Cloud Computing Outlook

3 Reasons for Cloud-to-cloud Migration

By Cloud Computing Outlook | Monday, June 17, 2019

Factors like security, performance, and cost top the list of causes for cloud-to-cloud migration.

FREMONT, CA: Organizations are opting different cloud platforms for a variety of reasons such as for better efficiency or to access a broader set of capabilities. Other reasons include the need for a digital transformation, changing software usage, and business relationships. Factors like security, performance, and cost top the list of causes for cloud-to-cloud migration.

However, there are a few risks that must be addressed before adopting a particular cloud solution. The threat ranges from welcoming unauthorized devices to exposing sensitive data. One such concern is the shadow IT, which refers to the IT projects that are managed without the knowledge of the IT department. The shadow IT can hinder the secure migration because of the prevalent lack of awareness in the IT department which is critical to adapt to the new environment. Here are some of the factors that must be considered before cloud-to-cloud migration:

Security - The Sole Reason

Organizations are not oblivious to Shadow IT as it is not uncommon to find employees using software or apps that have not been approved by their IT department. For some, it’s the familiarity of the employees with the applications from the previous platform that keeps them from scaling up to the new technology. While the use of native applications from the old platforms may boost productivity, the same can cause some serious security concerns. For instance, the use of unauthorized technology can result in sensitive data moving into the wrong hands.

A New Approach

Organizations must carefully consider the migration strategy depending on specific parameters such as the amount of data or the time limit under which an organization expects the migration. If migration speed is the priority, then a lift and shift approach works best. Tools like Office 365 can help in sorting and organizing data after the migration.

For improvement in search result accuracy, continuous data management in the new cloud destination can be leveraged. With advancements in cloud technology, organizations can significantly reduce migration time. High-speed cloud to cloud data movement is possible with a transfer rate of 100 terabytes of data per day.

Knowledge Sharing

The familiarity of the employees with the cloud platforms will enable them to adapt to the new processes readily. Organizations can help employees in multiple ways, such as in-person demonstrations or online training. Several organizations are using cloud services and have gained significant insights over these years. The next step is cloud-to-cloud migration, which requires them to prepare themselves against multiple challenges such as finding the right migration strategy to combating IT shadow.