Step-by-Step Cloud Migration

In pursuit of greater flexibility, efficiency, and reduced IT infrastructure management costs, businesses are increasingly turning to cloud migration—transferring data, applications, systems, and other IT assets from traditional on-premises infrastructure to a cloud environment managed by external providers. The main goal? Finding a better place for their digital operations.

What is Cloud Migration?

How can we quickly and clearly explain cloud migration? Simply put, it’s moving digital assets from one location (typically private or on-premises company servers) to a cloud provider’s data center, such as Microsoft Azure. Cloud data migration enables companies to leverage flexible and scalable solutions that allow rapid adaptation to evolving business needs.

Moreover, cloud migration offers a wide range of benefits, including:

• Reduced costs of maintaining physical infrastructure
• Increased data availability and security
• Easier implementation of innovations and development of new services

What Does Cloud Migration Involve?

Cloud migration is more than just moving data “from point A to point B.” It’s a comprehensive process that requires proper preparation, planning, and execution. Here are the key stages of a successful cloud migration:

1. Analysis of Current Infrastructure and Business Needs

The first step is a thorough inventory of IT assets — what data and applications are currently in use, their dependencies, and security and availability requirements. At the same time, the company should define its migration goals — cost reduction, improved scalability, enhanced security, or the implementation of new features.

2. Choosing a Cloud Model and Service Provider

Cloud migration requires selecting the type of cloud computing model — public, private, or hybrid. The choice depends on business specifics, security requirements, and legal regulations. It’s also crucial to align the cloud provider’s offerings and technical support with the company’s expectations.

3. Migration Planning and Tool Selection

At this stage, the method of transferring data and applications is defined. There are three main cloud migration strategies:

• Lift and Shift – migrating to the cloud with minimal changes to the system
• Replatform – introducing improvements and optimisations
• Refactor – significantly or completely redesigning systems for the cloud

Appropriate migration tools are selected to streamline and accelerate the process, along with the migration method:

• One-time migration – all systems are moved at once, typically involving the most extended downtime
• Phased migration – systems are migrated in stages, with multiple migration windows
• Floating migration – minimises system downtime, but is the most labour-intensive and requires specific technical conditions on the client’s side

4. Migration Testing and Pilot Migration

Before full-scale migration, conducting tests and a pilot migration is recommended to identify potential issues, assess performance, and refine the process.

5. Full Migration and Deployment

After a successful pilot, all data and applications are transferred to the cloud. During this phase, monitoring the migration process, providing technical support, and minimising system downtime are essential.

6. Post-Migration Optimisation and Management

Cloud migration is just the beginning. After the process is complete, optimising and securing databases, monitoring cloud resource usage, ensuring data protection, and developing new features and improvements is crucial.

How to Migrate Data to the Cloud Effectively

Data migration requires special attention, as data is the foundation of every business. Security and data integrity must be top priorities. Here are some practical tips:

• Develop a migration strategy based on business needs and desired outcomes
• Secure data before migration – create backups and apply encryption
• Segment data – categorise data by importance and storage requirements
• Use automation tools to reduce errors and speed up the process
• Test data integrity post-migration – to ensure completeness and accuracy

These steps ensure a smooth cloud data migration while maintaining complete control over your digital assets.

Cloud Migration with ExoOne Cloud

ExoOne Cloud, available through Exorigo-Upos, is a modern cloud solution that enables businesses to migrate to the cloud environment easily and securely. What sets ExoOne Cloud apart?

• Flexibility and scalability – resources are adjusted to current needs, so companies only pay for what they use
• Data security – advanced protection mechanisms ensure high availability and safety
• Technical support – expert engineers from Exorigo-Upos provide assistance at every stage of migration and beyond

Migrating to ExoOne Cloud helps reduce the costs of maintaining in-house infrastructure while boosting operational efficiency and innovation.