Why migrate to cloud computing?
This is the question that many small and medium-sized business (SMB) owners are asking themselves. It feels as though every IT expert is now touting the benefits of migrating to the cloud, but actual details are few and far between. Or worse still, they use complex technical jargon that tells you nothing about how migration would affect your business. It can be difficult to understand whether such a major move is the right decision, especially if you seem to be functioning just fine without it.
Before you invest in a new technology, you should always have a clear picture of what it will mean for your business. That’s precisely what we aim to provide with this article. Here are 5 major benefits of cloud migration, written in terms that will actually make sense to you.
1. Faster, More Sustainable Growth
Traditional on-premise infrastructure often struggles to keep up with demand as your business grows. Servers, devices, and software all need to be scaled up to match your new size. Unfortunately, this requires significant capital expenditure. You are likely personally familiar with the problems this can cause: consider how many initiatives you have been forced to pause simply because you couldn’t afford them.
One of the most well-known cloud migration benefits is scalability. This is due to the subscription-based pricing model they famously use. Instead of purchasing entirely new infrastructure each time you experience growth, you need only subscribe to the next tier. Storage, computing resources, and software can all be increased with the click of a button. This provides you with unprecedented flexibility to adjust as your business changes.
2. Less Downtime
Downtime is more than a minor inconvenience. Left unchecked, it can become a major threat to business operations, customer trust, and revenue. Even one hour of downtime can cost thousands of dollars. If this happens regularly, you could be in serious trouble.
Cloud computing is one of the easiest ways to prevent this. Resources stored within the cloud don’t require your on-premise infrastructure in order to function. All you need is an internet connection, and work can continue. This means even if your entire office is suddenly unavailable (for example, due to fire or flood), your operations don’t necessarily need to stop. This is one of the main reasons why cloud migration is important for business in highly-regulated industries, such as healthcare or finance.
3. Lower Costs
The pay-as-you-go model utilised by cloud service providers (CSPs) does more than enable faster growth. It reduces strain on your budget. Think about it: how much do you currently spend on acquiring, maintaining, upgrading, and repairing on-premise technology? What else could that money be spent on?
Cloud computing allows you to find out. Rather than wasting funds on legacy systems that keep breaking down, you pay only a small subscription fee each month. The predictable nature of this cost also makes it significantly easier to plan your IT budget in advance, without worrying about whether a sudden equipment failure will throw a wrench into your plans.
4. Stronger Security and Compliance
One lesser-known advantage of cloud migration is stronger security. Data stored in the cloud is essentially segmented from the rest of your IT infrastructure. This means that if you experience a breach, simply turning off the internet is enough to disconnect it entirely. CSPs also regularly patch vulnerabilities, keeping your cloud environment secure and compliant.
However, this comes with a small caveat. Factors such as whether you choose a public or private cloud, the vendor you partner with, and your own security posture will all determine how well protected your infrastructure is. The cloud can improve security and compliance, but only if you use it correctly.
5. Increased Productivity
Finally, cloud-based platforms enable seamless collaboration across teams, locations, and devices. All employees can access the same files regardless of where they are, update them in real time, and communicate amongst themselves. This means they get more done in a day, increasing productivity over time.
Read more: Essential Cloud Cost Management Strategies for IT Leaders
Enjoy the Vast benefits of Cloud Migration, Without the Hassle
Cloud migration offers your business a number of tantalising benefits, from stronger security to higher productivity. If you’re beginning to consider growth in the near future, then this is an invaluable investment that can support you on your journey. The cloud provides everything you need to compete, innovate, and succeed in today’s market.
There’s just one problem: to access the benefits, you’ll first need to migrate. And without careful planning, your move to the cloud can be anything but simple. Read about 10 essential steps for a successful cloud migration strategy, and give yourself the best possible chance.
FAQs
What Are the Business Benefits of Cloud Migration?
Business benefits of cloud migration include stronger security, easier collaboration, cost savings, reduced downtime, and more sustainable growth.
Is Cloud Migration Expensive?
Cloud migration is not necessarily expensive. Thorough planning and the right migration support can help keep costs low by preventing issues and maintaining continuity throughout the process.
Will I Lose Control Over My Data in the Cloud?
You should never lose control over your data while it’s in the cloud. If you’re concerned about this, or about any other major challenges you might experience, feel free to contact a managed cloud service provider. They can help keep your cloud environment secure and effective.
How Long Does a Typical Cloud Migration Take?
The amount of time a cloud migration takes depends on several factors, including the method you choose and the complexity of your IT infrastructure. Some migrations are completed in a matter of hours, while others may require several weeks.
Is the Cloud Really Secure?
The cloud is typically very secure, but this does depend on your choices to some extent. Public clouds, for example, are less secure than private clouds. You should always support your cloud environment with strong security measures.