More than 90% of organizations use the cloud for various applications as it has become one of the most in-demand services due to its dynamic technology and online collaboration. However, migrating to the cloud carries with it a number of very serious cloud migration challenges for businesses.
Building a successful cloud migration plan that ensures all your business objectives are covered is not an easy task as there are numerous mitigating factors you need to be aware of, which may pose some potential risks.
However, with the right preparation and migration plan, your business can reap the rewards of cloud-based services.
In this article, we will look at some cloud migration challenges and solutions and how your business can prepare for the big move without finding it daunting.
Cloud Migration Challenges
Before we delve into some of the problems and solutions, let’s take a brief look at the most common cloud migration challenges some organizations are currently facing.
Here are some prime examples:
- Legacy systems
- Going over budget
- Lack of cloud platforms knowledge
- Weak security that is open to attacks
- Lack of technical skills necessary for cloud computing
- Lack of a clear strategy for the cloud migration process
In most cases, organizations are willing to accept the short-term headaches of cloud adoption as they know that they will benefit in the long-run.
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Cloud Migration Challenges Your Business May Encounter and the Solutions You Can Adopt
If you are considering cloud adoption and data migration, the options mentioned within this article will help to ensure a smooth transition.
Let’s take a look at some of the challenges and solutions.
1. Financial Cost
Migrating to the cloud can be a costly exercise in both the short and long term. Immediate costs, including the migration itself, can add up fast. Then there is training involved, which impacts productivity, and thus, the bottom line.
Some of the costs include:
- Data centers
- Training users
- Bandwidth costs
- Performance issues
- Data and applications
- Learning the new software
- Downtime and problem-solving
Having proper cloud migration strategies in place is critical because they help you avoid misalignment, which, in turn, prevents cost overruns.
Start by looking into outsourcing a cloud service provider that has experience managing cloud environments, as they can provide an holistic overview of what is required. Relying on a third-party source’s managed services will help you save on the cost of self-management.
Another way to save money is to consider migrating to the cloud in incremental stages. This way you do not have to outlay so much money at one given time.
2. Adoption Backlash
Change is inevitable, but many people dislike change or are afraid of it. Moving to the cloud can cause a lot of disruption due to new systems and processes that are involved and can scare people off. If you cannot get people to adopt early then you will have a major issue to deal with.
The smartest way to move ahead with cloud migration is to get buy-in at the top. When your leaders agree with your cloud strategy plans, it is then easier to get employees to buy-in at the bottom.
3. Skill Scarcity
While relying on cloud infrastructure provides numerous benefits, there are some drawbacks as well. One such example is a lack of skilled people who have the knowledge and expertise to manage cloud services and migration.
Another reason is the demand for cloud computing is so high that there is a lack of skilled technicians available to assist businesses with cloud management and digital transformations.
As mentioned previously, with a skill shortage of cloud computing experts, the next best thing is to train your in-house techs. Besides it being a smart long-term plan, it has other benefits too.
For instance, your IT employees are already familiar with your system and processes. Once you train them, they can offer more knowledge and services and it’s cheaper than hiring new employees.
4. Data Security
No matter what type of business you are or how small or large you also are, you have sensitive data that needs to remain secure.
When you migrate to the cloud you are taking a risk as you are moving valuable data and other information that can be easily accessed if your cloud migration is not secure. To avoid data leaks you need a risk assessment program, but they’re not always bulletproof.
Security as a Service, also known as SECaaS, may be your first option to avoid any data breaches and reduce any security risks that you may encounter during your cloud migration.
SECaaS enables businesses to utilize external providers to manage their cybersecurity. Outsourced security providers cover various services, such as antivirus, intrusion detection, and data loss prevention.
When you work with a cloud service provider they can offer you security data and applications as well as develop Security as a Service.
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Overcome Cloud Migration Challenges With a Proven Partner
If you are looking into private or public cloud migration and have not yet finalized your plan, the best time to do so is now. With the right advice and expert solutions you can migrate with confidence knowing you are in good hands.
As a leading IT provider, Technology Advisory Group has developed cloud services for small to medium business clients in Rhode Island and across New England that combine innovative, hosted infrastructure with aligned and all-inclusive managed services.
For more information about how we can migrate you to the cloud, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
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