Are you considering migrating your business to the cloud? If so, you’re not alone! Cloud migration has become a popular choice for organizations looking to reduce costs and improve efficiency. However, with this transition comes many questions about what it entails and how it works. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 frequently asked questions about cloud migration and provided detailed answers to help guide you through the process. So buckle up and get ready to learn all about migrating to the cloud!
Introduction to Cloud Migration
The word “cloud” may have once sounded like a trendy, futuristic buzzword, but now it’s an integral part of our daily routines, impossible to avoid! The decision to adopt the cloud is a huge one, filled with dilemmas and uncertainties that can be both daunting and thrilling. Is it too expensive? Will it require a complete overhaul of my processes? How safe is it? How long will it take? What should I move? These questions are all relevant and need to be answered to dispel any misconceptions. It’s crucial to have a solid understanding of the key concepts and best practices before taking the plunge, especially in times like these where cloud migration can be the silver bullet for many to combat the recession.
That’s why Data Dynamics and Microsoft teamed up to present an exhilarating live webinar entitled “The Cloud Migration F.A.Q.: Frequently Asked Questions” on March 22, 2023. Whether you’re just starting out or already in the process, we are confident that the information presented in this 30-minute session will prove valuable. Watch the replay here.
During this session, Tim Kresler, a Product Manager and Industry Expert at Microsoft, and Cuong Le, the Chief Strategy Officer at Data Dynamics, shared their insights on the five most commonly asked questions about migrating to the cloud.
Top 5 FAQs About Cloud Migration
1. Moving to the cloud is all about LIFT-&-SHIFT DATA MIGRATIONS. How tough can that be?
While the lift and shift approach to cloud migration can be a quick way to move applications and data to the cloud, it may not be the best option for all organizations. Intelligent data-driven migrations, on the other hand, can offer several benefits that can help organizations optimize their cloud migration process.
Here are some reasons why:
- Cost optimization: Cloud is not necessarily an expensive investment if enterprises can identify which applications and data are best suited for the cloud environment rather than migrating everything all at once. By analyzing data and application usage patterns, they can identify which resources are necessary, which can be archived in lower tiers and which can be decommissioned (ROT) to reduce cloud costs.
- Performance optimization: Analyzing application performance and usage patterns, can help optimize application performance on the cloud. This can include rational utilization of cloud resources, identifying bottlenecks, and ensuring that the applications are running at peak performance.
- Security optimization: By identifying and categoring PII/business sensitive data from the rest, enterprises can ensure their data is secure on the cloud. This can include identifying security risks, implementing appropriate access controls, and ensuring that your data is properly encrypted.
- Compliance optimization: Although there is a lot of discussion around transferring all enterprise data to the cloud, the reality may not be so straightforward. In order to comply with regulatory requirements, enterprises must guarantee complete adherence before making the move to the cloud. This involves determining which data should be kept on-premises and which can be migrated to the cloud, as well as ensuring that the cloud infrastructure satisfies all regulatory compliance criteria.
- Reduced downtime: By analyzing application dependencies and usage patterns, enterprise can reduce downtime during the migration process. This can include identifying which applications can be migrated in parallel and which applications require downtime.
2. Cloud looks EXPENSIVE. Can it be put on hold till the economy gets better?
Cloud computing can be perceived as expensive due to the initial costs associated with migrating to the cloud and the ongoing expenses of maintaining the cloud infrastructure. However, it is important to consider the potential cost savings and benefits that cloud computing can provide in the long run.
The cloud is much cheaper than running on-premises data centers that keep increasing basis client and market dynamics. According to Gartner research, “cloud services can initially be more expensive than running on-premises data centers. [However, it also proves that] cloud services can become cost-effective over time if organizations learn to use and operate them more efficiently.” The assertion is supported by an instance of workload migration for 2,500 virtual machines from a physical data center to Amazon Web Services EC2. The total cost of ownership (TCO) example, as depicted in the figure below, demonstrates an initial rise in cloud expenses, followed by a consistent decrease as businesses acquire knowledge on how to implement cost optimization techniques (as outlined in this other framework). The graph also illustrates that on-premises expenses may persist for an extended period as companies may require additional time to decommission their data centers.
Of course, for companies to realize these benefits cloud transformations should be driven jointly by IT and the business. In addition, they must define and adopt a data-oriented migration strategy so they can make the most of the cloud post-migration and post-divestiture, whether the strategy is rehosting (“lift-and-shift”), re-platforming, refactoring, or something else. Choosing the right strategy and carefully planning the cloud migration are both vital because without them, organizations may miss out on the key benefits of migrating to the cloud.
For successful cloud migration, it’s important to get full visibility into the data ecosystem. This means that the organization must identify data and establish its location and ownership so they know what data they are collecting, how, and why. They must also optimize and standardize the data so it can be stored properly, is findable, and can be analyzed, regardless of which entity will be using it. Then implement data security measures to protect PII/PHI/business sensitive data – Discover – Quarantine – Access Contol – Audit.
Plus, the data lifecycle should be managed all the way from collection and analysis to storage, retrieval, archival, and deletion. Data lifecycle management will help maintain visibility into its data ecosystem (on-prem and cloud) and effectively use its data assets to generate actionable insights and guide decision-making.
3. My data is more SECURE & COMPLIANT on-premise than on the cloud. Am I right?
The decision to keep data on-premise versus moving it to the cloud is a complex one that depends on various factors. In terms of security and compliance, both options have their own advantages and disadvantages. However, it’s not necessarily accurate to assume that on-premise is always more secure and compliant than the cloud.
Here are some factors to consider:
- Physical security: When data is on-premise, it’s stored in physical servers within an organization’s premises, making it easier to control access and monitor physical security measures. However, cloud providers have stringent physical security measures in place, such as biometric authentication, video surveillance, and access controls, to ensure the safety of data stored in their data centers.
- Network security: The Cloud uses advanced network security measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and VPNs, to protect data in transit. On-premise systems may not have the same level of protection, especially if they are not managed by dedicated IT teams.
- Compliance: Cloud providers are often certified to meet various compliance standards, such as HIPAA, SOC 2, and PCI DSS, making it easier for organizations to achieve compliance. However, some industries, such as government and defense, have strict regulations that require data to be stored on-premise.
- Data backup and recovery: Leading providers such as Azure, GCP and AWS typically have robust backup and recovery systems in place, which can be more efficient and reliable than on-premise systems. Additionally, they may offer geographic redundancy, which ensures that data is replicated in multiple data centers to protect against data loss due to disasters.
- Cost: On-premise systems can require significant upfront investment in hardware, software, and IT staff, whereas cloud solutions can offer a more cost-effective pay-as-you-go model.
4. Is EXPERT-LEVEL SKILL required for cloud migration or can my team handle it?
Cloud migration involves moving an organization’s IT infrastructure, data, and applications from an on-premise environment to the cloud. While cloud providers offer tools and services to make the process easier, there are still several challenges that need to be addressed.
Whether an expert-level skill is required for cloud migration or if the team can handle it depends on several factors, including the complexity of the migration, the size of the organization, the team’s expertise and experience, and the resources available.
Here are some factors to consider:
- Complexity of the migration: Cloud migration can be a complex process, especially if an organization has a large and diverse IT infrastructure. The migration process may involve various components, such as databases, applications, storage, and networking, and may require expertise in multiple areas. If the migration is complex, it may require expert-level skills to ensure a smooth and successful transition.
- Size of the organization: The size of the organization can also determine whether expert-level skills are required for cloud migration. Large organizations with complex IT environments may have dedicated IT teams with expertise in cloud migration. Smaller organizations may not have the resources to hire dedicated experts and may rely on the existing team to handle the migration.
- Team’s expertise and experience: The team’s expertise and experience in cloud migration are critical factors in determining whether expert-level skills are required. If the team has experience in cloud migration and is familiar with the cloud provider’s tools and services, they may be able to handle the migration without expert-level skills. However, if the team is inexperienced in cloud migration, they may require expert-level skills to ensure a successful transition.
- Resources available: The resources available, including time, budget, and tools, can also determine whether expert-level skills are required. If the organization has a tight deadline, a limited budget, or lacks the necessary tools, expert-level skills may be required to complete the migration within the required timeframe and budget.
In conclusion, a thorough assessment of the organization’s needs, resources, and expertise can help determine the best approach. If the organization has a complex IT infrastructure, lacks the necessary expertise and experience, or has limited resources, it may be best to seek expert-level skills to ensure a successful cloud migration.
5. Cloud migration is a DISRUPTIVE CHANGE and will affect my operations. Why should I do it?
The level of disruption largely depends on the migration approach and the level of planning and preparation. In some scenarios, such as greenfield development, or hybrid cloud, cloud migration may not be a disruptive change and may not have a significant impact on an organization’s operations. However, there are some compelling reasons why organizations should consider migrating to the cloud, especially given the ongoing economic turmoil. Here are some of the main reasons:
- Cost savings: In the current economic climate, cost savings are more critical than ever. Cloud computing can offer significant cost savings compared to on-premise infrastructure. By migrating to the cloud, organizations can reduce their capital expenditures, lower their operating costs, and pay only for the resources they use. This can help organizations weather the economic downturn and remain competitive.
- Flexibility: Cloud computing offers greater flexibility than on-premise infrastructure. Cloud providers offer a range of resources, such as compute, storage, and network, that can be scaled up or down as needed. This means that organizations can adjust their resources to meet changing demand and optimize their operations accordingly.
- Remote work: The ongoing economic turmoil has led to a surge in remote work. Cloud computing can support remote work by providing employees with access to the resources they need from anywhere in the world. This can help organizations maintain business continuity and remain productive, even during times of crisis.
- Agility: Organizations need to be agile and responsive to the ever-changing market dynamics. Cloud computing can provide organizations with the agility they need to respond quickly to market & consumer demands. By leveraging cloud providers’ tools and services, organizations can innovate and experiment more quickly and remain competitive.
- Efficiency: Cloud computing can improve operational efficiency by automating routine tasks and streamlining workflows. Cloud providers offer a range of tools and services that can help organizations optimize their operations, such as machine learning, analytics, and automation.
- Security: The increased used of technology has led to an increase in cyber threats. This threat is amplified when the situation around us in not in our control and business across the globe are struggling to stay afloat. Cloud providers invest heavily in security and compliance measures to protect their customers’ data. By migrating to the cloud, organizations can take advantage of these measures and improve their security posture.
Introducing the Azure File Migration Program – the ultimate solution for seamless cloud adoption for enterprises
Azure is a top choice for enterprises moving to the cloud due to its comprehensive set of cloud services, robust security and compliance features, hybrid cloud solutions, cost management tools, and active partner ecosystem. These features make Azure an ideal platform for enterprises looking to leverage the benefits of the cloud while meeting their specific business needs and regulatory requirements.
Excitingly, Azure and Data Dynamics have joined forces to expedite the adoption of cloud computing.
Microsoft Azure has introduced Azure File Migration Program to identify the risks and complexities in unstructured data migration and make it cost-effective. Under this program, Azure offers its customers an industry-leading file migration solution at ZERO COST using Data Dynamics award-winning cloud data migration software. It provides a free, intelligent, swift, safe, and secure way to migrate petabytes of unstructured file and object data to the Azure cloud. Click here to know more.
Click here to check out how Data Dynamics utilized the Azure File Migration Program to help one of the world’s seven multinational energy “supermajors” Fortune 50 companies accelerate its net zero emission goals while driving digital transformation.
Data Dynamics’ StorageX is the preferred Azure file migration solution for many reasons. Here are a few:
- Intelligent data management across on-premise, azure, and hybrid cloud
- Structuring unstructured data across heterogeneous & Microsoft data sources with classification tagging for ownership, access, metadata, and content
- Intelligent data placement closest to applications meeting data governance and compliance requirements
- Automated data migrations to Azure files, Azure NetApp files & Azure Blob
- Automated access control and file security management
- 3X faster migrations, 10X more productivity, 60% reduced TCO, and FREE migrations
- In-year ROI on software investment and data growth in Azure applies to their Microsoft Azure Commit to Consume (MACC)
- High-touch customer engagement model with training and 24/7 support.
- Comprehensive Data Management Solution where enterprises can unlock end-to-end data management capabilities such as Data Analytics, Security, and Compliance
The importance of cloud computing is increasing every year, and in 2023, it will become even more crucial as businesses recognize its potential to enhance efficiency, reduce expenses, and improve agility. As the demand for cloud services grows, it is essential for organizations to partner with a reliable cloud provider that can assist them in meeting their requirements and achieving maximum business growth. Furthermore, businesses must move beyond traditional lift and shift migrations and embrace a data-driven migration approach, starting with the organization of unstructured data. By leveraging the power of cloud computing and unified data management, businesses can maintain a competitive edge in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
To know more about the Azure File Migration program or how Data Dynamics can help accelerate your journey to the cloud, visit our website or contact us at azure@datdyn.com I (713)-491-4298 I +44-(20)-45520800
