Cloud Data Center Migrations: Tips for a Seamless Transition

Posted February 5, 2019

In Blog, Cloud Solutions, Data Center, Managed IT Service Providers, Managed IT Services, Managed Network Services, Managed Service Provider, Managed Services, News

There is an unimaginable amount of data in the world. In fact, by the end of the year, the yearly global traffic is expected to hit 2 zettabytes. Continuing to use solid state drives (SSD) with finite amounts of space is simply not sustainable. It is estimated that by 2020, one third of all data will be stored on the cloud. Considering cloud data center migrations should be at the top of every business owner’s list.

Unfortunately, there is an assumption that cloud data center migrations are a pain point. Concerns are cited regarding downtime during data transfers, cost associated with the migration, and fear that the data will not transfer correctly.

These issues come down to the cybersecurity firm you choose to handle your migration. Endeavoring on a migration alone, especially if your expertise is outside of the IT field, can be overwhelming. The best start to a successful migration is working with experts in the field who have a track record of successfully and efficiently completing migrations.

Other tips that will help cloud data center migrations go smoothly include:

1. Decide if it’s the right choice for you, right now. Cloud migrations are huge undertakings that serve a direct purpose. The intention is to make your business more efficient, productive, and secure. If a cloud migration isn’t going to increase your profitability right now, wait until it will.

2. Start small. If there is an issue during the migration, it’s possible that all of your applications and data will be seized up in the transfer process. Complete transfers in small blocks at a time. If something goes wrong, you’ll know which “transfer block” caused the problem, which means faster solutions.

3. Don’t forget to conduct professional training. With a cloud migration comes the necessity for new trainings, protocols, and policies. Be prepared to write up and follow through on compliance expectations, conduct professional development trainings, and ensure that productivity is maintained with motivated employees.

4. Have a plan if something goes wrong. It may turn out that cloud data center migrations aren’t appropriate for you, even after the transfer is complete. In many cases, you are liable to the terms of the agreement, whether you find that cloud computing works for you or not. Ensure that you have, in writing, confirmation that all you retain rights to all your data and software through the cloud provider. Most importantly, be willing to work with your provider to make things right, even if you find the transition difficult.

5. Understand that you must be flexible. Like building a house, data migrations require planning and design. That also means that you’re going to come to a point that was not in the plans. No matter how perfectly you plot each step, there are too many variables to consider. Don’t give up at the first sign of trouble. Work with a specialist to find creative and productive solutions.

Kevin Willette

Kevin Willette is Partner / CEO of Verus Corp. His focus is ensuring complete customer satisfaction and providing as much or as little support as is needed for the individual client. Kevin knows that plenty of places do IT services, but what sets Verus Corp apart is the local feeling and the commitment to doing things right the first time. He has always wanted to be a business owner because it affords him the opportunity to offer a service that was better than anything clients had seen before. His true goal is to help customers make their businesses better by removing potential IT barriers. Kevin served as chair for Habitat for Humanity during his time at Minnesota State University, Mankato. He has also served on the WatchGuard Advisory Council since 2016. Kevin’s work with Verus Corp has helped them achieve awards as the WatchGuard Partner of the Year and Cisco Select Partner. Kevin graduated from Minnesota State in 2000 with a major in Business Marketing and minors in Business Administration and Music.