Not all companies will face issues if they don’t move their systems to the cloud. In fact, for some businesses, the effort and cost of migration could outweigh the benefits. However, for others - especially those experiencing growth - a move to the cloud can be a total game changer.
Here we look at some of the core reasons why companies make the move or should consider making the move -
Scalability - Cloud platforms such as Azure and AWS, offer the ability to easily scale resources up or down based on demand at any given time. This flexibility allows organisations to efficiently handle fluctuations in workload whilst avoiding underutilisation or system overload.
Cost Savings - Contrary to popular belief, migrating to the cloud doesn’t have to break the bank. Cloud platforms typically use a pay as you go model, helping organisations reduce the capital expenditure associated with maintaining on-prem infrastructure.
Robust Security - Cloud providers invest heavily in security measures and compliance certifications, often providing greater protection for data than on-prem solutions. This includes features like encryption, identity management and threat detection.
Global Reach - Cloud providers maintain data centers in multiple geographic regions across the world which allows organisations to easily deploy applications and services to users worldwide with low latency and high availability.
Simplified Management - Cloud platforms deliver many of the complex tasks associated with managing infrastructure through automation including provisioning, monitoring and maintenance. This frees up time for the IT team and allows them to focus elsewhere.
Whilst it is evident there are many reasons organisations do consider moving some or all of their business systems to the cloud, there are of course drawbacks to consider.
Legacy Systems Compatibility - Certain legacy systems might pose challenges for migration to the cloud due to their reliance on particular hardware or software setups. Adapting these systems for compatibility with cloud environments often entails extensive time and expense in the form of rewriting or refactoring.
Data Privacy and Security Concerns - Companies handling highly sensitive or regulated data might be reluctant to store such information in a shared cloud environment. Opting to retain data on-prem allows a perceived higher level of control and security.
Cost Considerations - Whilst moving to the cloud can offer cost savings in many cases, there are scenarios where it may be more expensive, particularly for workloads with predictable and steady resource requirements.
Restricted Customisation - Some organisations require extensive customisation for their IT infrastructure, which may be more challenging to achieve in a cloud environment compared to on-prem solutions. This could be due to regulatory requirements, specific hardware configurations or unique software needs.
Dependency on Internet Connectivity - Cloud based systems are reliant on stable internet connectivity. Organisations operating in areas with unreliable or limited internet access may find it damaging to move critical systems to the cloud for this reason.
As we have covered above, there are pros and cons to moving to the cloud and this decision should be based on an organisations specific circumstances and what they ultimately want to achieve. We can help evaluate current environments and subsequently plan and execute a move to the cloud based on that assessment and the required outcomes.
If this is something you are considering, come and have a chat with our expert team about your options - you might be pleasantly surprised to see just how many benefits a move to the cloud could bring to your company!
Q) What systems should I move to the cloud?
A) This completely depends on what your desired outcomes are, this should be the first thing you determine when planning to move to the Cloud. Everything that follows should be based around how to effectively achieve these outcomes
Q) Do I need to move to the Cloud?
A) Again, this is entirely dependent on what your goals and ambitions as a company are. If you are a company with less than five people for example in an industry that is field based and only need to use the computer for invoicing, it may not be a worthy investment. If you are a company of five people who are office based and use different systems all day, it may be a worthy investment
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