Beginner’s Guide: What Is Cloud Migration?

 

Does your business use outdated computer systems, like on-site data storage, throughout your organization? You might be worried about what will happen when you need to upgrade these systems and no recent updates exist.

Commonly called legacy systems, outdated computer software and hardware can hold your business back. As new technology appears, your business can’t take advantage of it. Instead, you’re stuck with your existing system. It works fine for now, but you know someday it won’t serve your needs — and won’t be upgradeable.

Cloud migration eliminates this issue by upgrading your legacy systems to cloud-based solutions. Depending on the systems you need, you might move data storage, IT resources, or manual processes to the cloud. Learn more about migration in cloud computing and how it helps your business keep computing systems up to date.

Cloud Migration Definition

Cloud migration involves moving your organization’s digital assets and on-premises data management to a cloud-based infrastructure. Essentially, a cloud migration is the process of adopting a cloud computing model for your organization.

You might also need to move existing cloud-based solutions or assets to a different cloud solution. This migration is known as cloud-to-cloud migration because you’re moving from one cloud-based location to another.

Types of Cloud Migration

Not all cloud migrations are the same. Just like your business, your cloud needs are unique. This means you’ll need to consider the different types of cloud migration you can use to move operations to the cloud. Some businesses may even need to use a hybrid model, where you combine elements from the different types to create a customized migration plan.

The main types of cloud migration include:

• Re-host (Lift and Shift): A re-host is the most basic form of cloud migration. Many businesses have completed a lift and shift without even knowing it was a cloud migration. This migration involves moving on-premises hosts to cloud services. There is usually little to no impact on the day-to-day for most employees at your organization. Re-hosting is also the least expensive cloud migration to execute. For example, this may involve moving data storage to the cloud and getting rid of on-site servers that are expensive to maintain and take up physical space in your office.
• Re-platform: This type of migration to the cloud works like a re-host with some extra benefits. The goal of a re-platform is to make upgrades to your existing applications that are available from the cloud. This means making some changes to the digital asset itself without completely remaking it from scratch. When done correctly, re-platforming can help reduce operating expenses related to IT processes and data management.
• Re-factor: Also known as re-architecting, refactoring is the process of rebuilding your digital systems — often from the ground up. Rebuilding applications lets you completely optimize the system for cloud-based use. This results in applications that are ready to take full advantage of the flexibility and benefits of the cloud. It’s also the most expensive type of cloud migration and requires extensive skills and knowledge to implement correctly.

What is a Cloud Migration Plan?

A cloud migration plan is simply the strategy your organization puts in place to move digital assets, processes, and applications to the cloud.

While the idea might be simple, designing and executing a migration plan is not. It’s essential to have an expert with the skills required to build your migration plan. Incorrectly executed, cloud migrations could potentially lose data, corrupt files, or leave your business vulnerable to cyber-attacks.

Be sure your cloud migration plan is executed correctly by first consulting a cloud infrastructure expert. Teams like 5P help businesses like yours plan a migration, test cloud-based solutions, and securely move data to the cloud.

Why Should You Migrate to the Cloud?

Migrating to the cloud is one of the most important aspects of a digital transformation. Cloud-based platforms and services give you access to benefits that can improve the way your business works, meets challenges, and serves clients.

• Scalable Solutions: Cloud-based solutions come with the unique ability to upgrade, update, and scale your platform based on your current needs. You can home in on the exact configuration your business needs. As those needs change, your cloud-based solution can be scaled up or down for a continuous perfect fit.
• Improve Agility: It’s not always enough to keep up with competitors. Modern businesses need to be able to adjust to new challenges right away. Cloud-based solutions give you the flexibility necessary to pivot operations as your industry changes, client needs shift, or competitors make moves.
• Budget-Friendly: Depending on your needs, the initial cost of cloud migration could have you feeling a little apprehensive. The good news is many cloud-based solutions wind up being much more cost-effective over time. Cloud platforms let you customize solutions to your needs, so you don’t pay for features or services you don’t need. You’re also eliminating the cost of IT teams to manage, maintain, and troubleshoot on-site systems.
• Seamless Integrations: Most major cloud-based platforms and solutions perform seamlessly alongside one another. Whether you need to automate invoicing with online sales or collect data from client support tickets, your cloud-based applications are likely to integrate completely.
• Better Security: Cloud-based platforms help keep your data safe. The largest businesses in the world are using some of the same cloud-based services available to you. Staying up to date on the latest security protocols is vital for the success of cloud-based businesses.

Tackle Your Cloud Migration Challenges

A cloud migration can be as big of a move as relocating your offices to a new location. It requires time, expert planning, and professional execution. Know your migration is done right with the help of the 5P cloud migration team.
Our digital transformation experts will help you design, plan, and implement your cloud migration. You’ll have less downtime and a secure cloud migration so your team can get back to what they do best: helping your clients. See how we can help your migration project by scheduling a free consultation today.