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Top Tips for Avoiding the Cloud Migration Challenges That Leave Businesses Stranded

Are you making the most of the cloud?

Many businesses have leaped headfirst into cloud technology, only to abandon it later when it failed to live up to the hype. Despite this, technology research firm Gartner predicts that cloud adoption will grow 18 percent in 2017, driven by its promise to deliver agility, growth, and cost savings.

So what are the most common problems turning businesses off the cloud? And what preparatory steps can you take to ensure your business has a successful cloud migration?

STICKER SHOCK

In theory, cloud users should be able to save money by taking advantage of the economies of scale inherent to the cloud. However, it’s all too common for businesses to sign up for basic cloud services only to see additional costs pile up over time.

If you’re using the cloud for data storage, you can expect to pay more as your needs grow. Cloud costs can also blow out if you’re transferring large volumes of data out of the cloud, running CPU or memory-intensive apps, or not deleting unused workloads.

To avoid overspending, it’s important to list the additional resources and features you think you’re likely to use. Reporting tools and dashboards can also help by alerting you if you’re about to cross a threshold that will incur additional charges.

INCONSISTENT PERFORMANCE

A common assumption is that cloud resources are infinite. However, when you use a public cloud service, you’re sharing the infrastructure with a lot of other people. That means the cloud provider needs to distribute memory, storage and other resources in a way that ensures the best overall performance.

This also means that performance lags will be inevitable. This can make the public cloud less suitable for apps with rigid performance requirements, such as real-time data analytics. Also, keep in mind that your cloud service will only be as reliable as the internet connection between your business and the cloud.

For this reason, many businesses are choosing to deploy business-critical apps and data on private servers, with less critical information, such as sales metrics, stored in the public cloud. Leading cloud providers, like Microsoft and Google Cloud, now offer tools and services that make it easier to manage this kind of hybrid model.

CONTROL AND COMPLIANCE

There is also the lack of control to consider when choosing a public cloud service. With a dedicated server, you’re given full administrative control, the freedom to customize hardware, and more. This allows you to optimize system performance and resource usage in ways that may not be possible in the cloud.

You may also encounter compliance issues with the cloud, particularly if dealing with confidential records or intellectual property. This is another reason why some organizations opt for private servers or hosting options over a public cloud.

HOW CAN YOU ENSURE A SUCCESSFUL CLOUD MIGRATION?

The cloud is best suited to businesses that want to avoid having to purchase expensive IT systems and equipment and don’t mind accessing their apps over the web. Steps you can take to ensure a successful cloud migration for your business include:

  • Have a phased migration plan that has less-critical apps and data being moved to the cloud first.
  • Consider transitioning to cloud-native, software-as-a-service (SaaS) apps rather than moving your existing apps to the cloud.
  • Have a comprehensive rollback plan in place if you need to revert.
  • Avoid cloud providers that try to lock you into expensive plans.

With the proper arrangements, the cloud can provide exceptional scalability and collaboration efficiency and reduce IT costs. Understanding both its strengths and weaknesses is critical to overcoming any cloud migration challenges.

FAQs

Q: What is cloud migration, and why is it essential for businesses?

A: Answer: Cloud migration is the process of moving applications, data, and other elements of an organization’s IT infrastructure from on-premises systems to cloud-based environments. It is essential for businesses as it offers numerous benefits, including cost savings, scalability, flexibility, improved security, and access to advanced technologies, enabling organizations to stay competitive in today’s digital landscape.

Q: What are the common challenges businesses face during cloud migration? 

A: Cloud migration can present several challenges, including data security concerns, potential downtime during the transition, compatibility issues between existing applications and the cloud environment, data transfer complexities, and the need to retrain staff to adapt to the new cloud-based tools and processes.

Q: How can businesses address data security concerns during cloud migration? 

A: To address data security concerns, businesses should partner with a reputable cloud service provider with a strong track record in security. Additionally, implementing encryption for data at rest and in transit, setting up robust access controls, and regularly monitoring and auditing the cloud environment are crucial steps to ensure data protection during migration and beyond.

Q: What strategies can businesses employ to minimize downtime during cloud migration? 

A: Minimizing downtime requires careful planning and execution. One effective strategy is to perform the migration in phases, prioritizing critical applications and data. Implementing a thorough testing and validation process before the final migration can also help identify and address potential issues early on, reducing the risk of extended downtime.

Q: How can Total Networx assist businesses in overcoming cloud migration challenges? 

A: Total Networx offers comprehensive cloud migration services, leveraging their expertise in cloud computing and industry best practices. Their team of skilled professionals can thoroughly assess your current IT infrastructure, develop a tailored migration plan, and execute the migration with minimal disruption. With their support, businesses can confidently navigate cloud migration challenges and unlock the full potential of cloud technologies.

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