virtualisation &
cloud computing
Let’s say that a business is
regularly using applications that
are outdated, for instance. If these
applications are to be successfully
transferred to the cloud, they would
have to be re-developed or re-
architected, and this takes far more
time and effort than it is usually
worth. Instead these applications
could remain locally, or they could
be moved to a server that runs these
applications to the cloud.
This example shows that
the process of reaping the
benefits of cloud is not always so
straightforward. This is why it is
vital to find the best candidates
for migration before formulating a
plan to enable that move.
People
Technology
This first step involves identifying
how your business looks in terms
of infrastructure, applications and
workflow, to more clearly determine
the overall cost and the benefits of
migrating to the cloud. Then, while
working alongside the chosen cloud
provider, your business should
gather all the insightful data it can
on how these components are
used within the larger network,
when they’re used and also how
frequently. The end result will be a
cost model that provides far greater
transparency on what can be moved
and where it can be moved to, as
well as anything that should not be
migrated at all.
While the cloud is ultimately a
change in technology, it also forces
an alteration in the way staff
conduct their work. While the long-
term benefits of increased agility
and ease of operation are almost
always worthwhile, there is often
short-term resistance from staff in
going ahead with the migration, and
the only way to counter this is with
strong, executive sponsorship that
will help drive the journey forwards.
With many different functions
moving the cloud, the impact on
workflows can really be felt across
service, support and operations.
This can understandably lead to
uncertainty among employees, but
this is where the cloud readiness
assessment is so important. It
helps businesses clearly identify
the current strengths of staff
members and the skills or training
that might be required for all staff
to feel competent and satisfied
with a cloud infrastructure.
To put this point into context,
imagine you are a cloud service
provider. If your staff fail to
understand the day-to-day workings
of one of your customers, or they’re
not familiar with the people who
manage the operational process, a
cloud migration can often be slowed
down or halted altogether. With
this in mind, it is not simply a case
of extolling the benefits of cloud,
but accommodating staff every step
along the migration journey.
‘Before even
beginning
the process
of migrating
to the
cloud, all
businesses
should ask
themselves
what their
aspirational
goal is.’
Process
Process change is an inevitable
consequence of any cloud migration,
and while the final cloud solution
itself is likely to simplify your IT
infrastructure, the operations and
processes involved are likely to
become more complicated. This is
particularly true when talking about
hybrid cloud environments, where
you are responsible for tangible assets
as well as something that is remote,
including third-party companies who
provide some of this management
and monitoring as well.
Every single process is deliberated
over during a typical cloud
readiness assessment, which can
help massively when determining
your business’ willingness to
change. The aspects that should be
included within this include access,
security and the change process.
Conclusion
A cloud readiness assessment is
absolutely essential for any business
thinking about making the leap and
migrating to the cloud. Alongside
the business itself, the chosen cloud
provider should always work closely
to ensure that expectations are
managed, and that the migration
itself allows the business to gain
maximum value from the process.
In order to make the migration
as smooth as possible, it should be
appropriately phased and carried out
in a way that considers the people,
assets and the processes involved
along the way. If all of this is taken
into account, there is no doubt that
the cloud readiness assessment will
prove to be the perfect launching
pad for businesses to start their
cloud migration from.
July 2017 | 21