Cloud migration is the process of moving your on-premise data to a cloud environment. Alternatively, the cloud migration process may involve moving your data from one cloud service to another. In either case, you should follow the same key cloud migration steps.
As the saying goes, “failing to plan is planning to fail.” This is certainly true about your cloud migration plan. Luckily, moving to most cloud platforms is easy enough with the same set of steps. All you need to do is make sure you follow them.
| “Cloud strategies and servers vary, but the basic steps to get there stay more or less the same.” – Dustin Frost, President, Attentus Technologies |
That’s why we’re here today to share those 5 best steps with you. These steps should work for most types of cloud migration and will apply to the private cloud, public cloud, or hybrid clouds.
1. Prepare
Just as a builder wouldn’t construct a house without a blueprint, you shouldn’t start your cloud migration without adequate preparation. So, your first step is to assess your current IT infrastructure. This involves taking stock of your existing applications, data, and workloads.
Taking this stock will help you make informed decisions about what needs to be migrated and how. You can also use this step to check for potential challenges and address them proactively. For instance, you might discover compatibility issues or recognize the need for additional training for your team.
2. Plan
While it might be tempting to jump straight into the migration process after you’ve completed your assessment, make sure you establish a well-structured plan before you get that far. That will provide clarity, direction, and a specific framework to ensure every task is purposeful.
Outline the specifics of how your migration will unfold. This includes determining which applications and data sets will move first, setting timelines, allocating resources, and establishing clear roles and responsibilities.
Rushing this phase is a big part of the reason why 1 in 4 cloud migrations miss their deadline. Lack of adequate planning increases the likelihood of unforeseen issues that cause your team to backtrack midway through.
Cloud Migration Plan Checklist
Just to make sure you have all your bases covered, here’s a quick and easy checklist that you can have on hand during the cloud migration planning phase. Simply check off any of these items as you cover them in your planning document.
Cloud Migration Plan Checklist
3. Migrate
Step 3 is when all your preparation and planning comes to fruition. Depending on your strategy, you might move applications as they are or make some changes before the shift. Either way, it’s crucial to watch this process closely to ensure everything transfers correctly and users experience a smooth transition.
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This is also the point where security is at its most vulnerable. Dividing your data into smaller segments for transmission makes it easier to migrate. Yet, data leaks within small data segments are tougher to detect. This challenge emphasizes the importance of data encryption during a cloud migration. Even if someone intercepts your data, they won’t be able to use it.
4. Operate
Once your migration to the cloud is complete, you’ll need to continually manage, monitor, and maintain your cloud computing resources. This involves regular checks to ensure optimal performance, addressing any issues that arise, and making necessary updates or tweaks.
The real value of the cloud comes from how you utilize and manage it post-migration. Proper operation ensures that you reap its full benefits. Moreover, a well-managed cloud environment is more secure, resilient, and adaptable to your evolving business needs.
5. Optimize
Optimization involves regularly assessing your cloud setup to identify areas for improvement. This could mean adjusting resource allocation based on usage patterns, implementing cost-saving measures, or adopting new cloud features or technologies that boost performance.
Most cloud providers offer a range of options to help you with this phase. This could include feature customization to better suit your needs or specific licenses that help you manage cloud costs.
The digital landscape is ever-evolving. As new technologies emerge and business needs change, it’s imperative that your cloud environment keeps pace. By actively optimizing your cloud server, you ensure that you’re always getting the best bang for your buck.
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Make It Even Easier With Expert Cloud Migration Services
Navigating all the steps in cloud migration can be daunting when you have a tight deadline to meet. It’s also tough when you need to move a lot of applications to the cloud in a short period of time. These templated steps can make it easier, but we understand that easier isn’t necessarily easy.
With Attentus by your side, you gain a partner dedicated to ensuring your cloud migration is seamless, efficient, and yes, easy. Our expertise in data protection during migration, coupled with our tailored cloud solutions, ensures that your business experiences the full benefits of the cloud without the typical pitfalls.
Reach out to Attentus today to enhance your cloud journey no matter how you plan to get there.
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