Prepare the Perfect Cloud Migration Plan: 5 Quick Tips

What type of data backup systems does your company have? If you aren't sure, you may have a problem. Data loss and cybercrime cost businesses millions, even billions, each year.Obviously, the cloud offers many benefits like collaboration and safe storage. But for businesses who have yet to make the switch, it can be scary migrating massive amounts of data.Finally ready to move your data and documents to the cloud, but want some tips to make your migration plan successful? Check out five of our top tips below.

1. Choosing a Service

You may think the cloud is the cloud, regardless of who you are paying for it. Wrong.Depending on your servicer, there will be different features, data caps, and more. The big options are Amazon Web Services, Google, and IBM.In order to decide on a service, make a list of what is important to you. Know how much space you need.If you go with something that has a more restrictive size, you may find yourself going through a second migration process much sooner than you want.

2. Identify Priorities in Your Migration Plan

Even if you want to, moving everything at once isn't possible. Just like Rome wasn't built in a day, system data infrastructure won't migrate overnight.You may also encounter issues and need to tweak the process while it's happening. As such, identify applications or systems to move first that are fairly simple.A non-critical database will let you get the feel for the cloud without as much stress.

3. Hype Up the Transition

Make sure all staff understand why everything is moving to the cloud. Involve as many people as possible during the process.Ask for input regarding questions they would like to answer with the new data systems. If they feel they had a voice during the development, they will be more likely to accept the changes with a positive attitude. Because engaged employees are more productive employees.

4. Plan for the Downtime

During the migration process, you likely will have to adjust some business processes. This can be stressful for staff, but with proactive actions, it can be minimal.Think about solutions to handle system downtime. Regularly input appointment information to a system that will be offline during the move? Consider creating paper forms to use and enter after the migration is complete.

5. Have Training Before, During, and After

The worst thing you could do is move all your information to the cloud and not properly prepare your staff. If you do, you probably will have more problems that you did before the migration.Start getting staff acquainted with the system prior to major moves.Then it is a good idea to have regular refresher courses to ensure everyone maintains their skills. Adopting a power user method can be helpful because they can run these types of refresher courses.

The Sky's the Limit with Your Data in the Cloud

With proper planning, transitioning your business systems to the cloud doesn't have to be scary. These five tips will make your migration plan run without a hitch.Have some other questions you want to discuss? Contact us, we would love to help!