Cloud computing is on the rise. Research shows that over 90% of all businesses leverage one or more cloud-computing services. Cloud computing, of course, involves the use of remote system resources. You can use cloud-computing services to process and store data. Before making the transition from on-premise to cloud computing, though, you should learn the basics of cloud migration.
What Is Cloud Migration?
Cloud migration is the process of moving a business’s information technology (IT) infrastructure to the cloud. As the name suggests, it involves “migrating” to the cloud.
IT infrastructures can be local or remote. Local IT infrastructures are characterized by on-premise computing, meaning the business uses its own computers and systems to perform computing tasks. Remote IT infrastructures are cloud based. They involve the use of remote computers and servers to perform computing tasks. Transitioning from a local, on-premise IT infrastructure to a remote, cloud-based IT infrastructure is referred to as “cloud migration.”
The Challenges of Cloud Migration
Like with most major IT processes, cloud migration poses some common challenges. The complexity of moving to the cloud can be simple, or it ma complicated. Bigger businesses typically have a more complex and complicated cloud migration process than their smaller counterparts.
Compatibility is a concern with cloud migration. Legacy systems may or may not be compatible with new cloud environments. If you’re going to transition your business’s IT infrastructure to the cloud, you should check to see whether the cloud environment is compatible with your business’s existing setup.
Security is another concern with cloud migration. When storing data locally, you’ll have complete control over it. Storing data on the cloud, conversely, make leave it vulnerable to breaches. Hackers may infiltrate the server on which the data is stored. You can still transition to the cloud, but you should take precautions to protect your business’s data from breaches.
How Cloud Migration Can Benefit Your Business
It takes time and hard work to transition to the cloud, but cloud migration can benefit your business in several ways. It may lower your business’s total IT costs. Many businesses experience cost-savings benefits after transitioning to the cloud. Cloud computing services are available in pay-as-you-go models, so you’ll only have to pay for the resources that your business needs.
Rather than just winging the transition to the cloud, you should create a cloud migration strategy. It will serve as a blueprint for a smooth and successful migration. Challenges may still arise, but a cloud migration strategy will help you overcome them so that your business can leverage cloud computing.