One of the most common uses for the cloud is data storage. More businesses are looking towards cloud migration because of scalability as well as the ability to grow without adopting new costly hardware. Managed cloud solutions allow users to reap the benefits of new server space from their location while service providers maintain the physical servers.
Focus on what you do best. They handle the rest.
Although migrating to the cloud is relatively easy to set up, this doesn’t mean that there shouldn’t be a strategy for the cloud migration process. Just because there is available space doesn’t necessarily mean that it should be filled. Migrating to the cloud has many benefits, but there are still risks associated with storing data. For this reason, it’s recommended to follow some best practices during the cloud migration process.
With an efficient, well-thought-out strategy in place, businesses can be assured that their data is properly organized, secure, and accessible.
Cloud Migration is a Process
Far too often businesses make the decision to migrate their data to the cloud but insist on moving EVERYTHING at once. This process is more of a “crawl before you walk” situation. These businesses that are interested to move to the cloud need to grasp the basics of how it all works beforehand just like any other new system.
For this matter, it’s in the business’s best interest to develop a migration strategy with the help of the service provider. Testing the new storage method with non-critical data is preferred so that, if an issue were to happen, the loss isn’t devastating to the business. The goal is to better understand how the cloud works so that it’s not risky or stressful when it’s time to migrate important data.
Cloud Migration & Prioritizing Security
One of the largest concerns with cloud migration is the topic of security and privacy. There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to cloud security. Security is and should be the top priority for businesses managing customer data. This is where a trusted managed service provider comes into play. Trusted cloud providers should perform regular security tests along with encryption and implementing active monitoring systems.
Security plays a major role when it comes to meeting mandated compliance standards. For industries such as healthcare and finance, compliance is a high priority when considering cloud migration. Ensure that the service provider can match your compliance requirements before making the move.
Cloud Backups are a Must-Have
When migrating to the cloud, businesses are inherently making the decision to outsource a portion of the liability. This liability comes with the management of customer and business-critical data. If an error were to occur with a server, this can jeopardize the whole system.
To prepare for the unexpected, it’s crucial to back up any and all data stored in the cloud. Ensure that the cloud provider has frequent backups scheduled before migrating and discuss developing a disaster recovery plan. More often than not, the cloud provider will keep a complete backup of the business’s data in a separate location for safe measure.
Cost Effective Cloud Adoption
One of the most appealing aspects of migrating to the cloud is the opportunity to reduce costs. The savings come from not needing hardware, maintenance, or paying for repairs. When choosing to migrate to the cloud, it’s crucial for the business to determine storage costs beforehand. Costs depend on the cloud provider who either chooses a fixed rate for a specific amount of storage or offers a “pay for what you need” pricing model. Staying within budget is a must for any business.
Overall, it’s in the business’s best interest to work with a cloud provider who can develop a tailored cloud solution that treats your data as if it were their own. These solutions should cover everything from efficient cloud migration, proper security, and compliance requirements, and give the users a sense of confidence by having backups/disaster recovery plan in place.
Feel like your business could benefit from the cloud migration best practices above? Reach out to Creative Network Innovations today, and we’ll sit with you to develop a tailored cloud solution that meets all of your needs. We work with numerous businesses in Florida to provide evolved solutions such as:
Private Cloud Development
Disaster Recovery Planning
Daily Backups
Cloud Migration Strategies
24/7/365 Support
Virtualization
Reach out today to transform the way your business manages data!
