By: Omri @SaaSAddict Erel
Cloud migration is never simple.
Moving to cloud has been a difficult prospect for many businesses. But it is not as difficult as you may think.
Gartner has compiled its annual list of the top 10 strategic technology trends that have the potential to affect individuals, businesses and IT organizations. “Cloud is becoming a mainstream computing style and delivery option with hybrid cloud, cloud brokerage, and new delivery, management and security options accelerating adoption.”
If you’re still hesitating about moving over or haven’t quite figured out how best to make the transition, we have some great suggestions to help with the migration. Whether you’re having trouble trusting the infrastructure upon which the data will be run or you’re struggling with finding the right cloud provider, this article will help you manage the transition effectively.
So, here are three powerful tactics, which will make your transition to cloud successful;
- Find the Right Provider
The goal is to find a balance in your ideal cloud provider.
You need flexibility, speed, creativity, innovation and a provider that is not adverse to change. Most importantly however, you need to be certain that they are providing cloud services. Often times providers dress up their traditional hosted services and call these cloud.
This is a trend known as “cloudwashing” and it is costly.
Each cloud provider has something unique to offer your organization, and you can make a wrong choice if you aren’t being selective about how your provider will respond to your organization.
Do it yourself cloud services are popular in startups, but keep in mind that the cost of these clouds will be higher given what your human costs will be. There are managed providers who are in line with traditional MSP & IT providers. They have some strong assets but come with the risk of stagnancy and slower pace. Specialized providers are there to fill a specific niche for each particular market. They have strong cloud capabilities with significant innovation and rapid change.
- Move Apps Worth Moving and Monitor Performance
All customers should consider moving any apps that are custom, service-oriented web apps, apps and facades which are designed for mobile users, unpredictable apps, public internet facing apps.
Gartner notes that by 2017, more than one-half of higher education institutions will replace one major administrative system with a cloud-based solution.
Not only will you want to keep an eye on the performance of the app after you begin the migration, but you must also understand how it is performing before you begin the process. A cloud monitoring service can help you do this, and may be a worthwhile investment even if your app is hosted in house.
- Have an Escape Plan
Before you begin your migration, you must arrange for a way to undo it in case something goes wrong.
This isn’t to scare you, but prepare you.
Since most people are nervous about the possibility of failure and since this is one of the main reasons involved in not moving, address the possibility upfront, and with a good plan. If you don’t have a plan for a possible failure, it will be far more difficult if one does occur. Addressing any possible glitches before they occur will help you make the move possible.
Moving to cloud may seem like a daunting task but it will pay off in the end.
Find the right provider, move those apps worth moving and be sure to have an escape route just in case.
Follow these critical paths you’re on your way to achieving a competitive advantage in your migration to cloud.
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