Many CIOs and IT managers think that migrating to the cloud means hosting processing on new servers. Aware of the risk they are taking, these professionals generally start with the least critical applications. As this type of operation is fairly straightforward, it's tempting to think that any migration is just as easy...
Illusions are illusions! It may seem trite to say so. And yet, what CIO or IT manager hasn't been confronted with the reality when it comes to tackling the migration of more complex applications to the cloud?
The reality remains: not every migration operation can be completed with a few clicks of the mouse! Even if the three main cloud providers (Microsoft, Amazon and Google) are multiplying solutions to facilitate migrations, there are many steps to take when tackling specific workloads or applications.
Implementing a cloud migration strategy enables organizations to make the most of the advantages offered by this ecosystem. Provided they don't skip a step.
The start of a migration project inevitably begins with the mapping of your information system. Theoretically, this operation is done regularly, if only to monitor all its flows and detect odd behavior (precursors to an infiltration attempt), but also to meet the challenge of RGPD compliance.
A thousand leaves...
But not all companies have an exhaustive, up-to-date map, especially those that have acquired competitors or subcontractors in recent years. Their information systems resemble a patchwork quilt.
The first step, however, is to count all the layers of this "mille feuilles" to determine which systems should be migrated first. This is not a simple decision. Hence the recommendation to use a cost-benefit analysis process for each cloud migration project to prioritize them.
This should ensure that if you only carry out the first migration project on the list this year, you will have chosen the one that will bring the most benefits in relation to the company's expenses.
When analyzing the benefits of migration, you should also take into account any current bottlenecks or service problems you may have experienced during the containment period or with the introduction of teleworking. For example, has your in-house hotline proved an obstacle to flexible working? If so, it might make sense to consider migrating to an online platform.
Although an entirely (or mainly) cloud-based environment is the goal of many companies, a certain degree of local resources still have their place. The reasons can be varied: data confidentiality (even if cloud hosting - coupled with an internally managed encryption system - represents serious security guarantees), very specific business applications...
Similarly, having local resources opens up the possibility of caching or resilience for offices whose connection is not optimal for full cloud operation.
Internal and external responsibilities
Good practice also includes technical and organizational support. In a nutshell, who's going to handle the migration? Not all companies have the right profiles in-house. Migration involves a number of important considerations, such as technological choices, processes (migration management and migration itself), selection of the right tools, costs...
For databases, replication and synchronization mechanisms can be managed automatically by the provider via managed services or PaaS.
But not all migration challenges can be met with the tools available from providers. Hence the need to call on the expertise of service providers specialized in this type of project.
In conclusion, a successful cloud migration project requires a methodical approach. It's also a two-way process. Make sure that your key stakeholders are engaged, that they understand the project deadlines, and that they know what is expected of them and when.
How many projects start out with well-defined specifications, only to be derailed by late delivery or rising costs? That's why it's essential to plan internal and external roles and responsibilities.
PS:
Once your migration project is complete, you'll almost certainly have hardware and software that you no longer need. Make sure you've thought about how to dispose of them safely, especially with regard to data confidentiality...
