Overcoming the challenges of reverse migration

The repatriation of the cloud, or cloud reverse migration, signals a growing movement of companies looking to regain control over the high long-term costs and infrastructure dependence imposed by tech giants. This process, though challenging, should not discourage us. A smart and well-considered strategy to exit the cloud can make the transition much smoother.

Challenge 1: Adopting a Phased Approach

Many customers want to migrate their infrastructure all at once, which can be likened to “changing the wheels of a moving vehicle.” However, a good cloud exit strategy does not happen all at once. Some customers have taken up to 18 months to complete their migration. For most companies, it is crucial to understand their infrastructure in detail before considering alternative environments. This phased approach minimizes impact on daily operations.

Challenge 2: Introducing New Technology

Large-scale cloud providers are known to make it difficult to replicate the environment elsewhere. This requires hiring or subcontracting experts to help find or create alternative solutions. For example, when using specific scalable database products, expertise is needed to manually select the right types of instances in a new environment. Be prepared to explore new approaches and technologies, and make adjustments to applications after migration.

Challenge 3: Proper Sizing

When exiting the large-scale environment, it is essential to choose servers that fit your needs. This may involve over or under-sizing the infrastructure and data centers. A good understanding of the statistical data associated with your current environment is key to selecting appropriate servers in the new environment. Working with a hosting partner may involve conducting thorough tests to ensure the correct configuration.

Challenge 4: Data Migration

Data migration can take days or even weeks, depending on the size of the dataset. There are two main options: physical and virtual backups. The former may be faster for large data volumes but involves a time lag. The latter, though slower, may be necessary for smaller datasets. Both options require maintenance window planning to minimize customer impact.

Challenge 5: Duplication Costs

During the migration process, it is common to maintain two infrastructure environments simultaneously. This overlapping period is essential to ensure the new environment functions correctly before completing the migration of the previous infrastructure. Duplication costs should be budgeted from the start of the project to avoid unpleasant surprises. Planning and budgeting this duplication is crucial for a smooth migration process.

Challenge 6: Identifying Third-Party Connections

Most company infrastructures not only depend on internal connectivity but are also connected to multiple external providers. Conducting a thorough audit of all third-party connections and clearly documenting them is a fundamental part of the migration planning process. Working with an infrastructure partner can help ensure that all connections are successfully migrated.

Planning as the Pillar of Cloud Exit Strategy

All these challenges share a common theme: planning. Migration is not something companies do regularly, so meticulous planning and preparedness for any eventuality are crucial. A well-researched, well-funded, and well-planned cloud exit strategy can ensure that the transition causes the least downtime possible for the company and its customers, achieving greater independence and flexibility in the long run.

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