There are many reasons why most large organisations opt for cloud computing. These range from scalability and flexibility to the allure of innovation and growth within an industry. For small and medium-sized organisations, the decision may not be so clear-cut, particularly because of security concerns, the fast-moving nature of the technology, or a lack of familiarity with how it works. While cloud computing does provide countless benefits to even small companies, it is important to approach a possible migration with the right information and mindset.
A data governance strategy
The most important first step, yet one that is quite often overlooked, is taking the time to develop a comprehensive and solid data governance strategy. This can be done with the help of a consultancy or some other agency which has experience in the field. Basically, a data governance strategy is a set of principles that guide the management of data through its entire life cycle, and it should be aligned with the organisation’s goals. The strategy covers topics such as data quality, security, privacy, and compliance. Once you have this in place, you can move forward more confidently.
The most important first step, yet one that is quite often overlooked, is taking the time to develop a comprehensive and solid data governance strategy.
Plenty of companies do not believe they have to invest in the planning stages and instead just leap into cloud computing with little preparation. This is highly inadvisable because even if cloud service providers do the utmost to ensure security, companies need to do their part, and for every innovation, there are new risks. Again, this is why it is a good idea to consult with an expert who has ample experience with bringing organisations to the cloud. This expert can help to prepare a cloud migration road map, one in which a data governance strategy would be at the centre.
Security is key
More and more, data is at the heart of nearly every organisation, but it is not always clear which data is sensitive or important. That is why organisations need to be knowledgeable about which data they need to encrypt, and then they have to do it. After this, they need to implement access controls, ensure secure data transfers, and then protect data with all the best practices. These processes need to be regularly reviewed and updated, both to keep up with trends and innovations, but also to respond to potential threats coming from outside. With the explosion of AI, the level of concern about new threats is rising quickly, and rightly so.
Failing to protect data has many potential repercussions, several ranging from very bad to catastrophic. Obviously, any data breaches will damage your organisation’s reputation and could lead to a loss of revenue. Also, there might be some monetary sanctions imposed by authorities if it turns out that your company was negligent. Also, there could be other serious problems with regulatory agencies or governments, especially if data was removed and transferred to problematic locations. One issue with ensuring compliance, however, is that while many regulations are in place, they are not always clear, nor is it always obvious how compliance will be verified.
First things to consider when looking for a provider
Another important consideration when migrating to the cloud or assessing your current service is which provider to choose – or move to. The first question is whether to go for a public or private cloud. Public clouds offer stability, flexibility, and generally lower prices. With private clouds – which are not unlike on-premise software in that there are often more tools installed – you can run software in a private data centre, and you are certain who is providing it. After that, you need to decide which provider to choose.
Another important consideration when migrating to the cloud or assessing your current service is which provider to choose – or move to.
Three major players dominate the market, but there are many smaller providers that offer high-quality services. Until recently, it has been time-consuming to change providers, and this has resulted in a high degree of vendor lock-in, but the open-source Kubernetes has helped to resolve this. The important thing is to determine your cloud-computing needs and then examine the offers. Some providers are stronger in infrastructure while others are leaders in software.
Keep your cloud computing budget-friendly
Deploying cloud solutions, whether public or private, is not cheap, even if you sign up for a pay-as-you-go plan. It is therefore vital to frequently monitor and optimise cloud resources – to do the inventory, so to speak – and drop services you do not need or use, those that only lead to higher costs. The savings can be moved to something else which generates revenue or is part of a value stream, adding added value to your enterprise. It is advisable to have an expert to help you to make these decisions, and in most cases, this will be the dedicated staff member who oversees your company’s cloud services. Larger enterprises that run 200 AWS accounts, for example, usually have an entire cloud operations team, but firms that run one or two accounts might only have one person. No matter what, you need competent people who are trained and certified not just in cloud computing, but who possess the proper cloud-provider-related certification.
Embarking on the journey to cloud computing is a bold step towards transforming your organization. With strategic planning, focus on security, the right provider choice, and smart budgeting, you can unlock the full potential of cloud computing. Are you ready to explore more and elevate your business to new heights? Reach out to us to learn more. (https://www.cgi.com/en/cloud-it-modernization)