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Cloud migration moves an organization’s digital information, including applications, data, software, and services, to a cloud environment. There are multiple types of cloud migrations; for example, migration can occur from one cloud service to another or from an on-premises environment or on-premises data centers to the cloud, also called cloud adoption. The specific reasons for conducting a cloud migration may vary, but there are always advantages to such a transformation.
Cloud adoption can allow for cost savings, optimization, improved disaster recovery, and increased computing power. One of the most common methods of cloud adoption is lift and shift, also known as rehosting. This is when an organization moves an entire application and associated data to the cloud. This can help reduce costs and improve disaster recovery, as the data is now stored online and would not be subject to harm from a catastrophic event on location.
Hybrid cloud models can also be utilized in cloud migration. A hybrid model can include when a company uses on-premises resources, such as a data server, while the application moves to the cloud. A typical example of this hybrid approach would be Microsoft Azure, which allows the integration of on-premises data to cloud services and applications. Hybrid models can enhance the security of the data by limiting access to only authorized individuals while benefiting from the availability of cloud services.
While the cloud presents many benefits including operational scalability and flexibility, migration can also lead to challenges including:
While best practices for cloud migration may vary for the individual structure and business objectives of an enterprise, some overarching practices can apply to any business:
Many factors can impact the overall costs of your cloud migration process, including the scale of your migration – how large and complex will your project be? Larger companies with more extensive and complex on-premises infrastructures will likely face higher migration expenses than smaller businesses. Consider the number of applications, servers, and databases that need to be migrated.
Select a cloud service provider with the best pricing and package for your migration scale. Your company should compare the pricing models of different providers and consider both long-term and short-term migration goals to help you select the best pricing option and provider for you. Consider cloud storage costs, data transfer fees, and discounts for long-term commitments.
Be aware of hidden costs. When budgeting for cloud migration, keep an eye out for additional fees that may accrue due to:
Overall, businesses can benefit from cloud migration in several ways:
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