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Migrating your business to the cloud means more flexibility for you and your team, automated data backup, secure storage even when the power goes down, and peace of mind whether you’re at the office or at home with the family. But what does migrating to the cloud really entail and does it make sense for your business? Let’s start with the basics:

What do you mean by cloud migration?

Cloud migration is the process of moving data, applications, and IT infrastructure (like email services) from physical servers to a cloud service provider like G Suite, Office 365 or Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Benefits of moving to the cloud   

For many businesses, switching to a new workflow system is a gargantuan task. It often requires downtime as you transfer data, your team has to learn a new set of applications, and all services come with some up front costs. The initial time and cost investment, however, is usually worth the long-term improvement in overall productivity and ability to serve your customers.  

 

Here are some of the key benefits that most businesses can expect:    

 

• No system downtime (once fully migrated to the cloud) due to power or hardware failures
• Access from any internet connected smartphone, tablet, or computer
• Secure automated data and document backups and information storage
• Easy 24/7 remote system monitoring and response
• Complete mobile office functionality
• Instant file sharing and communications with employees or customers
• Access to email, chat, calendars, and meeting platforms from the office, home, or on the road

 

That all sounds great, right? Before you upload all your data to AWS and turn your server room into a handy phone booth or breakout room, however, take a few minutes to read through the following considerations.

 

3 things to consider before moving to the cloud: 

Determine feasibility

Long before you start designing that new meeting space, it’s important to evaluate how your primary line of business application is set up. This is the program that stores and manages the data that’s critical to your business, so it should be your primary consideration when looking at migrating to the cloud. For example, if you’re in retail, your inventory might be stored and managed in an online system or managed with a licensed software program that requires a connection to an inhouse server.

 

The main question you need to answer about your line of business application is, is it web-based or is it an older system that solely relies on a local server at your office? If it’s the latter, there are several additional precautions you’ll need to take before moving forward. (Does this describe your business? Get in touch with us for a free consultation to find out how you can best leverage cloud services.) If it’s the former, then migrating to the cloud should be fairly straight-forward, so read on to the next consideration.

Make sure your internet connection is up to the task

As you migrate your livelihood to the cloud, the last thing you want is for the internet to go down leaving you with no way to access data and applications that are crucial to running your business. Large, reputable third-party cloud servers like G Suite, Office 365 and AWS all have redundant internet connections and servers so you can rest easy that they’ll keep your data online on their end.

 

The problem is, if your business relies on one internet provider and you experience an outage, everything in the cloud is out of reach. You could drive home or to a nearby coffee shop with a different internet provider, but that’s not always a practical option. When migrating to the cloud, it’s important to invest in a redundant internet connection at the office. This second connection acts as a backup, decreasing the odds that you’ll lose access to business-critical functions during the workday.

Plan for new hires or changing roles

As you migrate your data storage, applications, and IT infrastructure to the cloud, someone will have to manage the new system. Rather than managing and maintaining physical servers inhouse, your cloud server provider will take on this burden. It’s important, however to have someone in-house or to hire a trusted IT service partner who is familiar with cloud solutions. This person (or team, depending on the size of your business) can ensure your business is effectively managing the new cloud services for optimal productivity and workflow as well as security.

 

These are just the first three factors to consider as you explore migrating your business to the cloud. In our next post, we’ll discuss how to create a cloud migration strategy to make the move as seamless as possible.   

 

Have further questions about migrating your business to the cloud? We offer custom cloud solutions, including Office 365, G Suite, and AWS, for data backup and storage that will allow you to enjoy the flexibility and expanded opportunities of a remote and mobile workforce. Send us an email or call us at 831.419.8000 and let us know how we can help.

 

Related Posts:

Should You Move Your Business to the Cloud? (Part 2) 

 

Why Your Business Needs a Technology Update

The AWS Evolution: From Bookseller to Cloud Computing King

How to Protect (and Grow) Your Online Presence as a Small Business

 

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About Pagoda Technologies IT services

Based in Santa Cruz, California, Pagoda Technologies provides trusted IT support to businesses and IT departments throughout Silicon Valley, the San Francisco Bay Area and across the globe. To learn how Pagoda Technologies can help your business, email us at support@pagoda-tech.com to schedule a complimentary IT consultation.