Cloud has real potential to help companies cut costs, free up resources and become more efficient. Here to talk you through the best ways to approach a cloud migration with some tips and advice to help you get started.
Migrating to the cloud – where to start
IT leaders must have a robust plan of action before beginning a cloud migration project. A blueprint can begin with a simple starting-off point that allows CIOs to test the water with a single project before jumping in.
The manager will see cloud as the main means of supporting the dynamic needs of a modern company, but it should start with something that will both demonstrate the benefits of the cloud, and address a specific need of the business. For instance, some companies target systems that are old, expensive to maintain, ancillary to their core commercial aims and move them to the cloud.
Approaching the board
Every member of the board will have their own, often conflicting, views on cloud adoption that they want IT directors to take into account. IT has to present to the business what options are available from a cost, risk and value viewpoint, and then help the business make the right decision based on the business’s risk profile. IT’s role becomes one of ensuring the cloud project will integrate well with the company’s IT strategy and existing technology landscape.
Expectations
Progress goals are not that important or helpful when measuring the success of cloud services or ensuring a supplier is delivering on its promises. Key performance indicators should be based around the value, risk and cost areas. Monitoring the success of a cloud project is essential in deciding whether to virtualise more workloads. It’s important to do a total cost analysis over time to understand the benefits, in most cases, companies will find that some things are much better in the cloud than keep them in-house.
