How to Prepare for Cloud Migration: Checklist

Jul 15, 2022 | Cloud

How to Prepare for Cloud Migration: Checklist

We’ve already discussed how moving to the cloud will benefit your company. In a nutshell, this transition allows your business to grow without impediments while maintaining the highest security level and cutting the IT infrastructure costs.

Now the main question is how to prepare for migration? In this article, we will answer that question by providing you with step-by-step instructions to help make the process as smooth and safe as possible. Buckle up!

Step 1. Assign a Cloud Architect(s)

You need a go-to person or an IT team with cloud migration experience to handle all the migration-related tasks. Their main goals are to create a cloud migration roadmap, determine priorities, and overlook the whole process. Cloud architects need to have relevant experience and be ready for the challenge.

Step 2. Analyze Your Current IT and Data Assets and Infrastructure

The next step is to assess all your data and apps used in the company to get a clear understanding of possible future hiccups. Any compatibility or compliance issues should be addressed before they turn into a real problem.

Step 3. Choose a Cloud Deployment Model

Which cloud deployment model suits you best? The answer would be different for each individual case, so here we’ll just remind you what are the options.

Public Cloud

Public cloud is the most popular deployment model. In this case, all infrastructure is provided by the cloud service provider. It’s relatively cheap and straightforward.

However, “public” means that the provider’s infrastructure is available for anyone which may raise some security and reliability concerns. If your company has to comply with strict compliance requirements, this may be not the best option.

Private Cloud

Private cloud speaks for itself. It is a highly customizable solution that offers you complete control over your cloud infrastructure.

That means that you can make it as secure and reliable as you want. However, it comes at a price – literally. Not only do you have to pay for hardware and software – you will also need an IT team (or a great MSP) to manage it.

Hybrid Cloud

Hybrid cloud is a mix of public and private models. It may be the most cost-effective option for companies that need that extra layer of security for some part of their assets.

You can keep most of your data and software in a public cloud while all the essentials will be stored securely in a private cloud.

Community Cloud

Community cloud allows you to enjoy all the benefits of a private cloud solution but at a lower cost. This model is used when a group of companies that have similar security, privacy, and performance requirements share the same infrastructure. The cost is divided between all participants.

Step 4. Pick the right combination of cloud migration strategies

Ever heard of the 6 R’s? Once you get anywhere close to where cloud migration is discussed, you’ll be hearing it all the time. The 6 R’s stand for 6 different cloud migration strategies.

They are not mutually exclusive; most likely, you will combine a few of them to successfully move your company to the cloud.

The 6 R’s of Cloud Migration

Here is a quick rundown of all 6 R’s:

  1. RehostK.A. “lift and shift”. A quick solution that is used by most businesses who start their cloud migration journey. It means merely moving your servers and data to the cloud as-is without applying any changes.
  2. Replatform means that some changes to existing systems need to be implemented in the process of migration. For instance, if your company uses some legacy software that is incompatible with cloud technology, it can be moved to a virtual machine.
  3. Refactor/rearchitect is an advanced approach that involves rewriting the code of some apps to make them more effective in the cloud.
  4. Repurchase approach means abandoning the software your company uses today and switching to a new solution that has native cloud support and will work better and faster. Are you still using that homebrew CRM written by your nephew back in 2007? Maybe it’s time to move on.
  5. Retain strategy is applied when you want to keep a certain system on-premises instead of moving it to the cloud. There may be several reasons for that such as compliance or just the sheer price of migration.
  6. Retire is a strategy that implies getting rid of some systems instead of trying to keep them running. Cloud migration is a perfect moment to reconsider your whole IT landscape – and finally get rid of the parts that are no longer relevant.

The best time to get rid of all your useless junk at home is when you move. Think of a cloud migration the same way. This is your chance to clear out all of the useless junk that you and your team are “tripping over.”

Step 5. Choose a cloud service provider

Finding the perfect mix of reliability, scalability, and flexibility may be a bit tricky when it comes to picking a cloud service provider. Some businesses prefer to play it safe and go with one of the biggest names in the industry such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.

However, “biggest” does not always mean “best”. Some providers, such as CompleteCloud, can offer custom-tailored solutions that will be a perfect fit for you.

Step 6. Use professional help

Feeling intimidated by the complexity of cloud migration yet? Here is the good news: you don’t have to do it yourself.

There are numerous companies that specialize in moving businesses to the cloud. And Brightworks Group is among the best of those. So don’t hesitate and reach out to us – we’re here to help.

Building a future-proof, secure, and scalable cloud IT infrastructure can bring your business to the next level. Let’s do it together!