Four questions a business needs to consider before migrating to the cloud

Four questions a business needs to consider before migrating to the cloud

By Special Guest
Jack Roberts
  |  October 06, 2021



Cloud-based and leased line services are becoming more commonly used by businesses. This has been the case for several years but with the rise of remote working, being able to access business data and software like Microsoft 365 from anywhere and using any device is becoming more important. The cloud provides businesses with this flexibility. There are multiple other benefits to using the cloud, such as scalability, lower costs on infrastructure, improved security and more flexibility.

If you’re considering migrating your business to the cloud there are a few things to think about before you make your decision. This blog looks in more detail at four questions a business needs to consider before migrating to the cloud.

What are the benefits for your business?

If you opt for cloud-based services you need to be certain that your business is going to benefit from them and that the decision makes sense for your organisational needs. Every organisation is unique so it’s important to ask what the benefits are for your business specifically. Whilst cloud-based services come with multiple benefits, it’s important to ask if these are things your business needs and if they will help you to operate more effectively.

For example, if your team works remotely or works across multiple sites, cloud-based services can be valuable for collaboration. This can help your business to increase its productivity and efficiency. If your current infrastructure is expensive to run, choosing the cloud can help to lower the costs. Think about what your business really needs and how the cloud can meet those needs.

Which provider is right for your business?

There are lots of different cloud providers to choose from and it’s important to compare the options and find the one that best suits your organisation. Different providers offer different features and services so think about what your business needs and which providers can meet those needs. Similarly, the cost of cloud services varies between different providers and depends on the size and level of service you require. It’s important to understand what your budget is and choose a provider that gives you the services you need at a cost that works for you.

When you’re comparing the options, look at factors like how reliable the provider is, their standards for compliance, and the security that they offer. Another important issue to consider is the agreement you’ll need to enter into. Find out about what sort of terms and conditions you’ll need to agree to, as well as the length of the contract, and make sure these suit your business.

What type of cyber security should you consider?

There’s no doubt that cyber security and email security is important. Cloud services typically offer better security than physical infrastructure. Data separation is vital for cloud services to ensure that your company’s data doesn’t become mixed with that of other companies. It’s important to consider the levels of cyber security that your business requires and ensure that cloud-based services are able to meet those needs.

If your organisation stores large amounts of highly sensitive or confidential information, you might believe that an on-site system is a more effective solution. However, the cloud allows you to control user access and offers effective cyber security. When you’re choosing a provider, check their security measures and certifications to ensure that you’re getting the level of security you need.

What infrastructure will you need to support the migration?

The infrastructure you need for using the cloud might differ from the infrastructure you already have in place. When thinking about migrating to the cloud, it’s important to consider what infrastructure you’re going to need and how much of an additional expense putting this in place will be. Infrastructure that you’re likely to need for your migration includes servers, storage devices, deployment and cloud management software, and a network. The network is one of the most important infrastructure elements that allows you to connect to the cloud.

If you’re considering migrating to the cloud, plan ahead and think about the infrastructure your business needs. The time and cost of putting this in place could be a deciding factor in whether migrating to the cloud makes sense for your organisation.



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