You have decided to move your data and applications to the cloud for better security and lower localized costs, but now what? Migration to the cloud requires a solid plan to allow your workflow to continue.
Step 1: Infrastructure and Workload Analysis
These are some of the significant factors that need to be taken into consideration:
Step 2: Creating the New Technical Infrastructure
Niko Computers IT Support will lay out a highly detailed, comprehensive blueprint of the new infrastructure, including, but not limited to: Business Continuity, all workstations, servers, Operating Systems, DNS requirements, network details, load balance, delivery of applications, bandwidth, Sign in & backups or storage needs post-migration.
Step 3: Implementation of the Migration Plan:
Niko Computers IT Support takes all factors into account in creating the Project parameters for a smooth migration: necessary tools and details, a timeline designed to allow for your workflow to proceed without even the slightest interruption, pre and post-migration cost estimations and any necessary staff deployment training, resources needed, roll-back and contingency plans, and recommended vendor(s).
Step 4: Working with Vendors and Service Providers
Niko Computers IT Support will discuss the scope of work in depth with the vendor to determine functionality and best vendor practices for migration with no downtime or data loss.
Niko Computers IT Support will also ensure vendor support is available during and post-migration to ensure end users can access and navigate the new system.
Step 6: Technical Review
Niko Computers IT Support performs a comprehensive review of all infrastructure and workload details with our Project Managers, verifying with your project leader that every aspect that could affect your internal workflow will be addressed. Ant changes during this period will become part of the plan moving forward.
Step 7: Migration Implementation & Management
All aspects of timelines & any milestones are cemented in place, our certified Project team members are identified, and the Project begins.
Step 8: Delivery & Testing
The migration is tested on an ongoing basis to reveal any unforeseen issues. Issues are addressed and resolved.
Step 9: Post-Migration Support
Project sign-off occurs once the Cloud Migration of all data, applications and infrastructure is completed and re-tested.
Niko Computers IT Support provides thorough support services throughout the transition and your staff’s post-migration adaptation to the new infrastructure.
A: Migrating transfers data from one platform to another, such as the cloud. Such data generally consists of databases, IT processes, and applications. This data can be migrated from the local network to the cloud for backup, as part of a new cloud-based operating platform, or for cloud-to-cloud backup. Generally, these types of migrations are best handled by Managed IT services or at least by IT consulting services. Typically, once a company has grown to the point of putting all its applications in the cloud, they have already contracted with IT support, but if not, it may be time. Many decent options can be found by Googling ‘Niko Computers IT Support’.
A: These services enable and perform data transfer to a cloud platform. While some companies specialize in moving businesses to the cloud, the smart money is to have your IT support company do it. Some host cloud services, such as Google Workspace, Microsoft Office 365, Azure, and Amazon Web Services (AWS), offer these tools and services to help clients migrate into their platforms.
The problem here is that involving either a 3rd party service or the host to whom the data is migrating to handle the transfer puts the client at odds with their current Managed IT services provider. Simply put, most Managed Services Providers or IT support companies have set up the local ‘legacy’ network, and any guarantees they have provided may become null and void once the client starts letting someone else ‘fiddle around’ with the network.
A: The very first step is to have a Cloud Readiness Assessment performed. Among the crucial points this will shed light on are the ease with which data and applications can be migrated, the time frame involved, potential disruption to the client’s operations during and after the data transfer, necessary security requirements, and determining the budget for the new cloud platform. This requires an in-depth analysis of the client’s current IT infrastructure, so a qualified Managed IT Services firm should perform it.
After the assessment has identified any problem areas, logistical planning is required to avoid disrupting company operations. The migration team needs to be chosen with well-defined roles – again, they should be technicians from your Managed Services Provider.
Then, as a good client, step out of the way and let the IT services team do the work.
A: Data such as email is relatively easy, but apps can be a headache if unprepared. Once you’ve chosen the best cloud vendor and migration partner (your IT support provider), use those resources to determine what needs to be done to integrate your infrastructure with the cloud. Constant testing is required, although every month, the process becomes more ‘push-button’ (NOTE: ‘more’ - NOT ‘completely’).
Presumably, your IT services provider has mapped out everything from Storage I/O requirements to CPU usage for database requirements, backups, business continuity and disaster recovery management. Without having this work already done by a qualified cloud migration expert/IT support and services provider, don’t expect it to run smoothly because it most likely will not
A: It’s the blueprint for the move to the cloud, consisting of steps laid out in the previous Qs & As:
A: Once the migration plan is developed, it becomes an actionable project. Think of a motorcycle daredevil planning a jump: everything from bike weight, distance, ramp elevation, and even wind factors are considered. This part is exactly what your migration plan is. But now comes when you kick-start the bike and put it in gear, ready to jump.
Bear in mind: Even the most cloud-accomplished Managed Services providers will find surprises as they implement the plan and begin the project. Many factors involved in these migrations are not ‘cookie-cutter’. Even with the best analysis of how the client data and apps will integrate with the cloud platform, things come up. This is the IT equivalent of a heart transplant.
A: This is synonymous with the migration plan. All the hard work of spotting and anticipating potential issues must be addressed through strategy – the overall objective and tactics – the step-by-step procedures to accomplish the goal.
Again, as stated in other Qs & As, do not try this yourself. Utilize your IT support and services provider, or better yet, use qualified and experienced Managed IT Services. If you are new to IT Support, just Google ‘Niko Computers IT Support’ and start talking to people. You will find the experts you need.