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On Premise to Cloud Migration: A Strategic Blueprint

Written by Shelley Bougnague | Sep 28, 2023 9:37:00 AM

Have you ever moved houses? Just imagine boxing up years of data and moving from a comfortable on premise infrastructure to the cloud. It's like shifting from your cozy old house into an ultra-modern high-rise apartment. This move, known as on premise to cloud migration, is becoming more popular among businesses today. 

But why are companies taking this leap? What makes them pack up their well-established IT systems and move to a new 'digital home'?

In this journey together, we'll dive deep into understanding what drives these on premise to cloud migrations and how they can transform businesses for the better. We're also going to look at different types of 'apartments' or cloud models that companies can choose from - be it public, private or hybrid clouds.

Table Of Contents:

Understanding On Premise to Cloud Migration

Migrating from on-premise to the cloud may seem intimidating, yet with a thorough understanding of this process, you can easily maximize your business's efficiency and reap great rewards. 

The Fundamentals of Cloud Migration

To start, let's get our heads in the clouds – metaphorically speaking, that is. The process of transferring data, applications or other elements from an organization’s onsite computers to the cloud is what we call cloud migration

This move allows businesses access their information anytime, anywhere with internet connection - quite a convenient upgrade.

If you're thinking this sounds expensive and complex though, I've got some good news for you: It's often more cost-effective than maintaining physical servers. Plus there are plenty options out there designed specifically for various sizes and types of organizations. Cost savings are realized by many large organizations when they compare on-premise versus the cloud environment.

The Need For Speed

We all know how frustrating slow-loading software can be—especially when deadlines loom overhead like stormy weather threatening rain any minute. Thankfully enough switching over onto online platforms can help increase performance levels due drastically reduced latency times thanks to their distributed nature compared traditional setup where everything relies solely one server located within company premises itself.

Get almost unlimited performance and storage capabilities, by doing an on premise to cloud migration.. #CloudMigration #CloudSolutions Click to Tweet

Fostering Innovation With Flexibility

You don't need me to tell you how important flexibility is in today's fast-paced business world. With on-premise systems, it can be like trying to change direction mid-flight - not the easiest task. Cloud-based solutions, however, are more agile and adaptable. They let you scale up or down based on your needs. Cloud infrastructure usually allows this scale up and scale back, seamlessly without you having to do anything. Compare that to on-premises infrastructure where upgrades can take months or years and almost always a one-way street.

Think of the cloud as a rubber band. No matter how much you pull it, adding more data, it almost never breaks.

   
Key Takeaway: 

Don't let the shift from on-premise to cloud scare you. It's a move that not only boosts your business operations but can also save costs. With improved speed and unmatched flexibility, cloud migration is like getting an upgrade pass in today's fast-paced digital world.

Different Types of Cloud Deployment Models

When you start your journey from on premise to cloud migration, understanding the different types of deployment models is essential. 

Public vs Private Clouds

A public cloud is like renting an apartment. You get specific services, but they are shared with others - it's cost-effective and offers high scalability. Major cloud providers include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Microsoft Azure. If cost efficiency is paramount for your organization then going for a public cloud offering might be the best way to do.

In contrast, private clouds are akin to owning a house - dedicated solely for your use with more control over security measures. But this comes at higher costs due to customized requirements needed for implementation and management.

The decision between these two depends largely on your business needs. It’s all about balancing budget constraints against data sensitivity concerns. 

Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Deployments

Sometimes having just one isn't enough. Hybrid cloud deployments let you have the best of both worlds by combining public clouds' scalability with private ones' enhanced security controls – imagine having both an apartment in the city center for quick access to amenities yet also owning a secluded country home for privacy.

Moving forward, there's multi-cloud deployment that involves using multiple public or private clouds based on application-specific needs – think about it as driving different vehicles depending upon whether you need speed (sports car) or load carrying capacity (pickup truck).

Deployment Model Description Best For
Public Clouds Rentable, shared resources with high scalability. Cost-effective operations requiring less control.
Private Clouds Dedicated infrastructure offering more security controls. If you have lots of confidential info that needs extra protection, then a private cloud could be the right solution.
   
Key Takeaway: 

On your journey from on-premise to cloud, knowing the types of deployment models is crucial. Public clouds are like rented apartments - cost-effective with shared services, while private ones offer more security but at a higher price. Hybrid and multi-cloud deployments combine benefits for tailored needs.

Planning Your Cloud Migration Strategy

When you decide to shift from on-premise solutions to the cloud, a solid strategy is crucial. But don't fret - we're here to help make this journey smoother for your business. You may never be able to plan for everyone of the possible cloud migration challenges, but being prepared will definitely help your project become a success.

The Need for Planning in Cloud Migration

Like planning a cross-country road trip, migrating from on-premise infrastructure to the cloud requires careful thought and preparation. It's not just about moving data; it's also about understanding how this move impacts operations and workflows. Further than that you must also consider how cloud integration back to any remaining on-premise applications or data might work in the future and make sure that is covered in your migration plan.

A comprehensive plan is essential to avoid wasting resources and avoiding future complications. Just as you wouldn't start driving without knowing where you're going or what route to take, don't begin your migration process blindfolded either.

Fundamentals of Developing a Migration Strategy

You might be wondering: "How do I develop my own cloud migration strategy?" Good question. Let's get started by breaking down the steps.

  • Evaluate Your Current Setup: First things first – assess your existing IT landscape. This helps determine which applications are suitable for immediate migration and which ones need more work before they’re ready.
  • Select The Right Model: Whether public or private clouds better suit your needs depends largely on factors like cost-effectiveness, scalability requirements & security considerations.
  • Prioritize Applications: Not all apps have equal importance so prioritize them based on their business impact during downtime.

Ultimately migration strategies will vary from organization to organization, but if you partner with an expert, like us at Cloudficient we'll use our experience and know-how to help your cloud migration succeed.

Tackling Compliance Requirements During Migration

Navigating compliance waters while transitioning can feel like walking through a minefield - but with proper planning it doesn’t have to be daunting.

  • Determine Compliance Needs: This step involves identifying which regulations apply to your business, such as GDPR for European customers or HIPAA for healthcare providers in the US. Take a look at this article for more on eDiscovery.
  • Choose a Compliant Cloud Provider: The cloud provider you choose must meet these regulatory standards. They should also be willing and able to prove their compliance through third-party audits or certifications.
   
Key Takeaway: 

Moving from on-site to the cloud isn't a wild jump, it's a thoughtful voyage. Think of it like mapping out a road trip - you've got to understand your existing setup, pick the right model and rank apps based on how they affect your business.

Transferring your data from a local environment to the cloud is akin to relocating a residence. It’s not just about boxing up everything and shipping it over. You need a strategy for packing, transportation, unpacking, and arranging things at the new place.

Understanding Your Current Landscape

The first step towards successful data migration involves taking stock of what you currently have - akin to going through each room before you start packing. What kind of data do you have? Where is it stored? Who has access to it?

This process helps identify potential challenges early on. For example, some applications may be tightly coupled with your current database system and might require more work during migration.

Picking The Right Tools And Strategies

Once you've understood your landscape well enough, now comes the task of choosing appropriate tools for migrating this vast array of data onto the cloud platform. Just as there are many ways to pack (bubble wrap or newspaper?), similarly various strategies exist for cloud migration such as lift-and-shift or refactoring.

Gartner's six Rs framework, can help guide businesses when selecting their approach based on factors like cost-effectiveness and long-term sustainability.

Data Cleaning: Don't Move The Clutter.

An often overlooked but critical aspect during any on premise to cloud migration is decluttering. Before making that move towards storing all information in clouds' boundless space make sure only useful stuff goes there.

This 'spring cleaning' can help improve efficiency by eliminating redundant or obsolete datasets thereby reducing costs associated with storage consumption on your chosen cloud service provider's platform while also improving data quality.

Security: The Locks and Keys

When moving houses, you wouldn’t just leave your front door wide open, right? Security is a top priority in an on premise to cloud migration too. From the early stages of planning to the final implementation, make sure all sensitive information remains secure during transit as well as at rest within the new environment.

It's also worth remembering that you're still responsible for performing data backups once your data has migrated to the cloud.

   
Key Takeaway: 

Think of shifting data from your local setup to the cloud as a home move - it demands careful planning. Kick off by getting a clear picture of your existing data environment and possible hurdles. Choose migration tools wisely, considering approaches such as lift-and-shift or refactoring. Remember to clean up; only transfer what's necessary to cut down on expenses and boost performance. 

Conclusion

On premise to cloud migration can feel like moving houses, right? Having a thorough understanding of the process is key to successful migration from on-premise to cloud.

You've explored different 'apartments' or cloud models - public, private or hybrid. Each has its own benefits and challenges that cater to specific business needs.

Just remember: planning your move makes the transition smoother. A comprehensive plan is essential for achieving success in this digital transformation.

Data migration can be daunting but don't worry! With careful navigation and proper tools, your precious data will reach its new home safe and sound!

The leap may seem scary at first glance. However, when done correctly, this move brings transformational benefits for any organization looking towards future growth!