before setting sail.
7. Start Small, Then Scale
Don’t try to move everything at once. Begin with:
- Non-critical applications
- Test environments
- Small datasets
Iron out the kinks before tackling the big stuff.
Crawl, walk, run. Don’t try to sprint right out of the gate!
We’ve seen companies try to migrate everything at once. It ALWAYS ends in disaster.
8. Optimise Relentlessly
Once you’re in the cloud, keep an eye on:
- Performance
- Costs
- Resource usage
The cloud is flexible. Use it to your advantage. Tweak as needed.
We’ve helped businesses cut cloud costs by up to 34% with this step alone.
9. Have a Rollback Plan
Hope for the best, plan for the worst.
Always have a way to revert if things go sideways.
A solid rollback plan is your insurance policy.
Cloud migration is a journey, not a destination. Keep learning, stay flexible, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Ignore it, and you’re leaving money on the table.
Follow this roadmap, and you’ll be cruising in the cloud before you know it.
Need help migrating? Book a free consultation todayFAQs
Q: How long does cloud migration usually take?
A: It varies. Small businesses might take a few weeks, while large enterprises could take months or even years.
Q: Is cloud migration expensive?
A: There’s an upfront cost, but long-term savings can be significant. It’s about the big picture.
Q: What’s the biggest challenge in cloud migration?
A: Often, it’s managing change within the organisation. Tech is easy; people can be tricky.
Q: Can I migrate everything to the cloud?
A: Technically, yes. But it’s not always the best move. Some legacy systems might be better off staying put; that’s where hybrid clouds can help you better.
Q: How do I ensure data integrity during migration?
A: Use robust data migration tools, perform thorough testing, and always have backups.
Download our quick guide image below for the 9 essential steps to cloud migration. Save it on your device for easy reference anytime, anywhere!
