Migrating to the cloud takes more than just a hot air balloon – you’ll need a carefully considered cloud migration strategy. But what exactly should this involve, and how can you prevent the storm clouds from gathering? Here we look at five cloud migration challenges for businesses.

What is a cloud migration strategy?

Cloud migration is about transferring your business’s data, services and infrastructure into a remotely accessible ‘cloud’ environment. But getting to this promised land takes more than just wishful thinking. You’ll need an effective cloud migration strategy – a plan of action to ensure that you can jump any hurdles like Sally Gunnell at the Barcelona Olympics.

Behold! Our top cloud migration strategy tips:

Challenge #1 – migrating your existing system

Migrating to the cloud is like trying to move house, but without swiping Rightmove and cooing at the period fireplace.

You and your cloud strategists will need to think about how you’ll move your existing IT architecture – often based at a premises – into this brave new digital world. Often this involves doing the migration in phases so that if anything goes wrong, you’ve still got a functioning IT operation to keep the show on the road.

Challenge #2 – keeping your data secure

When you’re in the throes of a cloud migration, failing to secure your data is like leaving your laptop in a busy cafe with a sign saying ‘steal me’.

Any cloud migration strategy worth its salted beef bagel needs to ensure that personal data is protected to the same standards as it would be on-site. That means choosing a GDPR-compliant cloud vendor, and introducing security protocols – like end-to-end encryption – that make data breaches far less likely.

No goalkeeper can save every shot, but with the right cloud migration strategy, those dastardly thieves and bandits will sky their first attempt over the bar.

Challenge #3 – dealing with downtime

Like a slow cooked casserole, cloud migration is not something that happens in a hurry. Transferring your data takes time, and, if managed badly, can impact business continuity and your bottom line.

Your cloud migration strategy should aim to keep downtime to a minimum by ironing out any problems in advance, phasing the transition, and performing testing and validation to nip any gremlins in the bud.

Challenge #4 – developing a strategy on cloud costs

The best things in life are free – except cloud migration. But the beauty of migrating to the cloud from a cost perspective is that yes, you’ll spend money on securing the right cloud consultant, but many of these costs will be offset by the money you’re no longer spending on filing paperwork and licking envelopes.

Nevertheless, when cooking up a cloud migration strategy, it’s a smart idea to think about how you’ll deploy your finite resources, what kind of cloud usage you anticipate, and which cloud partners are transparent about their fees.

Challenge #5 – the culture shift

Any major change needs to be rolled out carefully, and the earlier you announce the cloudy horizon, the smoother your transition will be.

Your cloud migration strategy should include a plan for how employees will adapt to life in the cloud. What training will you provide? What tools should staff get to grips with? What will the impact be on existing workflows?

It takes time to embed new organisational habits, so if you’re planning to press the cloud button, don’t simply call an all-company meeting and shout “surprise!”

Why a cloud migration strategy is worth it

You can’t teach an old dog new tricks, nor can you teach it how to migrate to the cloud. But with a sensible cloud migration strategy, you can unlock the untold benefits of cloud tech: better collaboration, low maintenance and satisfied staff.

And with a trusted cloud partner by your side, you can ensure the transition is smoother than Galaxy milk chocolate. Other chocolate brands are available.

The Possibility Partnership will make your cloud transition a breeze. Read more about our team, or for a friendly chin-wag, get in touch.