What to Consider Before You Make A Cloud Migration Decision
Making a strategic move to a cloud computing environment makes a lot of sense for non-profit and for-profit organizations alike. Efficiency, better communication and cost savings are all possible . Yet, tThere are three critical issues to consider before deciding to embark on a cloud migration. Work with your IT team or a cloud professional managed services provider (MSP) to study these areas before choosing a cloud solution.
Whether your team has already implemented cloud computing or is migrating to a cloud environment, Focus Data Solutions is your trusted cloud management partner. With 24/7 security monitoring and threat detection, our team prevents surprises before they happen and keeps your organization running smoothly. Contact us today to learn more and request an IT assessment.
Below, three things to know about migrating to a cloud environment:
1. Strategy and Cost
- Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): While cloud solutions can reduce capital expenditures, carefully evaluate the total cost of ownership, including subscription fees, data transfer costs, and third-party backup and disaster provision, which are often not included in initial charges. If you’re working with an MSP, discuss your cloud service options and what may be included in any service package.
- Scalability Costs: Cloud environments offer scalability, but it is important to understand the cost implications of scaling services up or down. Unexpected usage spikes, which may include new users or data increases, can lead to higher-than-anticipated costs. Conducting an assessment of your current IT assets and data requirements is a good place to start.
- Budget Planning: Establish a clear budget and cost management strategy for new cloud services to ensure you can sustain the ongoing expenses without compromising financial stability.
2. Data Security and Privacy
- Sensitive Data Protection: If your company or non-profit handles sensitive information, including donor data, beneficiary details, and financial records, it is crucial to assess the network security measures of a cloud provider to ensure that data is adequately protected against breaches and unauthorized access. A MSP, like Focus Data Solutions, will guide you in this evaluation.
- Compliance Requirements: Ensure that the cloud provider complies with relevant data protection regulations and standards, such as GDPR, HIPAA, or local data protection laws. This includes understanding where data will be stored and how it will be managed.
- Access Controls: Implementing robust access controls and identity management systems is essential to ensure that only authorized personnel can access sensitive information in the cloud environment. Work with your team to educate and train them on cybercloud security awareness and protections.
3. Service Reliability and Support
- Service Uptime and Reliability: Assess the cloud provider’s service level agreements (SLAs) to ensure they guarantee high uptime and reliability. Downtime can disrupt operations and affect the non-profit’s ability to deliver services effectively.
- Technical Support: Evaluate the level and quality of technical support offered by the cloud provider. Your MSP or IT team should ensure that they have access to timely and effective support, especially in case of technical issues or emergencies.
- Vendor Lock-in: Consider the potential for vendor lock-in and the ease of migrating to another provider if necessary. It’s important to understand the terms of service and data portability options to avoid being trapped in an inflexible contract.
By carefully considering these issues, your organization can make an informed decision about IT cloud migration moving to a cloud IT environment, ensuring that it aligns with your operational needs, budget constraints, and data protection requirements. Contact Focus Data Solutions today to learn more and request an IT assessment.