In previous blog posts, we’ve discussed the benefits of the cloud and how it compares to on-premises data centres. So, if you’re reading this post, you’re likely to be interested in migrating to the cloud so we won’t bore you with any of the benefits. Instead, you’re probably facing a conundrum - do you handle a cloud migration project in-house or outsource to a partner or consultant?
Here are some of the top benefits of outsourcing your project.
- Experts can help you create a watertight cloud migration strategy…
- …and there’s no need for you to recruit
- Outsourcing can often be a more flexible option
- …and scalable
- Outsourcing is usually the most cost-efficient approach
Experts can help you create a watertight cloud migration strategy…
As the saying goes, fail to plan and you’re essentially planning to fail. Obviously you need a migration strategy before anything else. That includes:
- Setting clear goals and expectations for ROI
- Establishing KPIs and baselines
- Putting together the right team to be involved in the project
- Deciding on your level of cloud integration
- Choosing a cloud services provider
- Testing and reviewing the results
We’ve outlined six steps but the list isn’t exhaustive. Depending on the individual business and your needs, there may be additional steps. For example, you will need to assess whether your applications can be lifted and shifted to the cloud in as close to a one-to-one fashion as possible, or if they will need to be rearchitected/rewritten (or even replaced).
The latter is more complex and will result in additional steps e.g. rewriting the app, testing it, fixing any errors, testing again etc.
What we’re trying to illustrate is how complex cloud migration strategies usually are. Unless your business is familiar with your desired cloud environment and experienced in migrating, it’s easy to rush the migration and put your data at risk. Working with a company experienced in cloud migrations, such as a cloud solutions provider (CSP) or managed service provider (MSP), eliminates that risk.
They can help you create a cloud migration strategy and roadmap that are personalised to your precise business needs, including what the best cloud environment is for you, which data to migrate first and at what pace. No need to stretch your in-house resources!
…and there’s no need for you to recruit
As we said in the previous point, creating an appropriate migration strategy is complex. The actual migration is even more complex and usually time-consuming. So, unless you have employees with the right expertise, experience and time to be involved in such a project, your two options are :
- Recruit - great if you will be migrating often. If not, it may not be a wise investment
- Outsource - access to top cloud migration specialists without the drawbacks of recruitment (e.g. the time and resources it takes, and the time need to onboard)
Outsourcing can often be a more flexible option
Your business requirements may change depending on your operating model and industry, sometimes at short notice. Great CSPs and MSPs understand this and thus, the importance of flexibility. For example, they may offer various combinations of cloud environments such as:
- Public cloud
- Private cloud
- Hybrid cloud (which could a mix of the above two or more, e.g. one public and one private, multiple types of public, multiple types of private or half in-house data centre and half in the cloud)
The outsourced provider should revolve around your business needs and this will reflect in their variety of cloud service management choices.
…and scalable
The cloud offers much potential for scaling, whether it’s trying out new solutions to advance your business intelligence (e.g. AI and IoT), improve efficiency (e.g. machine learning) or upgrading or downgrading the number of user licences.
Managing a cloud environment in-house can limit the scope and speed of these changes. But outsource this to an external provider and scaling up and down can be a breeze. The best providers will always have enough resources to cater to your cloud-related needs.
Outsourcing is usually the most cost-efficient approach
Overall, outsourcing your cloud migration project can be more cost-effective than keeping it all in-house. There are many challenges of cloud migrations that only those who have on-the-field experience can confidently navigate.
Yes, you could recruit people with that level of experience but think about it. You’ll need to pay additional salaries and front all the costs associated with recruitment. Then there’s the issue of ensuring that investment is worthwhile because unless you’ll be migrating often, it often won’t be.
Outsource and you can eliminate all of that and still access an exclusive talent pool. You’ll enter a contract with the CSP/MSP and pay the agreed fee but they’ll bring all that industry-leading knowledge, support your team throughout so you gain time back, you don’t need to stretch your in-house resources…basically all the benefits we just mentioned above.
Outsourcing can help you better navigate the challenges of cloud migration projects
In our step-by-step guide to cloud migrations, we walk you through how best to take your business from legacy to the cloud. We also include tips on how to choose a cloud migration services partner.
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