IT tools and devices provide multiple services for your company. One of them is connected to data storage. This can be done in two ways: through local software (this model is called on-premises) or in the cloud – a dedicated space created by cloud computing providers, such as Google Cloud. While the first one is more well-known, the latter becomes more and more popular due to its benefits.
Cloud migration can be perceived as unsafe and tricky – in many cases, the Internet has ceased to be considered a trustworthy place. Nevertheless, storing your data in the cloud will bring numerous profits. In this article, we focus on the idea of cloud migration, its benefits as well as challenges, and important factors to look at before transferring data to the cloud.
What is cloud migration?
To put it simply, cloud migration is about transporting any kind of digital resources from physical servers to the cloud environment. This process can take some time and require special strategies. The cloud environment has two types of spaces to choose from: a public and private cloud.
The public cloud is used by many companies at the same time. They share the same space, but, of course, their own materials are unavailable to other users of the cloud. On the other hand, the private cloud is the space dedicated only to one company or user.
There is also a possibility to combine these two types, the result of which is a so-called hybrid cloud. Each option has its pros and cons. The private cloud is safer and more personalized, while the public one will be good for smaller companies.
The cloud migration process
Now, as you know what cloud migration really is, let’s focus on the process itself. What does it look like? What kind of stages does it have? Of course, you can approach this process in different ways. There are, however, some fundamental steps you should consider. These include:
- Planning: Think about your current situation concerning IT, data, and assets. Determine whether your data is prepared for cloud migration. Consider your expected goals and how you would like to achieve them.
- Choosing cloud environment: Think about which one is going to work best for your company; deciding on a proper cloud type will save you loads of time and energy during the migration process.
- Transferring apps & data: Now it is time to take your resources and assets from a physical server into the cloud.
- Assessing: After the whole process, look at the big picture and see if all the desired steps and goals have been achieved. Does the cloud environment work the way you want? Are the assets easily accessible? If yes, congratulations. Cloud migration completed!
A cloud migration strategy
Even though the cloud migration process may seem crystal clear, it won’t work out without a properly chosen strategy. Before starting the process, you need to think thoroughly about what you want to achieve and how. While building a cloud migration strategy, you should answer a few questions related to your current IT situation, your assets, and the migration process. Also, this is the time to choose a cloud provider and cloud migration tools. Again, it all depends on your expectations and your company’s capacity.
Benefits of cloud migration
If you still hesitate whether to start cloud migration or not, consider some of its benefits. Transferring your data into the cloud is highly effective in terms of costs and scalability. While the former may not be such an issue, the latter allows your company to work faster and more efficiently. Moreover, cloud migration is a modern solution that adjusts to nowadays customers’ needs. In this case, you don’t have to be worried about the malfunction.
Challenges of cloud migration
Along with the benefits, cloud migration also comes with challenges. They include data size, lack of access to your resources during migration, and also new skills required from your IT team, as this solution is still a relatively new thing on the market. However, these few obstacles should not bother you.
Thankfully, there are companies that will gladly help you with the cloud migration plan and strategy. Moreover, they can provide you with the necessary tools to improve the whole process and make it easier and less stressful. Are you curious about further details regarding data storage and cloud migration? Check how to approach cloud migration in more detail!
