Overview
Cloud migration is the process of moving digital assets such as applications, data, and workloads from on-premise infrastructure or legacy systems into a cloud environment. It can also include moving between different cloud providers or shifting from one service model to another, such as from IaaS to PaaS.
What Problem Does It Solve?
Running applications and storing data on traditional infrastructure often leads to high costs, limited scalability, and complex maintenance. Cloud migration solves these issues by enabling businesses to take advantage of the scalability, flexibility, and efficiency of cloud computing. It supports digital transformation by modernising IT operations and improving business agility.
How It Works
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Assessment: Evaluate current applications, data, and workloads to determine migration readiness.
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Strategy selection: Choose an approach such as rehosting (lift-and-shift), refactoring (modifying for the cloud), or replatforming (adapting to cloud services).
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Execution: Move workloads to the cloud using migration tools and services.
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Optimisation: Fine-tune performance, costs, and security in the new environment.
Everyday Benefits
- Lower capital costs by reducing dependence on physical infrastructure.
- Faster scalability to handle business growth or seasonal peaks.
- Greater resilience and disaster recovery options.
- Easier adoption of cloud-native services for analytics, AI, or DevOps.
Deployment Considerations
Cloud migration can be complex, involving risks such as downtime, data loss, or compliance challenges. Planning, testing, and phased migration are critical for success. Many organisations adopt a hybrid approach, keeping some workloads on-premise while moving others to the cloud, before eventually moving towards full cloud adoption.
