Did you know that cloud migration isn’t just a one-size-fits-all process? As it turns out, there are many different types of ways to access cloud-based resources and storage, which each fit a specific circumstance your business may encounter. In fact, you might run into some of these options as more and more businesses move to the cloud.
Here is a quick guide to some of the most common cloud migration approaches, which will help you navigate your journey to the cloud.
Cloud Migration: Overview
Cloud migration involves moving from traditional self-managed IT infrastructure in on-premise data centers to cloud hosting providers and servers. In essence, it’s the process of transferring digital assets such as data, applications, and various IT resources to the cloud. This shift represents a fundamental change in how organizations manage and utilize their technology stack, paving the way for more flexible and efficient operations.
Cloud hosting allows you to have your servers hosted in a state-of-the-art data center, rather than maintaining them on your own premises (i.e., onsite). This enables you to access your critical business information from anywhere in the world, at any time, through secure connections.
Two types of cloud hosting are the most prevalent, those being Application Hosting and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).
Application Hosting: Application hosting is an outsourced, web-based solution that enables businesses to access software apps and related services through the Internet. This approach to hosting involves utilizing your business applications from a secure private cloud, offering a range of benefits that can significantly enhance your operational efficiency and flexibility.
IaaS: Infrastructure as a Service represents a more flexible hosting service option. While it can include application hosting, IaaS goes several steps further and includes your entire IT infrastructure – everything you need to run your applications – offering a complete virtual IT environment that can be customized to meet your specific business needs.
Benefits of Cloud Migration
Moving your systems and data to the cloud comes with a variety of benefits that can streamline day-to-day operations and improve overall business performance. Here are some key advantages of cloud migration that can help your business grow and adapt to changing demands.
Cost efficiency: Reduction in physical data center maintenance and operational costs
Scalability: Easy adjustment of IT resources in response to fluctuating demands
Security: Advanced security measures and protocols offered by cloud providers
Performance: Improved processing speeds and reduced latency through cloud infrastructure
Accessibility: Have access to your network from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection
Types of Cloud Migration
Retire Strategy
Decommissioning or archiving applications that no longer provide business value. Retiring the application means that you can shut down the servers within that application stack.
Potential Example: A company decides to retire its old, custom-built customer relationship management (CRM) system after migrating to a modern Software as a Service (SaaS) CRM solution. They archive the historical data and shut down the servers hosting the old system.
- Pros:
- Reduces maintenance and hosting costs
- Eliminates security risks from outdated systems
- Simplifies the IT landscape
- Cons:
- Potential loss of historical data
- User resistance to change
- When You Might Use it:
- Legacy applications with minimal usage
- Redundant systems after mergers or acquisitions
- Applications with unsupported operating systems or components
Retain Strategy
Keeping applications in the source environment or postponing migration. You can always choose to migrate these applications in the future, but for now, you are keeping them how they are.
Potential Example: A healthcare provider retains its patient records system on-premises due to strict data privacy regulations while migrating other non-sensitive applications to the cloud.
- Pros:
- Maintains compliance with data residency requirements
- Allows time for proper assessment of high-risk applications
- Preserves recent investments in upgrades
- Cons:
- Could continue reliance on outdated infrastructure
- When You Might Use it:
- Applications with strict data sovereignty requirements
- Recently upgraded systems
- Applications with unresolved physical dependencies
Rehost Strategy
Moving applications to the cloud without significant changes. With this strategy can migrate a large number of devices from multiple platforms to the Cloud without worrying about compatibility, performance disruption, long cutover windows, or long-distance data replications.
Potential Example: A retail company moves its inventory management system from on-premises servers to a new cloud hosting service without changing the application’s architecture or code.
- Pros:
- Fastest migration method
- Minimal changes required, reducing complexity
- Quick realization of some cloud benefits
- Cons:
- May miss cost-saving opportunities
- Could perpetuate existing inefficiencies
- Where You Might Use it:
- Large-scale migrations with time constraints
- Applications that work well as-is but need cloud infrastructure
- Organizations looking to quickly exit a data center
Relocate Strategy
Transferring servers or moving instances between VPCs (virtual private clouds), regions, or accounts. Does not require that you purchase new hardware, rewrite applications, or modify your existing operation.
Potential Example: A multinational corporation relocates its European customer database from an AWS (Amazon Web Services) region in Ireland to a region in Germany to comply with changing data residency requirements.
- Pros:
- Quick migration with minimal disruption
- No need for new hardware or rewrites
- Maintains familiar operational processes
- Cons:
- May not address underlying application issues
- Where You Might Use it:
- Moving between cloud environments
- Reorganizing cloud resources for better management
- Addressing regulatory requirements by changing regions
Repurchase Strategy
Replacing existing applications with new versions or products, often SaaS. Repurchasing the application typically reduces costs associated with maintenance, infrastructure, and licensing.
Potential Example: A company replaces its on-premises email server with Microsoft 365, moving all email, calendar, and collaboration tools to a cloud-based SaaS solution.
- Pros:
- Access to new features and cloud capabilities
- Reduces maintenance and infrastructure management
- Better scalability and accessibility
- Cons:
- May require extensive staff training
- Where You Might Use it:
- Moving from traditional licenses to SaaS
- Replacing custom applications with vendor solutions
- Upgrading to cloud-native versions of existing software
SWK Technologies Can Guide You
Managing multiple vendors for software, application hosting, and IT security often leads to a multitude of complexities and uncertainties when issues arise. Because of this, some cloud service providers may blame software vendors, while network security teams deflect to cloud vendors, leaving you caught in an endless loop of accountability evasion.
However, SWK offers a SWK offers a comprehensive solution to help get your business to the cloud. Secure Cloud Hosting integrates management of accounting software, ERP systems, process automation, compliance solutions, on-premise and cloud-hosted networks, and cybersecurity defenses. By consolidating these services under one roof, we position ourselves as your single-point solution provider, eliminating the need for multiple vendors and streamlining your IT management process.
Start Your Cloud Journey Today with SWK
By understanding these various approaches, you can make informed decisions that align with your organization’s goals and constraints. Whether you choose to rehost, relocate, or completely revamp your IT infrastructure, the cloud offers unparalleled opportunities for growth, efficiency, and innovation. With expert guidance from providers like SWK, you can navigate the complexities of cloud migration and unlock the full potential of cloud technology for your business. Contact us today, and start your journey to the cloud with SWK.