To comprehend what are the key advantages of migrating to the cloud, we must first understand what cloud migration entails. In the digital age, many of us interact with cloud services without even realizing it. If you’ve ever used digital tools like Google Drive, Office 365, Zoom, or Sharepoint, then you’ve engaged with the cloud. So, what exactly is cloud migration?
Simply put, cloud migration is the process of moving essential services from on-premises or collocated hardware to a cloud provider, such as Google Cloud Platform, Amazon Web Services, or Microsoft Azure. These service providers empower you to manage IT infrastructure remotely, eliminating the hassles, security risks, and costs associated with maintaining on-premises hardware.
Unraveling the Complexity of Cloud Migration
Cloud migration is a unique process for each business, much like a fingerprint. The intricacies of cloud migration are shaped by the number of resources involved in each project. It’s possible to migrate a multitude of platforms to the cloud, including business services, web/mobile applications, IoT, edge servers, CRM support systems, productivity software, enterprise databases, remote desktops, SD-WAN, network administration tools, and more.
Public cloud hosts like AWS, Microsoft, IBM, Google, and Oracle equip businesses with high-speed fiber-optic internet connections across multiple data centers worldwide. This enables businesses to operate at a speed and scale that outmatch even the largest Fortune 500 companies. These hosts have also increased the programming, web development, and mobile application support resources available on their platforms, ensuring speed, support, and reliability for your cloud-hosted business operations.
Key Advantages of Migrating to the Cloud
Enhanced Security
When executed correctly, cloud can provide more robust security than traditional network systems. The cloud comprises systems, networks, and applications that must be securely configured and maintained under a “shared responsibility” model. Companies like Amazon have built their cloud offering from scratch, prioritizing security. Their cloud offering is designed with privacy and security at its core, unlike other networks.
A survey by Microsoft Office 365 reveals that nearly 94% of SMBs acknowledge the heightened security offered by the cloud. Moreover, with your data stored in the cloud, it’s accessible regardless of what happens to your physical machinery.
Scalability
Cloud migration equips your company with the agility to scale up or down based on your IT requirements and business strategy. Cloud migration empowers organizations to dramatically reshape their infrastructure and workloads to meet current needs without being tied down by past equipment and assets.
Cost Efficiency
Cloud migration can help minimize operational costs while enhancing IT processes. By moving to the cloud, you only pay for what you use, eliminating the need to maintain expensive data centers. A Datometry survey of 166 IT Leaders showed 61% of companies move their computing to the cloud to cut costs.
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Seamless Integration
Migrating to the cloud enables your business to connect systems together effortlessly, improving efficiency across all your services. Cloud services and applications are consistently enhanced, updated, and expanded based on business needs and consumer preferences.
Accessibility
With your data stored in the cloud, it’s accessible irrespective of what happens to your physical machinery. Cloud migration means members of your organization can access necessary data and business information from anywhere in the world on any device.
The Importance of Experienced Cloud Migration Consultants
The experience of cloud migration consultants can ensure a smooth transition. They can help businesses expand and grow seamlessly while working within the existing infrastructure. This means applications and data can grow without impacting your business performance or customer experience.
How Cloud Migration Can Save You Money
Cloud migration allows your business to free up space and capital, enabling you to innovate, grow, and change as your business evolves. According to a study by Accenture, enterprises running cloud services save most on energy costs after switching.
The Pay-as-you-go Approach of Cloud Migration
Many public cloud companies charge under a “pay as you go” approach. The cost of a data center includes more than just your upfront investment costs. For example, your business will be responsible for ongoing support, maintenance, power, cooling, and staffing, which can be significant in today’s business environment.
The Role of Cloud Migration in Increasing Productivity
Your business can increase productivity and profitability by optimizing to scale up or down to meet demands and only use the resources you need. Your cloud provider can also manage the complexity of your infrastructure so you can focus on what matters most, your business.
The Accessibility Advantage of Cloud Migration
The simplicity and ease of the cloud’s remote access mean that your team can focus on working hard and growing your business. Furthermore, after a cloud migration, your team won’t need to be at a specific location to deploy, update, or fix issues with any of the various machines being used.
Conclusion: What Are The Key Advantages of Migrating to The Cloud?
In conclusion, migrating to the cloud offers numerous benefits to your business and customers. For many clients, a successful cloud migration reduces costs, improves scalability, and significantly reduces the risk of a cyber incident that could disrupt your business. If your business needs increased security, optimized scalability, reduced costs, smarter integrations, and greater access to business-critical functionality, it’s time to consider a cloud migration.