Cloud migration is becoming integral for modern businesses. Around 80% of enterprises have adopted public cloud usage. Unlocking the full potential of the Cloud empowers organisations by allowing for flexibility and reducing the risks of data loss. By harnessing the power of the Cloud your business can enhance agility, scalability and operational efficiency.
What is The Cloud?
The Cloud is where software and services run off the internet instead of locally on a computer. The Cloud is not one physical object, it is a large network of remote servers that can be located around the world and connected together to operate as one system. With the Cloud, you can access all of your business’s data and files from any device, for example, you could be working on a document on your home PC and then pick up right where you left off when you’re back in the office. If your server is down, there is also no need to worry, as you can still get to all of your files within the Cloud. Some examples of Cloud services are Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive and Apple iCloud.
The Benefits of Cloud Migration
As previously discussed, one of the key advantages of using the cloud is accessibility which enables you and your employees to access data and applications from anywhere with an internet connection. Migrating to the Cloud offers numerous benefits which will transform any organisation’s operations. The Cloud allows for scalability and elasticity; most businesses experience peak hours when more resources are required, so instead of wasting excess money your business can easily scale its resources up or down based on the demand, this allows for cost efficiency and optimal performance. Additionally, Cloud migration enhances the security of your organisation by leveraging advanced security protocols, encryption and automated backups; the Cloud facilitates disaster recovery and ensures business continuity in the case of unforeseen events.
What to Consider when Migrating to the Cloud
Cloud Migration is the process of transferring all of your organisation’s digital assets, applications, data and infrastructure from your on-premises storage to the Cloud. There are many considerations to have before migrating to the Cloud and a business should hold a comprehensive assessment before any changes are made.
Assessing the Status of your Current Server
If your business has an on-premise server you may want to evaluate its condition and review the pros of the Cloud in comparison to your current server. Having an on-site server has more costs due to the management and maintenance involved, as well as the software licences. If you decide to decommission your old server, you also have to consider how you will be recycling or disposing of it.
Your Business’s Internet and Bandwidth
When migrating to the Cloud, you need to ensure that your internet connection and network will be able to handle the increasing demand that hosting with the Cloud requires. If your bandwidth is low then your systems will be slow because bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted through the internet at a given time.
Cloud Email Services
Outlook works together with the Cloud seamlessly which means that your mail is always stored in the Microsoft Cloud. Microsoft 365 syncs your emails, calendar and contacts across all of your devices. The real-time updates mean you are always receiving up-to-date information, no matter where you are. Another benefit of this is that your business will always have industry-leading anti-malware and anti-spam filtering systems to help protect you against any email attacks.
What is the Lifecycle of your Current Hardware
Having up-to-date IT infrastructure is a key aspect of migrating to the cloud as it means that you will be equipped and ready for all of the newest software that the Cloud offers.
The Need for 24/7 IT Support
Unfortunately, like a remote server, the Cloud can also experience downtime, having IT Support in place means that your business will be able to access quicker resolutions and be able to function again without too much interruption. At Flatrate Services, alongside cloud migration services, we offer reliable unlimited IT support.
Completing Regular Cloud Backups
After you have migrated all of your data to the Cloud, you need to ensure that all of the important files you have stored in the cloud are backed up in other locations. This is an additional layer of protection in the case of a disaster.
How Flatrate Services Can Help with Cloud Migration
Essentially, cloud migration will help to improve your business’s performance and reduce the risks of data loss. At Flatrate Services we have Cloud migration services designed to assist UK-based businesses with the transfer of their data and business applications to a secure cloud computing environment.
If you’re looking for managed IT services for your small business, contact us on 0333 577 9495 or click here.
