All You Wanted To Know About Cloud Migration

By Author: Marjorie W. Moreland
Total Articles: 7
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Cloud migration should be done in well laid down stages. The entire organization data and application should be moved to the cloud in small manageable batches as you try to adapt. This gives room to check and solve any inconsistencies as you prepare for further migration.

The cloud computing model is one of the most recent technology trends. In the short time it has been around, it has managed to stir so much hype in relation to its benefits that many organizations and individuals are entirely embracing the trend. Basically the cloud model of computing involves the provision and use of computing resources as a service or utility that is accessed over a network like the Internet or other secure wide area networks.

Many organizations that have embraced it are already using traditional on-site datacenters, located behind a private firewall for data and application storage. To fully enjoy and benefit from cloud computing, a transfer from these datacenters to a cloud based system is required. This is referred to as cloud migration. Although it can be quite challenging, the long term benefits are worth it. Let's look ...
... at what is involved in this process.

The first main consideration is the type of cloud that will be implemented, private or public. Both have their merits and demerits that should be keenly considered. Some of the points to consider when choosing between the two are availability, security, integration and type of network access required. Like in any organizational task, proper analysis and planning is essential. Cost is usually the major factor, both short and long term. The organization should carefully analyze what will be the cost to them for the migration and if necessary choose a service that will not be too costly without compromising the service provision in terms of availability and data integrity. The time cost should also be considered bearing in mind that large volumes of data might require a bit of local server time, especially if it is a complete migration and not mirrored.

Migration to the cloud should be done in well laid down stages or in steps. The entire organization data and application should be moved to the cloud in small manageable batches as you try to adapt. This gives room to check and solve any inconsistencies as you prepare for further and maybe complete migration.

A reliable Integration platform should be available to synchronize the application to be moved to a cloud and those running on-site in the organization. This will ensure uniform and uninterrupted running of the organization. When considering migrating, look out for a cloud platform that is open ended, meaning you can easily move into and out of later, without the risk of vendor lock in. This is important because the cloud infrastructure is yet to have well laid out industry standards.

Cloud monitoring and management is another big issue for consideration. Take earnest note of whether the cloud vendor you are migrating to will provide proper and robust means for the organization to monitor and control their section of the cloud and the data therein contained. An organization should be able to monitor resource usage or consumption, latency and bottlenecks. Finally, consider what the cloud platform offers in terms of policies and scalability. When the organization's data grows, will the cloud allow seamless and easy expansion?

Lack of proper planning during cloud migration might lead to serious and very costly failures in future. The above points are not the ultimate definitive list to consider; however they should give a clear picture of what is to be expected during migration to the cloud.

Author of this article is an expert in cloud consulting, supply chain management, legal process outsourcing, human resources, customer relationship management, technical support and other relevant issues.