7 Things You Must Get Right When Migrating to the Cloud
Cloud migration is adopting cloud infrastructure and modernizing your current systems for better performance, efficient operations, and faster development cycles. It is a comprehensive process that involves high-level planning, system identification, integration capabilities, governance and security implementation, etc.
It’s no wonder that 70% of cloud migration projects fail due to poor planning and undermining system complexities.
70% of cloud migration projects fail due to poor planning and undermining system complexities.
So, what are the other successfully cloud-adopted companies doing differently? What should supply chain leaders look for while migrating to clouds?
At Syren, we’ve got you covered! We went ahead and narrowed down the steps that should be taken to prevent a major cloud migration failure. Let’s dive in!
Firstly, cloud migration refers to the process of moving current system applications, data, and workloads from in-house data infrastructure or legacy systems to cloud-based environments. This may involve moving current systems to the public (e.g., AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud), private, hybrid, or multi-cloud platforms.
The biggest reason businesses are migrating to the cloud is because it allows cost optimization, scalability, security improvements, and access to advanced cloud-native services. To ensure a failsafe migration process, here are some best practices.
1. Define Your Strategy: (The R Models)
Originally the concept of R models was brought by Gartner in 2010 when they introduced the 5R migration strategy (Rehost, Refactor, Revise, Rebuild, and Replace).
Later, AWS (Amazon Web Services) expanded on the 5R considering the continuous innovations in cloud computing and added 2 new Rs (Retire and Retain) making it a 7R migration strategy model.
Identifying the right strategy for system application is critical to avoid downtime and migrate quickly and efficiently. Let’s understand the R models below:
Rehosting (Lift and Shift)
The “lift and shift” approach involves moving the current system of the business to the cloud as it is or with minimal modifications. This strategy is often suitable for businesses looking for quick migration without big architectural changes and minimal dependencies.
Refactoring (Replatform)
The refactoring strategy involves modification of application code and architecture to take advantage of cloud features without disrupting current systems, often used for scalability and agility.
Revising
The revising strategy involves making changes to the codebase or the architecture of an application, so it can be more effectively integrated into the cloud environment. It is used when data modernization is required but a complete restructuring is not needed.
Rebuilding
The rebuilding strategy involves redeveloping the entire application using cloud-based technology. It may require more resources, but it results in modern applications that are scalable, efficient, and resilient.
Replacing
The replacement strategy involves substituting legacy apps with SaaS applications to make them faster and cost-efficient.
Retiring (Decommission/Discard)
The retiring strategy involves discarding the applications that have become obsolete or redundant, making the system more focused and lessening the system noise.
Retaining (Revisit)
Some applications are not cloud-migratable due to compliance, technical complexity, or business considerations. In these cases, these applications are retained on their existing infrastructure and revisited in subsequent migration plans.
2. Get Your Business Objectives Right!
- Perform a thorough review of current applications, dependencies, and infrastructure to identify feasibility and risks.
- Determine applications most suitable for 7R models.
- Define cost estimates, security needs, and compliance issues before choosing a cloud provider.
3. Choose the Right Cloud Provider
- Compare AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud based on their pricing models, security features, and availability of services.
- Plan for hybrid or multi-cloud deployments for redundancy and flexibility.
4. Create a Migration Roadmap
- Sort applications by complexity, business value, and ROI.
- Create a phased migration schedule with incremental testing of cloud workloads.
5. Migrate and Optimize
- Move workloads in small, controlled batches to minimize disruptions.
- Tune cloud configurations for cost-effectiveness, auto-scaling, and performance optimization.
6. Test, Validate, and Monitor
- Conduct robust performance, security, and functional testing before complete deployment.
- Implement live monitoring dashboards and machine-learning-based anomaly detection to maintain regular system health.
7. Keep These Best Practices in Your Check List
1. Start Small
Take a phased migration strategy to migrate legacy applications step by step. For example, start with non-critical applications before scaling up.
2. Leverage Automation Tools
Deploy AI-driven cloud adoption solutions to implement complete migration, modernization, integration, and security solutions and achieve compliance and avoid risks.
3. Optimize Governance Models
Define policies for resource usage, security compliance, and cost management.
4. Continuous Monitoring
Post-migration monitoring ensures optimal performance and cost-effectiveness.
5. Employee Training
With these 8 steps, supply chain leaders are already driving growth and efficiency in supply chain management. Here are some key benefits.
Key Benefits of Cloud Migration
Cost Savings
With the elimination of physical servers and data center maintenance requirements, 40-50% of traditional IT operating expenses can be saved.
Operational Efficiency
With cloud migration businesses can avoid downtime and get maximum ROI.
Access to Advanced Tools
Cloud providers offer services such as AI-driven analytics, and GPU/TPU servers for complex computation.
Enhanced Security
Leading cloud providers have strong security features such as encryption and compliance certifications. In 2024, 94% of businesses that migrated to the cloud reported improved security and resilience in their operations.
Conclusion
Migrating to the cloud is a transformative journey that can unlock significant business value when executed correctly. By adapting to the right cloud-adopting strategies, addressing challenges proactively, and following best practices, organizations can ensure a seamless transition that drives innovation and growth in the digital era.
According to a McKinsey report, 87% of supply chain leaders say digitization and cloud migration are top priorities for increasing resilience.
Syren’s data experts ensure end-to-end cloud adoption services, a seamless transition so businesses achieve cost savings, enhanced security, and superior performance in the cloud-first era.
Want to know how? Connect with our team to experience the Syren advantage!
