Migrating to the cloud has become a significant consideration for organizations seeking scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency. However, there are several misconceptions around cloud migration that may cause hesitation and resistance. By addressing these misconceptions, organizations can make more informed decisions and leverage the benefits of cloud technology. Partnering with a trusted cloud hosting provider will help ensure a seamless migration, eliminate potential concerns, and help you navigate the cloud successfully. Below examines the top misconceptions about moving to the cloud and explores the true advantages of cloud migration:
1. Migrating to the cloud is more expensive
A common misconception about moving to the cloud is that it is more expensive than on-premise software. While there are upfront costs associated with migration and setup, cloud solutions often provide long-term cost savings. By moving to the cloud, organizations eliminate the need for maintaining and upgrading on-site servers. On-premise software requires regular investments in hardware upgrades, which can be expensive. Cloud migration reduces both hardware and software costs as the responsibility of infrastructure management is shifted to your cloud hosting provider. Additionally, there are hidden costs associated with maintaining on-premise hardware that organizations may overlook. These costs can include electricity consumption, temperature controls, and maintenance fees. When you partner with a reliable cloud hosting provider, they will efficiently maintain and manage your environment, helping to mitigate any unexpected costs or fees.
For example, see the below on-premise vs. cloud cost comparison, which was based on a general 15 user company needing SQL (Structured Query Language).
(Assumes $0.00 for project setup/migration to new server or cloud.)
Server Cost: $19,132.11
Microsoft Azure Cost/month: $1,585.42
As you can see, by migrating to Azure cloud you can capitalize on cost-saving opportunities as an alternative to the long-term expenses of server replacements for the next 10 years. The cloud was set up for “matching or better” specifications to a physical server. This reflects annual cloud costs, associated maintenance (backups, redundant power, patching/management, security applications, monitoring, etc.) for on-prem, as well as 5-year server replacement cycle. Years 1 and 6 on-prem include new hardware as well as 1 year of maintenance costs.
2. You lose control of your data when you move to cloud
Many organizations believe that migrating to the cloud results in a loss of control over data and information. However, this is not the case. Moving to the cloud can be compared to putting your money in the bank: while you may not physically see your funds at all times, you can trust that they are safe and accessible whenever you need them. Similarly, with cloud migration, your data remains secure and under your control, even if you cannot physically observe it at all times. Although the physical infrastructure is managed by a cloud hosting provider, your organization retains control over your environment, and you have the freedom to access your data whenever you want
You may be wondering, what happens to my data if I want to switch to a different cloud hosting provider? The fear of vendor lock-in might be one of the reasons you are wary of cloud migration. To address this concern, it is important to thoroughly evaluate your cloud provider and their cloud services. With Microsoft Azure’s public cloud hosting environment, you maintain complete control over where your data resides, and you have the flexibility to move or switch to another Azure environment at any time.
3. Cloud migration leads to performance issues
As you evaluate cloud migration, you may have concerns regarding the performance of your applications in the cloud. The cloud is designed to handle vast workloads efficiently. With proper configuration and optimization, the cloud often provides faster and more reliable performance than traditional on-premise infrastructure. On-premise software still has a single point of failure and does not offer the redundancy of cloud hosting. So, if uptime is an important factor to consider for your organization, the cloud succeeds. The right cloud service provider will invest heavily in robust infrastructure, including high-performance servers, networks, and storage systems. They should offer various service-level agreements (SLAs) that guarantee certain performance levels and uptime commitments, ensuring optimal performance for your applications.
4. The cloud is not secure
A lack of security in the cloud is another common concern when evaluating cloud migration. However, it is important to recognize that cloud solutions often offer stronger security measures compared to traditional on-premise setups. Cloud providers have dedicated teams of experts who are solely focused on securing your infrastructure, which enhances the overall security of your data. A reliable cloud provider should implement advanced procedures and technologies to protect your organization. These may include the implementation of an identity and access management framework, multifactor authentication, password protection, and user-awareness training. These measures are designed to make cloud environments highly secure, reducing the risks of potential harmful cyber-attacks and improving your overall security posture.
For example, Microsoft Azure Cloud is equipped with built-in redundancies and security features to help ensure your data is protected at all times. Azure’s cloud datacenters allow you to store your data in different locations. This enables you to protect your business according to your specific needs and preferences. With hundreds of datacenters available in 50 regions, you can strategically store your data across multiple cloud locations.
5. Moving to cloud means no more IT Team
Contrary to what some may think, the cloud does not eliminate the need for your IT team. Your IT team will work directly with a cloud hosting provider and will play a crucial role in maintaining control over the cloud environment and aligning it with your organization’s objectives. Additionally, there will still be a need for on-site technical support, user support and training, and other day-to-day administration tasks.
Cloud Hosting Services You Can Rely On
By debunking these misconceptions, it becomes clear that cloud migration offers numerous benefits to organizations. It is essential to select a cloud hosting partner who has the proper expertise and tools to implement a strategic cloud migration plan for your growing organization. Selecting the right cloud solution and provider can greatly improve your migration experience and maximize operational benefits. Your provider should put your needs first and build your cloud environment based on your business.
CompuData is a Philadelphia Cloud Hosting Provider offering cloud support, managed cloud services, cloud migration and implementation, and security services. Join over 5000 cloud users with CompuData and create a flexible, scalable, and customizable cloud environment that meet your organization’s needs. To learn more about the multiple cloud options, visit here.
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