Remember when “going to work” meant sitting at a desk, surrounded by humming servers and tangled cables? For many SMEs, that’s still reality, though it doesn’t have to be.
The cloud represents a fundamental shift in how businesses operate, but the term is too often misused without a fair definition.
So, what does “moving to the cloud” actually mean for your business? Let’s cut through the jargon and look at the nuts and bolts of cloud migration.
What’s in the Cloud?
Fundamentally, the “cloud” refers to servers accessed over the Internet, as well as the software and databases that run on those servers. B
In practice, moving to the cloud often involves transitioning from on-premises software to cloud-based, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) options.
For example, Microsoft 365 migration means moving Microsoft Office and/or 365 workflows from locally installed software to online.
However, this isn’t the whole picture. Cloud migration can also include adopting Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) for computing and storage needs or Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) for application development.
Many organisations choose a hybrid approach, retaining some in-house systems while moving others to the cloud. Here are some of the key technologies they commonly adopt during this transition:
- Cloud Infrastructure Providers: Businesses often adopt services from providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform. These providers offer scalable computing power, cloud storage, and networking, giving businesses the flexibility to handle growing data and workloads.
- SaaS Tools for Everyday Operations: Cloud-based software like Microsoft 365, Salesforce, or Google Workspace replaces traditional desktop applications. These tools stay updated automatically and are accessible from anywhere, helping teams collaborate seamlessly while reducing IT maintenance overhead.
- Virtual Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams have become central to communication and workflow management. Beyond messaging, they integrate with other business applications, creating an environment where employees can collaborate and share information in real-time.
- Cloud Backup and Disaster Recovery: Services like Datto SaaS, Wasabi Hot Storage, AWS Backup and Acronis offer automated cloud backups to ensure business continuity. If a system failure or data loss occurs, these services enable companies to restore critical information quickly without extensive downtime.
The Cloud Migration Journey
Migrating to the cloud requires careful planning. Much like relocating an office, cloud migration involves taking stock of your systems, deciding which to move, and transitioning in phases to avoid disruption.
Here’s what the process typically looks like:
- Auditing your current infrastructure to determine what can move to the cloud
- Selecting which applications and data to migrate and which to replace or retire
- Packaging data and apps for the cloud environment
- Executing the migration in stages to minimise impact on operations
- Training staff to ensure they can adapt to the new systems
Your Ticket to the Cloud
Moving to the cloud can turn your IT from a necessary expense into a strategic asset, enabling your team to work more efficiently and your business to scale more easily.
At Hive Communications, we understand that every business’s journey to the cloud is unique.
We’ve guided numerous SMEs through this transition, helping them move their tech and reimagine how their business operates in today’s digital-first era.
Ready to explore how cloud migration can benefit your business? Contact us today, and we’ll work together to chart your course to the cloud. Your business’s cloud-driven future is just a call away!
