How to argue the case for cloud migration

Most business leaders agree on the value of cloud migration – they just need to be persuaded of the details. Learn how to argue the case effectively.

In many areas of business life, the barrier to change isn't disagreement about values but disagreement about practicalities. We see it all the time in news stories about the climate crisis. It's not that (most) governments disagree with the risks we face – it's that they can't agree on how best to address them.

Some would say this is human nature and shake off change with a shrug. But others get to work mounting a case that will persuade their superiors to get to work.

This is a scenario we see played out in enterprises all the time. By now, the value of cloud migration is clear. In an increasingly cloud-based world, asking "Why should we migrate to the cloud?" is like querying the importance of hot running water.

No, the sticking point isn't "why" – it's "how".

That's why a business case needs to be made for cloud migration that addresses key practical concerns. From a leadership point of view, these concerns will always centre on profitability. If this large-scale change to your day-to-day business means burning money in a cloud-based bonfire, leadership will almost inevitably pass.

So, to help you smash your digital transformation goals, here are some key things to include in your case for cloud migration.

1. It will meet your overall business goals

One of cloud migration's biggest selling points is that it will save you money in the long term. Right from the get-go, you need to demonstrate that this is the case.

This involves calculating the total cost of ownership (TCO). We've written in detail elsewhere about how to do this effectively. The main thing is to dive into the details.

Data talks. Demonstrate that cost savings will be unlocked and efficiency improved through data, metrics and charts. Show that scaling up, when necessary, is cost-effective and simple. Clarity is your best friend when it comes to mounting a business case.

Above all, you need to be sure that your business plan is in line with your business's overall goals – and that cloud migration will help, not hinder, those long-term targets.

2. There won't be a skills gap

According to one survey , "lack of staff resources or expertise" is one of the biggest barriers holding back cloud adoption in organisations.

To go back to our earlier point – most of the time, it's not the value of cloud migration that's in question. It's the practicalities.

That's why a solid business case needs to address the million-dollar question of skills. Are you going to upskill existing staff? Are you going to hire new cloud-savvy technicians? Are you going to work with a cloud consultant? Or will it be a mix of all three?

Answering this question clearly – and with lots of juicy data in your quiver – will help you make a persuasive case for cloud migration.

3. It will be secure

Here's a little scene from a play called How Not To Make a Business Case .

Lou [ excitedly ]: The new offices are going to be beautiful! I saw the designs and there's a water fountain, an on-site gym, a break-out room… ping-pong… there's even a beautiful bronze statue of the CEO in the lobby…

Lewis [ intrigued but sceptical ]: Great! And will the security be improved?

Lou [ long pause ]: Well, no, but I'm sure we'll get round to it eventually…

The point is that security is never an afterthought in physical spaces, so why digital ones? It's essential that a robust security policy is built into the business plan.

There are several reasons for this. One is that your business probably handles sensitive or mission-critical data which you want to keep safe from hackers, phishers and other digital rogues. Another is that a data breach can lead to a fine under GDPR – no matter how big or small your company is.

4. It will work in the long term

Migrating to the cloud is like getting an extension on your house. You're going to have to pay a lot upfront (although if you partner with a good cloud consultant, the disruption will be considerably less irksome). But it's worth it, right?

This is the case you need to make for cloud migration – long-term gain over short-term pain, a healthy ROI and a project that will streamline operations, not complicate them.

5. There won't be significant downtime

Did you know that your calendar is an important part of a cloud migration? This is because migrations tend to happen in waves, not all in one go.

Most businesses have a calendar full to bursting with deadlines, meetings and other commitments. Management needs to know that the cloud migration won't send any of these up the swanny.

6. It will fit into your existing IT infrastructure

Going back to our extension analogy, you're probably going to have second thoughts about the project if it means digging up the house's foundations and replacing them with a newly discovered material called, let's say, cloudium. You want this project to fit into your existing infrastructure.

The same goes for cloud migration. Transformation should be smooth, not juddery. This is largely a practical question. Employees at all levels of your organisation will have their own way of working – the login screens and familiar keystrokes that get the working day going. They need to be sure that they can carry on like this once the migration is complete.

Final thoughts

Where there's a will, there's a way – but a strong business case can help. Most business leaders know that cloud migration is the way forward. However, they need a map to reassure them that they'll get there on time and on budget.

So when you're making the case for cloud migration, make sure you cover all these bases – whether internally or in partnership with a reputable cloud consultancy firm.

Do you need help making the case for cloud migration? Get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation about your aims, needs and pain points.