Many factors can motivate an organization to migrate from an on-premises system to a fully cloud-based system. Some of these factors are higher security standards, growth to new or remote work locations, phasing out technology that is reaching end of life or obsolete and others. Let’s expand on them:
Changes in compliance and security requirements:
A compelling motivation for cloud modernization arises from potential shifts in customer compliance and security needs. Customers may have to comply with new regulations or standards to reach new markets or opportunities. The cloud makes it much easier to meet these compliance challenges.
Adoption of remote work:
Studies have shown that flexible or remote work options can give organizations a competitive edge in attracting and retaining the best talent. Remote work policies also have significant benefits for companies, such as reducing the expenses of office space. However, with a shift to remote work, teams don’t want to have physical hardware sitting around in the office, and that hardware needs to go somewhere if they have server-based workloads that still need to run.
With a cloud-based environment like Azure Virtual Desktop, employees can access their work from anywhere in the world, making the transition to remote work seamless. Additionally, your company won’t have to worry about where physical servers are located, and you can add skilled employees from any geographical area or time zone.
End of hardware lifecycle and need to shift to the cloud:
One of the challenges that many organizations face is the end of hardware and software lifecycle, when their physical servers, storage devices, network equipment, or operating systems become obsolete, unreliable, or incompatible with newer technologies.
For example, Windows Server 2012 reached end of extended support on October 2023, meaning that Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, technical assistance, or bug fixes for this product. This can result in increased costs, security risks, and performance issues. Migrating these workloads to Azure means you can receive free Extended Security Updates for three years after the end of support date, keeping your workloads secure whilst you plan and implement a migration.
Another one of the benefits of cloud computing is that it can help overcome this challenge by providing a scalable, flexible, and cost-effective alternative to hardware and software replacement. Cloud services allow organizations to access computing resources on demand, without having to invest in or maintain their own infrastructure. This can reduce capital expenditures, operational expenses, and environmental impact. Cloud services also offer higher availability, reliability, and security than outdated hardware and software, as well as the ability to leverage the latest innovations and best practices in the industry.
Overcoming hesitations and resistance to change:
Some people might be hesitant to adopt cloud solutions, even if they have many benefits and fit the criteria we discussed earlier. They might think, “We’ve always done it this way.” This is a common obstacle that we need to overcome. We should consider using solutions like Azure because they can help us deal with prominent issues, such as new security threats, compliance standards, scalability, and resiliency.
Let’s break down two of the main ways your team can work to overcome hesitations and resistance to change:
Proactively adapt to industry innovations:
To stay competitive in a fast-changing industry, MSPs need to innovate and not just rely on what has worked in the past. Microsoft shows the importance of modernization by offering solutions that cater to customers' needs for more functionality, cloud-based services, and remote work across different devices.
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the pressure on MSPs to deliver more value and support to their clients. This requires a balance between meeting higher expectations and avoiding the stress of working non-stop.
To adopt a more proactive approach, MSPs need to not only anticipate the future trends of the industry, but also change their mindset from sticking to what they are used to doing to embracing what they should be doing in the current situation.
Balance day-to-day operations with forward-thinking strategies:
Within the fast-paced operations of MSPs, finding time for proactive reflection on the evolving sector can be challenging. Amidst immediate tasks, there's a tendency to stick to familiar practices rather than consciously adapting to what the current landscape demands. It's essential to recognize that an exclusive focus on routine operations may inadvertently hinder forward-thinking.
When considering the future, it becomes imperative to analyse industry trends. After establishing the importance of migrating customers to the cloud, your focus should shift toward discussing best practices for a successful transition. Ignoring these practices may lead to complications during migration, affecting the seamless delivery of optimal solutions to customers.
Ready to get started? Contact Dicker Data today and explore our offerings and embark on a journey to a seamless and efficient cloud migration experience.
