Cloud storage has revolutionized operations by expanding on and improving traditional capabilities. It provides unparalleled flexibility, scalability, and usually significant cost savings. Additionally, it enables seamless access to data from multiple locations and devices.
But what kind of consulting company would we be if we said there were no potential downsides? Cloud storage can help you and your application be more agile and responsive, but it can also put you at risk as data breaches and security vulnerabilities become increasingly common.
Of course, your mileage may vary, but there are some common risks that everyone needs to assess before moving applications into the cloud.
Apps are how we do anything with our data, from typing out this blog post, to simply using your smartphone. But not all apps are created equal. When migrating data, you can't just drag or copy and paste everything from your on-premise server to a cloud server. It's a bit more nuanced than that.
First, you'll need to find out if your organization is using any apps that are not cloud ready, and make a list of these apps. This is because legacy applications which are not specifically written for the cloud will only take advantage of some (or none) of cloud capabilities. You may have to update, or find alternative solutions to these apps.
It's important to note that applications on the cloud operate differently. Cloud-based applications are typically only active upon request. This means that when your server is inactive and no one is using it, the app doesn't contribute to your overhead, potentially reducing your data costs.
Legacy applications, on the other hand, may not be as cost-efficient in the cloud. Some of them assume that you already have a dedicated server environment for them. Legacy applications designed to actively run on on-premise servers will actively use your cloud server. This could lead to a significant increase in your overall data costs if not managed properly during migration.
The next thing to consider is the cost factor. Allowing an app to run up your costs isn’t ideal. So, the alternative is to either write software that works with your cloud setup, or buy new software entirely.
When considering the initial cost of migrating to the cloud, the cost of developing or purchasing new software should be taken into account.
It’s also good to consider other options or implementations. For example, it might be smart for your business to determine which data you’d like to put in the cloud (rather than all of it). Taking advantage of partially storing your data might be the best strategy for the long term rather than an all-or-nothing approach.
Whatever option you end up taking, it’s always a great idea to do some cost-benefit analysis on what exactly moving to the cloud entails. Factor in your legacy applications and your use case, and you should have a good idea of what initial investments you need to make to successfully take advantage of cloud storage technology when you're seeking that initial quote from vendors.
Hypershift is a consulting organization focused on SaaS, subscription software, and cloud technologies. We help organizations navigate their shift toward subscription software models — our mission is to ensure best-in-class security, support, and management to optimize enterprise-level cloud strategies. Don't hesitate to reach out today!