Cloud migration offers a host of benefits for small and mid-sized businesses. Cloud solutions solve the challenges of remote and hybrid work forces, while providing unmatched levels of security and scalability.
As with most endeavors, planning is critical when it comes to cloud migrations. A successful cloud migration starts with data. Your organization needs to move the right data to the right place – along with ensuring that the proper access controls are in place once the data reaches the cloud.
Step 1: Create a Data Map
Before you can migrate your data, you need to know what it is you’re going to migrate. I’ve worked with many businesses that lack a clear understanding of the data they have and where it lives. Therefore, the first step in the process is to map and inventory your entire environment so you can gain a clear understanding of what it is you’ll need to migrate to the cloud.
Step 2: Clean Up Data
Mapping your data will most likely uncover some issues. For example, you may be keeping duplicate copies of the same files in different places. Or you may have sensitive data scattered across multiple locations which will make it harder to set up appropriate access controls.
Take the time now to clean up your data. Delete duplicate files and structure information logically based on who will need access once it’s in the cloud.
Step 3: Determine What Moves to the Cloud
Your cloud migration doesn’t need to include every piece of data from the founding of your company. Set guidelines based on what makes sense for your organization. For example, files that haven’t been accessed in over a year may be good candidates for archiving. An archiving strategy can save you money, while ensuring that data is still accessible if it ever needs to be revisited.
Step 4: Align Access and Security Policies
A successful cloud migration strategy will consider your specific compliance, privacy, security, and risk requirements. Platforms such as Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud and AWS include tools for tagging and classifying data so that you can enforce rules based on sensitivity and compliance policies.
Step 5: Cloud Migration Cutover
Once you’ve prepared the data and signed off on the new structure, you are ready to go. Pick a day for the cutover and publicize it to your team. Make sure your end users have the support they need to facilitate adoption of the new services. On the day of the migration, we typically provide end users with a quick-start guide and have help desk staff available and ready to answer any questions.
How Invario Can Help
If your organization is considering a move the cloud, working with an experienced partner like Invario is a great way to set yourself up for success. Invario supports small and mid-sized organizations through every phase of the process. Our cloud migration experts work with you hand-in-hand to ensure a smooth and successful outcome. You can email us or schedule a quick call to learn more.
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