CLOUD MIGRATION; STRATEGIES AND PROCESS INVOLVED

In our previous edition, we explored the countless benefits of edge computing. However, with the rise of edge computing, it's important to note that it's not a complete replacement for cloud computing. Instead, the two paradigms often work together in hybrid environments to create efficient and effective solutions for a wide range of applications.

In this edition of brilliant minds, we analyze the cloud migration strategies and the process to consider when adopting cloud migration

Cloud Migration

Cloud migration refers to the process of moving an organization's data, applications, and services from on-premises infrastructure to cloud-based infrastructure. ?Cloud Storage enables organizations to store, access, and maintain data so that they do not need to own and operate their own data centers, moving expenses from a capital expenditure model to operational. Cloud Storage uses remote servers to save data, such as files, business data, videos, or images. Users upload data to servers via an internet connection, where it is saved on a virtual machine on a physical server. Users can access data in Cloud Storage through an internet connection and software such as a web portal, browser, or mobile app via an application programming interface (API). Cloud migration is the process of moving a company’s digital assets, services, databases, IT resources, and applications either partially, or wholly, into the cloud. Cloud migration is also about moving from one cloud to another.

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Cloud Migration Strategies

Businesses now move on from outdated and increasingly inefficient legacy infrastructures, such as aging servers or potentially unreliable firewall appliances, or to abandon hardware or software solutions that are no longer operating at optimum capacity, and are now turning to the cloud to experience the benefits of cloud computing. There are several strategies that organizations can employ to facilitate a successful cloud migration. The choice of strategy depends on factors such as the organization's goals, existing infrastructure, budget, and timeline.

Here are some common cloud migration strategies:

·??????Rehost (Lift and Shift): In this strategy, organizations move their applications and data from on-premises servers to the cloud with minimal modifications. The goal is to quickly migrate without making significant changes to the application architecture. While this strategy can lead to immediate cost savings and reduced maintenance efforts, it might not take full advantage of cloud-native features.

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·??????Refactor (Replatform): This involves making some modifications to the application to take advantage of cloud services and capabilities. It might involve re-architecting parts of the application to use cloud-native features like managed databases, serverless functions, and container services. The goal is to optimize the application for the cloud environment while maintaining its core functionality.

·??????Revise (Rearchitect): Organizations using this strategy undertake significant changes to their applications to fully leverage cloud capabilities. This might involve breaking down monolithic applications into microservices, re-designing components, and using cloud-native technologies like containers and orchestration (e.g., Kubernetes). While this strategy offers the most benefits in terms of scalability and performance, it requires a higher level of investment and effort.

·??????Rebuild: With this strategy, organizations essentially rebuild their applications from scratch using cloud-native services. This can lead to highly optimized and efficient applications, but it's also the most resource-intensive option in terms of time and effort.

·??????Replace: Sometimes, it's more feasible to replace an existing application with a commercially available Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution that offers similar functionality. This can save development and maintenance costs while providing the benefits of a cloud-based solution.

·??????Retire: During migration, it's a good opportunity to identify applications or services that are no longer necessary and can be retired, streamlining the overall portfolio and reducing costs.

·??????Retain: Not all applications need to be migrated immediately. Some might be retained in the on-premises environment due to technical, regulatory, or other constraints.

Steps to Consider

Companies migrate to the cloud for different reasons and at different scales—from small testing platforms to large-scale migrations. The basic process, however, requires the same steps, which include identifying what can be improved by moving to the cloud, taking inventory of the supporting data and infrastructure, and considering if or how they can be replicated or even re-architected using cloud services. The goal of your cloud migration program is to get the agility and cost savings of the cloud while keeping data and application processes secure both during and after the migration.

Here are six steps your cloud migration process should include, using a SaaS application migration as an example.

1.????Discover

Use software monitoring and management tools that help you get a clear picture of your data and application infrastructure and its dependencies and policies. You’ll need to replicate or re-architect these in the cloud.

2.????Design

Designate which cloud services will support or replicate the functionality and the process you’ll use to securely migrate to them.

3.?????Build

Use cloud resources and services to build out the new application and infrastructure architecture, including the pathways you will use in migrating data securely.

4.?????Integrate

Replicate the data in the new application, and make sure it integrates with all existing data sources and analytics processes.

5.?????Validate

Run and test the new application to confirm it functions as desired.

6.????Cutover

It’s the day you’ve been working toward. Bring the new application into production and invite some users to test it. Eventually, you can bring all users over to the new cloud-based application.

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Cloud Migration Tips and Best Practices

1. Clearly define the scope of your project

2. Discover dependencies and integrations

3. Find ways to add value

4. Map your business processes to the new application

5. Back up everything

6. Focus on data security during and after the migration

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Finally, when planning a cloud migration, organizations need to carefully consider factors such as security, compliance, data transfer, application dependencies, performance, and user experience. It's often wise to start with a smaller pilot project before scaling up to a full migration, allowing teams to learn and adjust their strategies based on real-world experience. Additionally, having a well-defined migration plan, proper testing, and clear communication with all stakeholders is crucial for successful cloud migration.

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Key Takeaways

·??????Using cloud resources is an increasingly common business strategy.

·??????Cloud migration strategies rely on a wide array of proven processes and tactics.

·??????Successful migrations require caution and planning, but the risks are well understood.

·??????There are a growing number of tools from cloud providers and third-party vendors that make the process manageable.

·??????Cloud providers continue to innovate and improve their services, making the cloud an enticing option for even critical and sensitive workloads.

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