Cloud migration has become one of the key strategies for companies looking to optimize their operations and improve efficiency. According to a McKinsey report, by the end of 2024, companies will invest 8 out of every 10 euros in cloud services, such as private cloud, IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. However, the success of a cloud migration depends on a critical phase: cloud migration discovery.
What is the discovery phase in cloud migration?
The discovery phase is the first fundamental step in the process of migrating applications, infrastructure, and data from on-premise servers to the cloud. During this phase, organizations gather a detailed view of their existing IT infrastructure, allowing them to plan for an efficient migration. This process not only identifies the applications and resources that will be migrated, but also the best strategy to do so, avoiding complications during the move.
Companies often face challenges such as additional costs and delays if the migration process is not properly coordinated. In fact, McKinsey points out that companies spend 14% more than initially planned and 38% experience delays of more than three months. However, a well-executed discovery can reduce migration costs by up to 30%, ensuring that the project stays within budget and established timelines.
Migration strategies: the 7 Rs
Before embarking on the migration, companies must select the right strategy for each application. These are the key seven strategies, known as the “7 Rs”:
- Retire: Identify and remove obsolete applications that are no longer needed. This reduces complexity and costs.
- Replatforming: Slightly optimize applications to take advantage of cloud benefits without changing their fundamental architecture.
- Refactoring: Redesign applications to make the most of cloud-native features.
- Relocation: Move entire data centers to the cloud without modifying applications.
- Rehosting: Transfer applications to the cloud with minimal changes.
- Repurchasing: Switch to cloud-based products, such as a CRM in the cloud.
- Retain: Keep certain applications on on-premise servers, usually for security or dependency reasons.
The importance of discovery
The discovery phase is crucial for identifying which strategy is most suitable for each application and how to align IT needs with resources in the cloud. A thorough analysis of the infrastructure allows companies to optimize costs, identify potential risks, and ensure a smooth migration.
For example, some applications can be migrated quickly with minor adjustments, while others require a complete modernization to take advantage of the private cloud. This strategic planning not only reduces risks but also improves long-term performance and efficiency.
Maintaining business continuity
An essential aspect of cloud migration is business continuity. With careful planning and effective execution, companies can minimize downtime and ensure that their operations continue without significant interruptions during the migration. This is essential to avoid operational losses and ensure a smooth transition.
Resource optimization
Cloud migration also allows companies to optimize the use of their resources. Transitioning from on-premise infrastructures to the cloud offers the advantage of dynamic scalability, enabling capacity management according to demand. Companies like HBO, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, MiTele Plus, or Netflix use this approach to efficiently scale their streaming services, reducing costs and ensuring optimal performance during peak demand.
Enhanced security and compliance
Cloud migration also improves security levels and regulatory compliance. Cloud service providers, such as Stackscale, offer advanced security features and ensure compliance with specific regulations. This is particularly relevant for sectors like healthcare, where data security is critical. Applications migrated to the cloud can benefit from robust security measures that protect user privacy and ensure compliance with regulations like HIPAA.
Essential steps for a successful migration strategy
To ensure the success of a cloud migration, it is necessary to follow a set of well-defined steps:
- Validate discovery data: Confirm the accuracy and completeness of the information gathered during the discovery phase.
- Identify business and technical drivers: Understand the reasons behind the migration, such as cost reduction or performance improvement.
- Validate migration strategies: Evaluate different strategies for moving applications to the cloud and select the most suitable one.
- Validate migration patterns: Use proven solutions that minimize risks and maximize efficiency during migration.
Disaster recovery in cloud migration
Implementing an effective disaster recovery strategy is essential during cloud migration. Ensuring regular backups, redundancy mechanisms, and automatic failover systems guarantees that companies can quickly recover from any unexpected interruption. Providers like Stackscale (Aire Group) offer solutions that ensure business continuity by using multiple data centers in different locations, reducing the risk of significant losses.
Cloud migration discovery is an essential step to ensure a successful transition to the cloud. With the support of providers like Stackscale, companies can optimize their resources, improve security, and ensure business continuity, all while reducing costs and gaining agility. If your company is considering a cloud migration, it is crucial to have experts guide each step of the process to ensure a successful and secure implementation.