Everything you need to know about cloud migration

First, let’s ease ourselves in by first answering the question – “what is cloud migration?”

As you’re probably aware, the cloud has become the default platform for most new IT services. This is partly due to the fact it can provide its users with a more flexible, scalable, secure and affordable way to consume IT-as-a-service. But what about applications and systems that pre-date the cloud?

This is where cloud migration comes in.

Cloud migration is the process of moving applications and systems from traditional data centres and computer rooms into the cloud. A process that enables legacy applications that were once sitting in dusty old server rooms to benefit from a 21st-century facelift. A process that can yield an assortment of juicy benefits.

As such, many organisations want to do more with the cloud. In the public sector alone, 85% of all organisations said they would migrate more workloads to the cloud if they could mirror their existing environment.

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Many organisations have a traditional data centre or computer room which lacks the scale, resilience and affordability to support their company’s vision. Those that find themselves in this predicament will often look to start a data centre modernisation project as a way of breaking the mould.

A data centre modernisation project will look to update an organisation’s current technology stack – whether that be with new hardware or cloud-based resources – to achieve suitable levels of resilience and security.

However, rather than investing capital expenditure (CAPEX) in depreciating IT assets, many organisations have had their head’s turned by the cloud’s promise of an ever-green IT arsenal. A solution which is traditionally billed as an operating expense (OPEX).

Often, we find organisations make mistakes by putting the wrong workload into the wrong cloud – resulting in significant cost overruns. To avoid this continued expense, these organisations can consider a cloud migration from a global cloud platform to a multi-cloud platform.

1. Data centre technology refresh

We all know that technology advances at an amazing pace. Unfortunately, that means that the servers, storage and networks you invested in just 5 years ago are reaching end-of-life. As technology gets older it is more likely to fail. Missed patches and software updates will open up a world of security vulnerabilities too.

One option to avoid a migration is to do a technology refresh – a significant investment in facilities and infrastructure which will buy you another 3-5 years before you face the same problem all over again.

Migrating to the cloud helps you break the cycle – as well as unlocking the enhanced scalability and affordability of the cloud.

 

2. Data centre migration

Many data centres and computer rooms are just not fit for purpose.

They are not scalable, resilient or sustainable (energy efficient) – no matter how much is spent on the IT systems within it. Hence, some organisations will plan to migrate from one facility to another. Typically, they will consider a purpose-built facility such as Crown Hosting Data Centres (CHDC). A facility which can provide economies of scale combined with added security and sustainability.

However, a data centre migration still requires the organisation to invest in IT infrastructure. That means you’ll still need to set aside some cash for servers, storage and networks.

 

3. Cloud migration

This option builds on the previous two.

Cloud platforms are hosted in purpose-built data centres, and some providers – like UKCloud – will utilise existing facilities like the aforementioned CHDC. Utilising specialist providers like the CHDC, means UKCloud can extend the additional security benefits synonymous with this facility to their customers.

However, unlike the previous two options, a cloud migration project will remove the burden of having to refresh depreciating IT assets every 3-5 years. That means less money is spent on servers, storage and networks as all hardware is included as part of the wider Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) offering. You just pay for what you use.

It is the responsibility of the cloud provider to ensure you are always consuming up-to-date, resilient and secure infrastructure. That’s why organisations that follow this model will achieve perpetual data centre modernisation. They’ll never need to worry about modernising their data centre technology ever again.

1. Do it yourself

The first option is to have your internal IT function plan and execute the migration from existing data centres and computer rooms to the cloud. However, across the public sector, we are aware that internal IT functions generally lack the capacity and capability to keep up with ‘business as usual’ demands – never mind the ability to take on a complex programme like a cloud migration.

For many companies, this just won’t be a viable option. Capacity issues and a growing skills gap will mean many organisations will be reliant on external support.

 

2. Migrate to a single proprietary cloud

A common option is to partner with an organisation that has a depth of experience in your preferred target cloud platform. In our experience, there isn’t a single cloud that is optimised for every use-case or application. So the risk here is that you’ll end up migrating the wrong application to the wrong platform – causing budget overruns and project delays.

 

3. Migrate to multiple infrastructure and software clouds

A multi-cloud partner like UKCloud will ensure you use the right combination of cloud platforms to meet your specific needs. It’s much cheaper and less risky to migrate Oracle to Oracle or VMware to VMware – hence multi-cloud can make your cloud adoption happen – cheaper, faster and safer. And with your multi-cloud partner focused on the underlying infrastructure, your IT resources can focus on better serving your internal and external customers.

 

Still not sure?  Check out our latest blog for more info on the various cloud migration types: rehost, refactor, rearchitect, rebuild, replace and retire. Once you’re done, take our online quiz to find out which strategy is the best fit for your organisation.

Most analysts have been promoting cloud for over a decade, and now there is almost universal acceptance of multi-cloud as being the prevailing cloud strategy. Here are some of our favourite external pieces that backup the story:

 

• Gartner and Red Hat Case Study: Gartner and Red Hat recently published a case study that focussed on Red Hat’s own cloud migration story. A story which demonstrates the value of taking an application-by-application approach when it comes to formulating your own cloud migration strategy.

• VMware Cloud Migration Infographic: VMware have published an infographic which outlines the six biggest challenges an organisation will face as they embark on a cloud migration project. However, alongside some nifty solutions, this infographic also highlights the value organisations can realise by migrating existing IT systems to the cloud – and why cloud-native might not always be the answer.

• Cisco Talks Cloud Migration Strategies: Cisco recently blogged about the various cloud migration strategies that are available to organisations that are looking to modernise their infrastructure. During this blog, Cisco explains why the benefits of the cloud shouldn’t be reserved for cloud-native applications, and why a successful cloud migration project is predominately focussed on finding the right cloud for every workload.

• Forrester and IBM Research Paper: In partnership with IBM, Forrester published a whitepaper which highlights the benefits of following a multi-cloud approach. Another piece which hammers home the point that there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to the cloud.

1. It’s cheaper (most of the time)

The cloud’s pay as you go pricing model means you only pay for what you need. A model which means organisations no longer need to fork out for expensive new kit for redundant workloads. Instead, organisations can simply consume cloud services that allow them to deliver IT services as and when they’re needed.

Take hosting as an example. Why invest large sums to perform a technology refresh – which will be hideously underutilized – when a cloud provider can remove that headache altogether?

 

2. You’ll be doing your bit for the planet

Every organisation in the world has a moral obligation to do whatever they can to reduce their carbon footprint. And migrating legacy workloads to the cloud is a great place to start.

Through the use of virtual resources, automation, and pay-as-you-go pricing models – companies will stop wasting resource on redundant workloads and become increasingly efficient. This, plus the ability to self-serve, will mean organisations will no longer need to run an on-premise data centre 24/7.

Second to this, many cloud providers have replaced their energy sources with green alternatives, whilst others – including UKCloud, deliver carbon neutral solutions. By working with socially responsible partners, you’ll be doing your bit too!

UKCloud is devoted to making digital transformation happen in the UK public sector. We believe that cloud is a fundamental enabler for the adoption of digital technologies such as AI, IoT and automation that will deliver better services to citizens and better value for taxpayers.

UKCloud is exclusively focused on the UK public sector. As such, we have a team of local multi-cloud experts and a community of specialist partners that can help ensure your cloud migration project gets off on the right foot whilst providing expert advice along the way.

We believe that choice and options are key to an actionable and affordable cloud migration strategy. A philosophy that ensures you will deploy the right cloud for every workload –  whether that be IaaS, PaaS or SaaS.

And finally, because we believe that public services are a national asset, we go the extra mile when it comes to protecting your data. We provide our customers with an uncompromising level of security to ensure your systems and services are safely protected as they move to the cloud.

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