Let’s be honest: if your business deals with data (which is relevant to 99% of businesses), you must deal with the cloud to this or another extent. It’s just more convenient and cost-efficient. The key question isn’t whether to move there or not. Rather, it’s the question of how to work there efficiently. As with everything, you need a strong strategy.

Why Move to the Cloud (If You Haven’t Yet)?

Many people think the shift to the cloud is mainly about data storage. You stored it on your devices, now you store it online. That’s a bit simplified view of it. Rather, this shift is about making your operations more efficient — that is, more scalable, cost-efficient, and secure.

• Scalability

The cloud allows you to handle sudden spikes in demand. It equally allows you to scale back during slower periods. And you can do that without costly hardware upgrades, which is a huge plus.

• Cost-Efficiency

Unlike traditional setups, the cloud lets businesses pay only for what they use. Here, however, it is important to be realistic. The shift online does not automatically mean reduced costs. To really achieve the latter, it’s best to turn to cloud strategy consulting services. They’ll identify cost-saving opportunities and wasteful spending that should be avoided.

• Enhanced Security

Despite some misconceptions, the cloud can be secure compared to on-premises systems. Cloud providers (okay, reputed ones) invest in security measures like encryption, regular updates, and compliance with industry standards. Not many businesses can afford that scope of investment on their own.

Very often, security failures result from how businesses manage their data, not the cloud itself. This is another reason why it’s always ways to use professional consulting services. Their experts just know more about it and can save you from many mistakes.

How to Build a Consistent Cloud Strategy: 5 Things to Consider

Assess Your Business Needs

That’s common for any strategy — you first assess what your business truly needs. Together with cloud experts, you need to audit your current IT infrastructure and identify improvements:

• reducing costs
• improving scalability
• enhancing collaboration, etc.

You will need this knowledge at the next step.

Choose the Right Cloud Model

Now, it’s time to choose your cloud model. Again, it’s best to do it together with experienced consultants because they’ve seen each model in action many times. You will be choosing between public, private, and hybrid models. Public clouds are cost-effective and scalable, but privacy is their weak point (not necessarily, though). Private ones offer more control and security but can be more expensive. Hybrid models… well, they are hybrid. Besides, you’ll need to choose between single- and multi-cloud strategies. The former means lower costs and simpler management. The latter, in turn, means more flexibility and higher resilience. Your consultant should help here, too.

Focus on Data Management and Security

Always keep in mind data is one of your most valuable assets. Ask the expert to develop a data management plan for you. It should outline how data will be

• stored
• accessed
• protected.

It should also cover encryption, access controls, and compliance with regulations like GDPR or HIPAA.

Plan for Integration with Existing Systems

A common misbelief is that moving to the cloud means abandoning your existing systems. It’s not. A successful strategy rather means integrating cloud services with your current IT infrastructure. So you should, first and foremost, identify which legacy systems need to be integrated. Then, plan the integration itself. This might involve using APIs, middleware, or other integration tools.

Develop a Governance Framework

A consistent cloud strategy isn’t just about technology. Governance is equally important. If you are working in cooperation with a cloud service, they’ll normally provide you with a governance framework that includes guidelines for

• cloud usage
• data security
• cost management
• compliance.

Assign (and train) a cloud governance team that will monitor and enforce these policies.

Typical Mistakes to Avoid

Even with careful planning, there are common pitfalls that businesses often encounter.

• Underestimating Costs

Businesses often overlook costs like data transfer fees, storage, and additional security measures.

Don’t rely on your own estimates. Ask a cloud expert to conduct a detailed cost analysis for you.

• Ignoring the Need for Training

Employees need training on any change, especially when moving to the cloud. Your task is to provide them with it and check further to see if it succeeded.

• Overcomplicating the Migration Process

Some businesses attempt to move everything to the cloud all at once. It sounds attractive but in practice, it’s just chaotic. It’s wiser to take a phased approach to it.

Wrapping Up

All in all, if you are planning to move to the cloud (which is generally smart in 2024), two recommendations seem to be especially relevant. First, you’ll need a cloud strategy. It’s really a bad idea to start the change without it. Second, it’s best to implement this change with professional cloud experts. It’s just cheaper and safer this way. For the rest, you now know what the process looks like and how to plan it right.