Accelerating the Cloud Journey

Transforming your company for the digital age requires cloud connectivity and adaptation.

As technology has continued to develop in the 21st century, companies have used the evolution to their advantage. From countering cyber-attacks, handling the shift in work from home as a result of the pandemic, and simply becoming more efficient at data collection and storage, modern technology such as the cloud is an integral part of day-to-day business operations.

Accelerating advancing technology adoption, with a specific emphasis on the cloud journey, is one crucial strategy companies need to stay ahead of the competition.

The Cloud: Everything You Need to Know

Understanding cloud operations can help you understand if this initiative is right for you.

We constantly hear that our data is being stored in the cloud, but what does that really mean? “The cloud” is a term that collectively refers to all the servers accessed through the Internet and the software and databases that run on those servers.

Your information has a physical location on a data farm somewhere in the world. The cloud is so significant due to the fact that you can access that server and your data from anywhere. This is known as cloud computing, and it occurs when data is managed on a server outside a local device.

Cloud computing has transformed data collection and storage, which is why over 60 percent of all corporate data is now stored in the cloud.

Why is joining the cloud necessary today?

The cloud allows companies to sift through big data and make more informed decisions rapidly. By ushering in data automation, companies can bolster collaboration and engagement within their workforce by eliminating monotonous tasks such as data entry. Even a hybrid cloud model that allows you to keep some of your existing infrastructures will help you lessen workloads and strengthen your data center.

Avoiding the trend of cloud migration will only result in a decreased speed of innovation and less connectivity with suppliers or other business partners. Joining the cloud is an absolute necessity for a modern business, and there are a few steps to the cloud journey.

Stages to cloud adoption

We break down cloud migration in a few steps.

1. Assess your business environment

To ensure the optimization of cloud services within your organization, your first step in cloud adoption should be assessing your business environment and identifying the areas where you can streamline data. This assessment can look different from company to company, but common steps are determining costs and resources, identifying any cloud compatible apps or software, and looking at your current data infrastructure.

2. Roadmap your cloud strategy

Building your unique cloud strategy is the next step after conducting a self-audit on your current data collection setup. Identifying the areas of your business that can benefit from increased connectivity will help you target your cloud setup. For example, determine whether you would prefer to start with shallow or deep cloud integration. Additionally, consider whether your organization would thrive best with a single or multi-cloud setup.

3. Begin the transition of technology

After determining a cloud migration strategy for your organization, consider contracting DevOps professionals who can help transition your technology and data to the cloud. This process does not occur overnight, so be prepared for this stage to last some time. A data migration architect will likely be assigned from your cloud provider who can help walk you through the complex data transfer process.

4. Study pain points and learn how to improve

Growing pains are inevitable after implementation. Make note of any common complaints from your workforce so that you can gather data on their pain points. Discuss these with your cloud provider or a DevOps professional to try to resolve challenges.

How can I prepare for my journey to the cloud?

Digital transformation is no easy process despite the many benefits it brings to organizations worldwide. The best way to prepare for your cloud journey is to conduct as much research as possible on your migration plan. Inform your CIO of any potential costs and investments required to build the cloud architecture. Work closely with your architect and DevOps professionals within your organization to ensure a smooth transition of data.

How safe is the cloud?

When managed correctly, cloud storage is generally safe and well-protected against cybercriminals. However, securing the cloud does require some initiative on the user’s part, so if you’re not in a position to pay attention to it, you could be setting yourself up for disaster. (This is one reason it’s better to outsource!).

You’ll need to understand your company’s security posture, specifically any blind spots or weaknesses that need improvement. From there, you can create security guidelines to fit the bill. Everyone’s needs are different, but in general, your company will want to:

• Grant authorized access to their cloud
• Encrypt data
• Use two-factor authentication
• Train users on using and navigating the cloud safely

Cloud Transformation: Bringing Your Company into the 21st Century

As the cloud continues to develop, keeping up to date with emerging trends is the best way to ensure your company is up to date technologically. A failure to adapt to the cloud will likely lead to any company falling behind the competition. Naturally, you can’t hope to rework your company’s entire system in a matter of weeks, but taking small steps every time there are new developments with cloud technology can be a great starting point.

If your Cleveland, Akron, or Columbus organization is ready to accelerate meeting your business objectives while modernizing your day-to-day processes, get in touch with us here at Warwick Communications. We’ll work on a custom solution to meet your unique needs.