Your cloud transformation strategy: where to start

Are you getting ready for a cloud transformation project? Start planning your first steps with our guide.

In other words, the finer details of a cloud migration depend on the goals you're trying to achieve. You can't make an informed decision about a provider, for instance, without having specific objectives in mind.

And like all other business objectives, these need to be measurable, with KPIs in place to check if you're on the right track.

You could be trying to cut costs, break up data silos, improve sluggish performance, increase scalability or foster innovation. Whatever your motives, your cloud transformation strategy should reflect your overall business goals.

3. Choose the right cloud model for you

Cloud solutions aren't hair scrunchies. One size doesn't fit all.

Every enterprise needs the cloud model that will meet its specific requirements – not some vague notion of "the right cloud model". What, you need to ask yourself, is the right cloud model for you?

It could be public, private or hybrid. You could move everything to the cloud. You could leave some workloads on-premises. You could split different applications between different providers.

It all depends on your workloads and their security, compliance and data residency requirements. Oh, and like every other stage of this journey, it depends on your budget.

4. Pick the right partner

OK, so you're ready to migrate. Who's going to manage the process itself?

If you've got the skills in-house, there's no reason why you shouldn't do this yourself. But if you don't, you might want to work with a consultant.

The main reason for this is that you get to leverage expertise without committing to full-time recruitment. Rather than investing money in retraining and upskilling, you get the skills you need as and when you need them.

There's not one "right" way to do it. But it's worth bearing in mind that many companies start out with a DIY approach and end up reaching out to a consultant.

5. Bring your team with you

If you're committed to a cloud transformation strategy, you want things to change. But is your team ready for it?

Anyone who's managed a team will know that people have wildly different approaches to change. Some welcome it. Some accept it with a shrug. And some actively dislike it.

The point is that you need to bring people with you. The alternative is to invest in an expensive upheaval that no one wants to use.

This applies to both staff and stakeholders. Make sure everyone knows what will happen, when, and how it will affect them. Keep them updated and in the loop.

You could also think about making your company more cloud-friendly. Ways to do this include nominating a member of staff as a cloud mentor and holding regular webinars on cloud computing.

People want to feel that their needs and requirements are, at best, being met and, at the very least, acknowledged. A cloud transformation strategy is no different from any other internal change.

6. Migrate

Whether your internal team handles your migration or an external consultancy firm, the process needs to be handled as safely and non-disruptively as possible.

This involves working around existing deadlines and schedules. It also involves rigorous and regular testing before the migration can take place.

7. Optimise your new cloud environment

Cloud transformation doesn't end with migration, any more than moving house ends with unloading the van.

Once you've migrated, you need to stay on top of your cloud environment to ensure it's optimised and secure. You can do this yourself or get a managed service provider to handle the finer details for you.

Either way, this crucial final stage puts you in a good position to meet the ever-changing needs of the business world.

Are you looking for a consultant or cloud management solution to aid your transformation strategy? At Ascend Cloud Solutions, we've handled more than 400 migrations and counting. Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation consultation.