A Step-by-step Guide to Cloud Migration
Cloud-based applications are the future for businesses of all sizes. Not only do they cut costs, increase flexibility and improve scalability, but they are also essential for remote and hybrid working environments that allow for smooth and efficient collaboration internally and across borders.
So, it is clear to see why so many companies are seeking a database migration service. But there is no single answer to the question ‘How do I migrate to cloud-based applications?’ One of the great benefits of cloud computing is that it is agile and can be adapted to the needs of each company.
And that means that before you can begin the data transfer process, you need to define your migration goals and establish a clear strategy to ensure it complements your business aims, enhances efficiency and retains compliance.
In this article, we will look at the benefits of cloud migration and guide you through the cloud migration steps necessary to successfully plan and implement it.
What is cloud migration?
Cloud migration is the term commonly given to the process of transferring data, applications and other elements of your business from local on-premises environments to a central cloud database. It can also be used to describe moving data from one cloud-based storage facility to another.
This is a major undertaking and it is essential you find a reputable database migration service to ensure your data transfer is smooth and secure.
When planning your cloud migration, there are two key rules to remember:
1. Maximise automation
The commercial world is moving to the cloud and increasingly finding innovative ways of using AI, machine learning and other technological advancements to improve end user experience and business efficiency. Automation is the way forward for many manufacturing and customer service needs. Maximising automation creates an enhanced customer experience, cuts costs and positions you as a forward-thinking organisation. It also sets you up to adapt and embrace new technologies as they emerge.
2. Migrate, don’t modernise
Don’t walk before you can run. Trying to do too much at once can increase the risk, time and cost of migration. Once you have successfully transferred to the cloud, you will be making the necessary savings to allow you to modernise.
The benefits of cloud migration
Once transferred, data is stored more securely as providers include robust security as part of their database migration service. While this provides additional security, it should not detract from you continuing to carry out your own on-site security procedures.
Cloud-stored data is more easily reachable as it can be accessed using the internet. This is particularly useful for distributed teams or collaborative working across multiple sites.
Similarly, technical issues can be identified and fixed remotely. This speeds up the process as well as reducing costs as you don’t need to pay an engineer to visit your site.
Cloud-based apps can be deployed more quickly as there is no need to buy and install servers, and there are fewer complexities for you to worry about in-house.
Some cloud service providers include monitoring software as part of their services that checks early signs of problems occurring. This can help reduce downtime and save on maintenance costs.
And cloud systems automatically backup your data, so you need not fear losing it.
If you have multiple data centers, you could make significant cost savings by transferring all data to the cloud.
How to prepare for cloud migration
Preparation is the key to successful migration. Follow these data transfer steps to ensure you have everything in place to ensure a smooth transition when the time is right.
1. Define your migration goals
Clear goals will help you plan effectively and provide a strong vision of what you want to achieve. This will make it easier to explain your requirements to your provider and ensure you get it right first time.
- What do you want to achieve by migrating to the cloud?
- Will any of your current software become redundant once you make the switch?
- Are there applications that are already surplus to requirements or out of date?
- Think about what benefits you would like to benefit from post-migration and find out whether the capabilities exist.
- What are your expectations for security, server speed and performance following the data transfer?
2. Establish the success criteria you will measure the project against
This should come naturally once you get step 1 right. Once you know what you want to achieve, it is important to put realistic targets in that will guide your provider in understanding your goals and allow you to monitor the project’s progress.
- Will migration reduce the amount of annual downtime? If so, by how much?
- How much do you expect to save on maintenance costs?
- How quickly will you be able to scale your business following cloud migration?
- How much quicker will your system be?
3. Choose your cloud provider
Take some time to research each provider’s migration tools and think about which will be best for your business. This is a crucial factor in determining the success or failure of your data transfer project. If you are not sure or you have questions, speak to an expert. It is better to invest time and money in making sure you get it right in the first instance, rather than on limiting the damage caused by getting it wrong.
4. Choose your migration strategy
You might have heard about the 6 Rs of migration. This is the term given to the six most popular cloud migration strategies.
They are:
Your strategy might be a hybrid of two or more of these. The important thing is that you have a strategy so you and your database migration service provider have a clear path to success.
5. Backup critical data
It is better to have your existing data backed up and never use it than to rush headlong into a migration project and lose it due to a mishap in the transfer or a teething problem while you and your team become acquainted with the new system.
Once you begin the data transfer process, adopt cloud-native backup tools and automated backup solutions.
6. Run an anti-deletion campaign
Most database migration service providers will enable you to highlight a limited amount of critical data that will be protected from unintentional deletion. This will protect you from human error and ensure business continuity in the event of an unforeseen error during the data transfer.
Don’t be tempted to start protecting non-critical data ‘just in case’ as this will slow down the entire process and, ultimately, achieve nothing.
7. Create a data access policy
Access levels will be crucial to security and compliance. A strict data access policy will help protect your data and prevent embarrassing or costly mistakes.
The vast majority of compliance breaches are due to human error, not dubious activity. But they are no less damaging for it. Err on the side of caution when creating your policy. You can easily extend access at a later date if necessary. Business recovery will prove a much bigger problem.
8. Train your staff
Get training sessions set up early and refresh team members as your go-live date draws closer. Best practice is to make some of your existing IT staff available as ‘Cloud Migration Champions’ when you go live so specific technical advice is on hand for the critical first few weeks.
9. Test, test and test again
Test environments should highlight potential errors, but don’t rely on a single test to show you everything that could go wrong. Test, adapt and test again. Repeat this process until you are satisfied that you are ready to migrate. Then test at least twice more to be absolutely certain.
10. Migrate
Having followed all the recommended cloud migration steps, it is time to take your business into the future.
Conclusion
InspireIT will be with you at every step of your cloud migration journey. From assessing which services you require, to helping you form your strategy and supporting the implementation phase.
If you know cloud migration is the best move for your business but you are not sure where to start, get in touch today for expert, impartial advice.
