Many companies have taken the migration process of cloud computing as a given, with more and more companies using it. Moving multiple apps and services to a cloud environment can be difficult, especially since every cloud is different. Every cloud migration is unique because major vendors like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft all offer their own ecosystems. Companies cannot afford to take a cloud migration as a given. Instead, they must plan carefully and train their staff to deal with any potential challenges.
Cloud migrations can be difficult. According to an InfoWorld report, cloud migration failures are actually on the rise. According to InfoWorld, this rise was apparent in an Innotas report and stems from the fact that many businesses who have just moved an app or data set to cloud computing are still doing it for the first time. It doesn’t matter if you’re starting a cloud migration for the first time or if you’re taking on a challenging project, it is important to understand the main reasons cloud initiatives fail. These are the three most important reasons why cloud initiatives fail.
Problem 1: Rushing into projectsInfoWorld noted that many organizations send IT professionals to rush into cloud migrations, creating unrealistic timelines and excessive pressure. The cloud can be a great tool for IT operations acceleration, but there are still many things to consider and manage, especially when it comes to a first-time migration of an app or system.
Network World also agreed with this sentiment, pointing out that organizations can get ahead of themselves by being too urgent. Sometimes a business may get so excited about the cloud that they rush to migrate the entire business. Projects can stagnate because teams don’t feel comfortable with the cloud or don’t have enough time to fully understand its implications before migrating mission-critical systems.
The solution:Organizations can take a two-pronged approach to avoid rushing in their transition to the cloud. The first step is to train IT professionals about the cloud ecosystem you are moving into. If you need to port a database to a Microsoft cloud, look for Microsoft-certified training programs. Then, develop your staff. Project management training can help leaders understand how to set expectations and manage time effectively.
Problem 2: Neglecting communication. The consumerization of IT has created a situation where non-tech users can roll out cloud services when they need them. Network World reported that shadow IT is a growing problem. Companies need to open communication channels between the business and IT teams. Many times, migration efforts fail due to a lack of clear expectations from executives. IT cannot adequately specify project requirements and IT can’t give clear business goals.
This is the solution: This is a problem that requires strong project management skills. A skilled project manager can act as a mediator between business leaders and IT leaders, helping to understand the needs and challenges of each group and ensure that the cloud migration is focused on the right priorities.
Problem 3: Insufficient support for staff. Working in the cloud presents new and different challenges to businesses than working in traditional IT environments. Network World stated that many companies neglect to invest in the necessary support systems and tools when moving to the cloud. IT training, discussions about business goals, and a clear understanding of the cloud service model stack are crucial to properly support the IT team in moving systems into the cloud.
The solution: ITtraining programs that cover a wide range can be a big help in moving to cloud computing. A holistic staff training strategy, in which employees are given the task of gaining expertise in specific but relevant areas, can help to provide the broad departmental knowledge necessary to manage a move to cloud.
Although investments in professional training won’t guarantee success, they can help improve your staff’s ability to handle any issues that may arise. New Horizons can help you, whether you’re an IT professional looking for a cloud-focused job, or an executive looking to train your staff.
3 Reasons Cloud Migrations Failed and What You Can Do About it
