In recent years, virtual computing has becoming increasingly popular, with more and more businesses across varying industries transitioning ways-of-working, technology, and resources to the cloud in a process called ‘cloud transformation’. But what does this entail?
Within this article, we’ve explored all things cloud transformation, from exploring what it is to the benefits and strategies involved in moving to a virtual infrastructure.
An introduction to cloud transformation
Cloud transformation is a business strategy centred around completely transforming IT processes, to leverage cloud computing and virtual platforms. It involves organisational change and updating internal processes, reassessing business goals and objectives, and adopting new, cloud-native technologies.
Cloud transformation vs migration
If you’ve heard of cloud migration, you may be wondering whether the two terms mean the same thing. While sometimes (incorrectly) used interchangeably, they actually represent different processes:
- Scope
Cloud transformation: Cloud transformation is a strategic shift in business operations, to optimise processes and leverage virtual technology.
Cloud migration: This is a technical process simply involving moving applications and business data to the cloud.
- Focus
Cloud transformation: Cloud transformation solutions are focused on facilitating organisational change and cloud-native adoption.
Cloud migration: The key focus here is technical: data transfer, compatibility, and network configuration.
- Goals
Cloud transformation: The goal of cloud transformation is to drive innovation and improve business agility.
Cloud migration: Replicating existing IT infrastructure within a virtual environment.
- Timeframe
Cloud transformation: Transformation often requires long-term strategic initiative.
Cloud migration: Can be achieved over a set timeframe.
- Business benefit
Cloud transformation: Cloud transformation achieves enhanced innovation and agility and gives your business a competitive advantage.
Cloud migration: Migration improves day-to-day efficiency, can reduce costs, and typically increases flexibility.
What are the benefits of cloud transformation?
Reading on, explore the key benefits of cloud transformation, to help you decide whether it’s the right direction for your business.
1. Scalability
Cloud transformation solutions offer business-wide scalability, which improves efficiency. This is achieved through dynamic resource allocation and pay-as-you-go provisioning to effectively-meet changing demands (whether they’re increasing due to spikes or seasonality, or contracting during slower periods). This is facilitated by flexible pricing models, which have become popular solutions; allowing you to invest only in what you need, and so reducing the risk of over- or under-provisioning.
2. Cost efficiency
When operating across a virtual environment, you’re able to transition from CapEx spending to OpEx. If you’re not familiar with the terms:
- CapEx (capital expenditures) is commonplace within traditional IT infrastructure, where there’s usually a requirement to invest in hardware, software, and data centres – all of which likely eat well into your budget.
- OpEx (operational expenditure) is different; in this case, you’ll just pay for what you use, typically either on a subscription or pay-as-you-go pricing model.
In effect, cloud transformation can help you transition away from a fixed-cost model, and move towards flexible, cost-efficient pricing that’s centred around resource utilisation.
3. Operational flexibility
Transitioning to cloud infrastructure provides your business with vastly improved operational flexibility. With such a wide range of virtual services on offer, you have the opportunity to fully-transform your business into a cloud-native powerhouse, with internet-based computing, storage, networking, and analytics to hand in an instant.
4. Agility and innovation
Cloud transformation strategies lead to improved innovation, and an enhanced ability to experiment with new, virtual technology – which inevitably speeds up application development and deployment cycles, and reduces time to market. Similarly, you’re able to better-adapt to market changes, and evolve your business priorities accordingly.
5. Collaboration
You’ll likely find that collaboration between teams and offices is simpler following a cloud transformation. Cloud-based services can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, meaning all employees are able to better-collaborate on and communicate about documents and projects, regardless of location.
As a side consideration, this may also open up conversations around remote or flexible working policies, especially when combined with services like DaaS.
6. Accessibility
Having a cloud-based infrastructure that can be accessed from anywhere improves overall accessibility for both employees and customers. Where traditionally, users need to access IT from an on-premises environment, through the cloud they’re able to work independently and remotely.
Interestingly, this can reduce dependency on company-approved devices and traditional working hours, allowing employees to work from the device of their choice at a time that suits them, which may lead to improved productivity.
Developing a cloud transformation strategy
If you’re interested in moving your business infrastructure to the cloud, there are a few key strategic areas to consider:
Aligning with business goals
Importantly, before undertaking a cloud transformation, you’ll need to identify what your goals and ambitions are. These should be clearly defined, with clear reasoning as to how transformation will support them. At this stage, you should also determine the key metrics that indicate success (i.e. improved innovation, reduced spend, enhanced customer experience, etc), and prioritise your initiatives.
Choosing a cloud model
When transitioning to the cloud, you’ll need to decide on which virtual model best-suits your intended infrastructure:
- Public cloud: Leverage the benefits of cloud computing through a third-party provider, such as AWS or Azure.
- Private cloud: Introduce cloud architecture through an on-premises or dedicated data centre.
- Hybrid cloud: Enjoy a combination of the above, and leverage the benefits with high flexibility.
Developing a migration plan
As part of your transition to a virtual business infrastructure, you’ll need to plan a cloud migration, which effectively involves moving your data and applications to the new, online environment.
For more information in this area, explore our other guides covering public cloud migration and private cloud migration.
Want to learn more about cloud transformation solutions?
Whether you’re interested in taking the next steps towards a full cloud transformation, or simply want to learn more about the benefits of virtual computing, reach out to our team of experienced consultants who’ll be happy to offer bespoke advice. And in the meantime, head on over to our blog, where you’ll find even more articles exploring all things cloud-related!
