Looking for the optimum way to run your business and make your operations the most efficient can be tough when faced with the number of options available. However, one effortless way to make a massive difference is to consider cloud migration. This entails transferring your data and software over to a cloud platform. This means everyone in your business can have access to what they need whenever they need it. If you’re wanting to get your cloud migration started, keep reading and discover what strategies, processes, and tools you can use to ensure a smooth transition.
Firstly, you’ll want to decide what approach you’re going to take for your cloud migration. Most people follow one of the 6 R’s. These are the most efficient strategies to take when planning a migration.
- Rehost
Rehosting your data is one of the simplest methods of cloud migration. This strategy allows you to transfer all your data and applications over to the cloud. If all of your software is compatible with the cloud, this strategy will be the best option for you.
- Retire
Sometimes you may find you no longer need a certain application as it no longer has a function within your business. If this is the case, you can choose to not migrate it over and retire the app. You may want to look at a cloud alternative to replace certain aspects, but a lot of the time, retiring something during the migration means it’s no longer necessary.
- Retain
If you can’t find a cloud alternative to a piece of software, you may think about retaining it instead. This means you don’t move it over to the cloud and keep using it as is. This can sometimes be an essential strategy if you don’t want to lose a certain software or have to try and use an alternative.
- Replatform
Replatforming your data and software means that you migrate over what’s necessary to the cloud, and then retain the non-compatible ones and keep them off the cloud. This combined strategy might work best for businesses that rely on lots of different types of software, as it may be easier to retain a few of them instead of trying to find suitable replacements.
- Refactor
There are probably certain applications that your business can’t do without, but without a cloud alternative, you may feel your only option is to retain or retire. However, you could look at the possibility of refactoring it. This strategy allows you to work with software developers to adapt what you can’t migrate and make it compatible with the cloud. This strategy can cost more money and time, so it’s worth factoring this into your migration plan.
- Repurchase
Most applications do have cloud versions available, so you might be able to take the repurchase approach. This means that you end your current license with the provider, and then repurchase a new license to use the version available on the cloud. This strategy can be quite effective and reduce any extra hassle when trying to source alternatives.
The Process
Once you have your chosen strategy, it’s time to start the process. You’ll need to decide which provider you’re going to use, and most importantly which cloud hosting option you’re going to choose. You may want to explore using a managed, private cloud, or perhaps you would like a hybrid cloud. You may even discover that one provider doesn’t cover exactly what you need, so you may look into using multi-clouds instead. Try to think about what service you not only want but will also be the biggest benefit to your business.
The Migration
Migrating to the cloud should be a positive move for your business, so careful planning and consideration need to be taken. Try to cause a little disruption as you can to the work day, as if employees suddenly lose access while the migration takes place, it can cause massive delays for them. After the migration has been completed, you’ll need to sync all your systems too, so it’s worth trying to plan the migration for a time when it will have as little impact as possible.
Tools
Some companies also offer cloud migration tools. For example, Azure offers a tool that allows you to track the migration as it takes place and can also help you to maintain any compliance regulations that you need to follow. Another useful tool is one that moves your data over in a repeated fashion. Rather than moving everything all in one go, it will follow a set, repeatable process to move over parts at a time. This is in an effort to reduce any potential downtime or errors that you might encounter when completing your migration.
With so much support available to assist you with your cloud migration, you should see minimal downtime and a seamless transition. Be sure to plan your migration and choose the supplier who can best fit the needs of your business. Don’t be afraid to take some time to figure out what exactly you need to transfer and migrate too. Reducing the number of unnecessary files and software you bring across will also help to reduce any unexpected errors. Try implementing one of the 6 R’s into your cloud migration, and using the tools available, and you’ll soon be up and running on the cloud.
