Executing cloud migration is a daunting task. When an organization decides to embark on the cloud journey, it is often migrating for the first time. Typically, the organization lacks past learnings to inform a strategy tailored to its specific business landscape.
Though cloud migration processes are standardized now, the organization’s business portfolio and internal processes vary widely. Failing to consider a holistic approach to the cloud could result in costly mistakes.
While each organization’s migration challenges differ, we’ve shared a few common ways cloud adaptation can go astray, highlighting how expert cloud migration services can reduce these risks and ensure a smoother transition to the cloud.
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5 Common Cloud Migration Pitfalls to Avoid
1) Lax Executive Buy-in
In most organizations, the cloud journey is typically initiated by the CIO or CTO, while other C-suite executives may not fully grasp its value or long-term implications. This often results in a lack of executive buy-in and support for strategic cloud migration. For example, once a specific cloud project is completed, executives may mistakenly believe the organization is fully cloud-ready. When it later becomes clear that inadequate foundations were laid, it can lead to friction between the IT and business teams, ultimately hindering the migration’s success.
Partnering with an experienced cloud migration company can help bridge this gap by offering strategic guidance and facilitating alignment across departments. Cloud initiators must consider IT, business, and legal factors to ensure all executive members understand the complexity of the process. A trusted cloud migration company not only brings technical expertise but also helps unify leadership around a shared vision and strategy for long-term success.
2) Talent Sparsity
Talent crunch is perhaps the most significant issue with migration. Most organizations assume that existing expertise is sufficient to achieve cloud adoption. However, the existing IT staffers often lack clarity about the cloud. Indeed, they may be aware of computing and storage, but the cloud requires a holistic approach to how models are designed, implemented, and operated.
A skill gap assessment is essential for determining which skills are available and which skills are needed for cloud migration. The details reflect the crunch when you weigh your as-is state against the to-be state. Draft a plan to bridge the talent gap. Looping in cloud migration consulting services, like Veritis, is wise for helping you realize the ‘to-be’ state.
3) Lack of Clear Objectives
Before initiating the cloud migration plan, organizations need to understand their requirements and business impediments. While this seems easy on paper, most businesses approach cloud selection with bias. Though the selected cloud tech may work, it may not be the optimal solution. Thus, the organization ends up spending a lot while productivity dips.
The upshot here is the objective. Organizations must ensure that the cloud selection process is objective and focuses on the problems. This enables you to embrace the best cloud migration solutions for your business.
4) Inadequate Resources
Most organizations underestimate the time and money required for cloud migration projects. In the first few projects, an organization will likely make significant mistakes, and that’s inevitable. A few faults, such as choosing sub-optimal technology or undesired performance issues, can delay the project. So, organizations must consider these aspects while planning the budget and schedule.
5) Uncertainty on Cloud-specific Risks
Organizations migrating to the cloud often fail to assess and identify their exposure to cloud-specific risks. Relevant considerations include compliance with industry-specific regulations, business-specific requirements, and local laws, as well as any necessary modifications for the risk management framework.
Moreover, the cloud introduces new technologies, interfaces, processes, and third-party business relationships. If these aspects are not considered meticulously, they will lead to IT, legal, and cybersecurity risks.
A holistic risk assessment helps make risk-based decisions, upgrade the operating model, and modify the risk management framework. In addition, organizations must conduct awareness programs to instill best practices for cloud usage.
Also Read: 5 Common ‘Post Cloud Migration Risks’ That Need Attention!
Case Study Highlight: Successful Cloud Implementation for a Leading Education Institution
Cloud migration initiatives often face setbacks due to poor planning, lack of technical alignment, or operational gaps. However, a forward-thinking education institution recognizing the potential of technology in education proactively collaborated with Veritis. Together, they ensured their cloud adoption avoided common pitfalls and delivered a secure, scalable platform to support academic and administrative functions.
Challenge:
Committed to providing uninterrupted digital services, the client needed a modern IT environment to manage large volumes of data and support remote learning. However, they faced challenges with infrastructure readiness, resource optimization, and compliance, common factors that often lead to cloud migration failures.
Veritis’ Solution:
Veritis designed a cloud computing solution tailored to the institution’s academic and operational needs, with a strong focus on meeting the needs of students and faculty. The engagement involved assessing the existing environment, planning a smooth migration to the cloud, and providing post-migration support. Special attention was given to workload management, access control, and system scalability to ensure sustainability and minimal disruption.
Impact:
- Successful Cloud Adoption: The migration was completed without any service interruptions or data loss.
- Improved Accessibility: Enabled seamless access to learning platforms and academic resources for students and faculty.
- Scalable Infrastructure: The cloud environment enabled the institution to scale according to enrollment and curriculum demands.
- Avoided Common Risks: Careful planning and implementation prevented issues like downtime, misconfiguration, and resource waste.
This case illustrates how thoughtful execution and risk-aware strategies can enable educational institutions to transition to the cloud without falling into the pitfalls that often lead to failed migrations.
Explore the full case study: Cloud Computing Services to Education Sector.
Conclusion
Although the cloud failure reasons mentioned may seem unrelated, they are all smoke signals from the same fire: hasty cloud adoption. Stakeholders must stay informed and understand their requirements and objectives before initiating the migration. Since time is of the essence, it is wise to consider experienced cloud migration service providers, like Veritis, who can help you get the cloud right the first time. These providers bring the strategic insight and technical expertise needed to avoid costly mistakes and ensure a seamless transition.
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