What Does the Cloud Migration Strategy Like?

Cloud migration strategy is a process by which businesses transition their data from one type of server or storage device to another to take advantage of newer technologies without rebuilding their entire system from scratch.

To accomplish this feat, they must first identify all data sources and then plan out how to move each data source or device.

For example, a company wants to upgrade its computers without technologically overhauling the building in which they're located (this would cost way too much).

The plan is called cloud migration strategy.

They decide that by upgrading the small number of high-performing devices they already have and then adding new storage space from an offsite location (which can serve as a backup server).

As a result, they'll be able to accommodate new programs and other technology without any major changes.

It also means less downtime for their employees and more accessibility for customers with handheld devices like smartphones and tablets.

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The Cloud Migration Process

The cloud migration process, or strategy, can be broken into three parts:

Data Discovery

The business must first identify all data sources and record them in an organized way.

This information will then serve as a road map for the next operation phase when they move each piece of data to its own storage device.

Data Transfer

It is the phase where all existing data will be moved from one source to another using various protocols, including FTP, HTTP, or NLB (network load balancing).

The business should create a backup plan if the data moves at an unacceptable pace by adding more servers to help with the transfers or by contacting another company specializing in cloud migration strategy.

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Data Storage

Once data is transferred, it can be stored on local drives and offsite to protect against natural disasters and other catastrophic events.

Then, new devices will begin running programs while older machines are decommissioned and sold at auction (or recycled via e-cycling sites ) so that they don't take up valuable office space.

(This process might involve a separate data migration strategy handled by the business's in-house IT department.)

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Types of Cloud Migration Strategies

Several types of cloud migration strategies include re-hosting, platform change, re-acquisition, code restructuring, decommissioning, and retention.

Re-hosting

When a company decides to migrate certain platforms from an onsite location to the cloud, they're said to be re-hosting.

For example, businesses will often do this when they've recently upgraded their servers with new technology but still need additional storage space and processing power.

They can then turn those “spare” computers that aren't being used into cloud-based resources for employees and customers.

Platform Change

In some cases, businesses will also switch over entirely from one type of platform to another by moving data from onsite servers and devices to the cloud.

An example might be if, instead of using Linux or Windows Server software, a company decides it wants its OS (operating system) migrated over to something like Google's Chrome OS to give employees a better experience while they're accessing data.

Re-acquisition

Sometimes, it's necessary to “re-acquire” certain apps and programs after they've been moved to the cloud.

This usually happens when there aren't enough onsite computers or servers to support the new software, so additional devices must be acquired for everything to function properly.

For example, suppose an individual wasn't satisfied with their virtual desktop migration strategy (VDT).

In that case, they may decide that more specific hardware (such as a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet) is needed to continue using the app.

Code Restructuring

Sometimes, cloud migration strategies will involve transferring data and restructuring code so that all applications are available to both the cloud and onsite locations.

Whenever this occurs, it may be necessary to set up a separate virtual machine (VM) for each server to spread them out to not become overloaded with data.

Decommissioning

When decommissioning happens, older devices will no longer support the new applications in place of the cloud migration strategy.

For example, suppose an individual's business uses Microsoft Office 365 software but hasn't upgraded its servers or machines since 2010.

In that case, some of the hardware might not have enough memory or processing power to handle everything properly, so old computers would have to be sold off at auction or recycled via sites that accept used electronics for free.

Retention

It is when businesses will keep older systems in place despite a cloud migration strategy because they need to retain certain older files or data.

If an individual decides on a VDT, for example, he may still wish to keep his hard drive and local OS so that he doesn't lose any necessary information for day-to-day operations.

Benefits of Cloud Migrations to an Organization

Businesses can see quite a few benefits from going into the cloud.

Perhaps the biggest perk is that it makes it easy for companies to expand.

Since everything happens online, an individual doesn't need additional servers or hardware to support a growing staff or increase production.

As long as more virtual machines are added (trained IT professionals then manage that), there should be no operational problems.

Another benefit of migrating to the cloud is that businesses can enjoy increased efficiency and productivity without spending money on expensive new technology because they're already using applications like email, office programs, databases, etc.

Challenges of Migrating to the Cloud

Challenges of migrating to the cloud include downtime, data loss, resource management, and compatibility:

Downtime

even though cloud-based systems can let companies grow faster and more efficiently, it doesn't mean that there aren't any potential issues.

For example, any kind of migration from one platform to another will incur downtime, so services and applications may be unavailable during the transition process.

This means that employees won't be able to access their emails or other cloud resources until everything is back up and running, which could cause some issues for people working on tight deadlines.

Data Loss

since cloud migration strategies involve a lot of data transfer between physical servers and online locations, it's possible for errors or malfunctions to occur, which might cause loss and even corruption of files.

While most programs have safeguards to prevent these kinds of problems from occurring, it doesn't mean that they won't happen.

If an organization's data is lost (or worse, compromised), that could cause financial and reputational damage for both the company and individual.

Resource Management

the cloud puts a lot of power into the hands of very few people.

While this can benefit businesses, what if some of these individuals become corrupted or aren't competent enough to handle everything? This would result in poor performance on their part and likely slow down response times across multiple platforms, affecting service levels and product quality.

Compatibility

perhaps one of the biggest challenges with cloud migration strategies is compatibility issues between physical machines and cloud resources.

Even though many apps function similarly, there are bound to be differences between hardware that runs a local operating system and software that sits on the Internet.

If there are incompatibilities between cloud resources and physical machines, it can cause an organization to incur additional costs for upgrades or even major software overhauls.

Businesses can experience a lot of benefits from migrating to the cloud.

However, some challenges come with this type of migration as well.

To get around these issues, organizations should create comprehensive cloud migration strategies that will lay out important steps and timelines to ensure that everything goes smoothly after big changes have been made.

This way, if some challenges occur, they will be easier to manage or even eliminate.

By taking these kinds of precautions, businesses can ensure that their transition into the cloud will be smooth and successful!