Cloud Migration and Choosing the Right Partner for Mid-Sized Businesses

Posted March 5, 2024

Cloud service providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud have witnessed incredible growth which has now accelerated further fueled by a corporate rush to AI. But what does this seeming gold rush mean for mid-sized businesses?

Recent insights from McKinsey offer compelling evidence of the shift to cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) as businesses seek to drive growth, are being led by strategic importance, and sometimes face the practical challenges of adopting these technologies.

McKinsey’s analysis sheds light on the growing trend of cloud migration, emphasizing its critical role in the digital transformation strategies of contemporary businesses. In 2024, it’s anticipated that the average company will dedicate 80% of its IT hosting budget to cloud services, underscoring the shift away from traditional IT solutions towards more flexible, scalable, and efficient cloud-based platforms. This transition is driven by the need for agility in response to an ever-changing business environment, where the ability to quickly adapt to new challenges and opportunities is a key determinant of success.

McKinsey further notes that the growth in public-cloud spending on industry-specific applications is expected to outpace that for general business applications, highlighting a targeted approach to cloud adoption. This reflects a broader trend of businesses seeking to leverage cloud technologies not just for cost savings or operational efficiencies, but as a platform for innovation and growth, particularly in sectors like retail and healthcare. However, the journey to cloud adoption can be fraught with challenges, including significant cost overruns and delays if the right migration partners aren’t chosen.

Selecting the right cloud migration partner is crucial for a successful transition to cloud infrastructure. A good cloud migration partner should offer a blend of expertise, tools, and services to ensure a smooth, secure, and efficient migration process. Here are the key features to look for:

Expertise and Experience: The ideal partner has a proven track record of successful cloud migrations across various industries. Look for certifications and partnerships with major cloud providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure, which indicate a high level of expertise and a deep understanding of different cloud environments.

Comprehensive Migration Strategy: A good cloud migration partner offers a detailed migration plan that includes assessment, planning, migration, and post-migration support. This strategy should be customized to fit your specific business needs, IT infrastructure, and goals.

Security and Compliance: Security is paramount in cloud migration. Your partner should have robust security measures in place and help you comply with relevant regulations and standards, ensuring your data is protected throughout the migration process and when it resides in the cloud.

Tools and Technologies: Look for a partner that utilizes advanced tools and technologies for migration assessment, planning, and execution. These tools can automate many aspects of the migration, reduce risks, and ensure a more efficient process.

Scalability and Flexibility: Your cloud migration partner should understand your growth objectives and ensure that the cloud environment is scalable and flexible. This means providing solutions that can adapt to your changing business needs over time.

Support and Training: Post-migration support and training are essential for a smooth transition. Your partner should offer thorough training for your team on the new cloud infrastructure and provide ongoing support to address any issues quickly.

Cost Management: A good partner helps you understand the costs associated with migrating to and operating in the cloud. They should provide tools and strategies to optimize your cloud spending and maximize your return on investment.

Cultural Fit: Finally, the right cloud migration partner will align with your company’s culture and values. Effective communication and a strong working relationship are key to navigating the challenges of cloud migration together.

By focusing on these features, you can find a cloud migration partner that not only ensures a successful transition to the cloud but also supports your business’s growth and innovation goals.

The strategic insights from McKinsey, underscore the transformative potential of cloud migration and AI for businesses across sectors. However, they also highlight the importance of careful planning, strategic partnerships, and a focus on overcoming operational challenges. As companies continue to navigate their digital transformation journeys, the expertise provided by the right partners will be invaluable in shaping the future of business in the digital age.

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.