The majority of businesses today run at least some of their operations using cloud software. But for those that are still dependent on legacy systems, there's never been a better time to finally take the plunge and migrate to cloud tools, especially for the key software applications that all companies depend on.
A common objection among businesses that still rely on on-premise solutions is that their legacy applications are essential to the smooth running of their business. They worry that these services won’t perform effectively in cloud environments or will need to be replaced entirely, or that the migration process will cause so much disruption as to negate any of the benefits.
However, sticking with such systems can cause more problems in the long-term, especially in the remote environment. Many companies will have had to switch at least partially to remote working in 2020, and those with Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions will often have found this much less disruptive than those still using legacy tools.
Aside from making it easier to view critical data and applications from anywhere, cloud tools offer access to the latest technologies such as AI, promise advanced security tools and the ability to respond faster to evolving demands.
For many, the SaaS migration process will still be a cause for concern, especially when it comes to moving legacy systems relatively intact from on-premise to cloud environments. Getting this right is essential in making cloud computing a success, but if it's poorly-planned or badly executed, the costs can be severe.
Here are some key steps you need to take throughout the migration process to switch to the SaaS business model.
Before you initiate the SaaS migration process, you must conduct a comprehensive review of your current IT environment. This should establish what data you have, what applications you're using, where all these assets are stored and how they're accessed. You should also look closely at the connections between systems, including dependencies, as it’ll be vital these relationships are maintained in the cloud.
This process also needs to determine which applications and data should be prioritized for migration and which may be replaced or abandoned entirely if no longer relevant.
Not all cloud providers are equal, and your selection will go a long way in determining the success or failure of your business transformation. Factors to consider include both technical requirements like storage, computing power and load balancing, as well as issues such as customer service and service level agreements.
You should also be determining the type of cloud environment that’ll work best for you. Do you want to opt for a public cloud solution, a private cloud or a hybrid that combines the two?