March 26, 2014
The hottest buzzword in the world of business in 2014 is cloud migration. But, this is not as new of a concept as most people imagine. The idea behind cloud computing has its origins in the development of ARPANET in the late-1950s and early-1960s, when visionary tech scientists laid the groundwork for an interconnected system of computers.
Fast forward to the 21st century and smartphones, tablets, massive data services, mobile networks and high speed internet connections have made cloud computing easy to use, accessible and affordable for any company. The first step on the ladder to the cloud is addressing cloud migration, but what is it and more importantly, how is it implemented?
Cloud Migration Explained
There are two types of cloud migration that businesses should be aware of. The first, and most common, is migration from in-house servers to the cloud. The other type of migration is the shift from one cloud environment to another. The former is more frequent at the moment because many businesses are still operating within in-house server environments. The latter affects only those businesses already in the cloud and looking to switch or make adjustments to their cloud environment.
Cloud migration is the process of moving business data, applications and operations away from onsite networks and computers, to a cloud environment. Shifting to the cloud means businesses are taking information and services offsite and allowing them to be managed remotely, from multiple locations.
First Step in Cloud Migration
There is an established path that should be followed during the process of cloud migration that not only ensures that data and services are moved properly, but can lessen typical headaches and frustrations.
First and foremost, your company needs to analyze its current investment in on-site data centers, software and hardware to determine the costs associated with maintaining existing systems or deploying updated and expanded systems. One of the greatest benefits your business can realize is the cost savings gained from eliminating the maintenance and operation of independent data centers.
The next factor you’ll need to consider is the compatibility of your existing applications and software programs with cloud servers. For most new applications running on modern systems, compatibility between your services and the cloud are not an issue. Older applications may not be as compatible and can result in performance issues.
It is not impossible however, to migrate older, legacy applications. With that said, doing so requires testing and evaluation to determine how well those older applications will interact with new cloud services after migration. This is where partnering with the right professional cloud service provider is essential. They can offer their expertise and experience throughout the entire cloud migration process, but their advantage truly shines when challenges arise.
Cloud Migration Services
With the help of cloud migration specialists, your business will get top quality assistance through every step of its cloud migration. Assistance is provided through all of the following critical cloud migration tasks:
- Servers: Migrate to public or private cloud servers, upgrade operating systems, and shift apps and data with ease.
- Databases: Allow an IT management company to host MySQL, MS SQL or Oracle databases for you, or even change and upgrade databases.
- Email: Move all your email services to the cloud for easier access and manageable storage.
- Applications: Move applications to the cloud and let IT professionals from a service company manage your applications or even guide you through changing applications.
- Internet Connection Speed: Analyze whether your current internet access speed will support cloud computing.
Cloud migration is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to cloud computing. Once your services and applications have been migrated, your cloud servers must remain secure, online and compatible with your business as it grows in the future. An IT management company can help with all of your cloud computing needs, including migration. Request a consultation for your cloud computing needs.
