Switching to cloud computing is the goal of large numbers of businesses at the moment. It’s easy to see why. Cloud adoption:
- Saves you money
- Increases your security
- Boosts your green credentials
- Lets you work from anywhere
- Makes it easier for you to collaborate
That’s not to mention the close-to-zero downtime and the flexibility of being able to scale your cloud computing solutions to what you need them to do for you.
A move to cloud computing can sound like a lot of work outset. Especially if you’ve already migrated some systems on an ad hoc basis. Or you’re not really sure what the move would entail…
What is the cloud?
The “cloud” is, essentially, the internet. Being on the “cloud” is the phrase used to describe the on-demand method of delivering computing services sometimes referred to as SaaS (Software as a Service).
This is where the service provider has all the necessary hardware and software. As the consumer, you simply turn services on and off as and when you need them.
This means that all of your files and programs are stored with your service provider rather than on your own computers or servers. This has a huge number of advantages, some of which are outlined above.
How cloud adoption works
If you do it right, cloud adoption can be a straightforward, stress-free process.
When we’re helping our clients migrate to the cloud with our cloud computing service, this is the kind of process we suggest they follow:
1) Analysis
At this stage, you might not know much about cloud computing. You might also not be sure how much it will benefit your business.
That’s why the first step is a full cost-benefit analysis. This will show you the full value you will get by making the switch to the cloud. This includes downtime and cost analysis for scenarios such as office moves, working from home, employee absence, or hardware updates.
At this stage, you might also want to begin to consider how you will facilitate a business-wide switch.
2) Planning
Moving to cloud-based computing is easiest when you have a carefully thought-out plan in place. Your plan should include:
- Governance – who is going to be in charge of your new system?
- Resources – what do you need to make migration happen?
- Organisational changes – how will your business need to adapt to use your new systems?
- Approach – how are you going to go about it?
- Timeframe – how long is this going to take?
Also, if you don’t already have standardised technical processes and a security system which can scale to suit your needs in place, now will be the time to make sure you do.
3) Migration
Putting your plan into action comes next. The goal is to make everything as impact-free as possible as far as your day-to-day business operations are concerned.
The best way to do this is often a staggered approach. With the help of your IT support partner or internal IT department, you’ll already have planned which applications to:
- Migrate to the cloud
- Replace with cloud-based options
- Remove from your portfolio altogether
Now you will start to work through these – application by application or possibly process by process – until you have migrated in full.
4) Monitoring and improvement
Your migration to the cloud is now basically complete. But that’s no reason to be content with the improvements to your processes and bottom line you’ve already achieved.
Plus, although you will have chosen the cloud-based providers you’ll be using carefully, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be monitoring what they do for you. Perhaps you could be getting a better deal or a better service elsewhere.
Moving forward, the proper monitoring and regular optimisation of your IT processes is the best way to ensure you are getting full value from cloud adoption.
Are you considering migrating to the cloud? Dial A Geek makes it easy.
We help businesses across Bristol avoid expensive downtime, making your transition to the cloud as smooth as possible.
Give us a call on 0117 369 4335. You can also fill in our form to send us your enquiry by email.
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