Moving to the cloud can reduce hardware costs, improve reliability and make it easier to grow. Done in a hurry, it can also bring surprise bills and downtime. This checklist covers the steps we recommend before any migration.
1. Know what you are moving
List every application, database, file share and integration, who uses it and how critical it is. Note the dependencies, for example an accounting system that relies on a shared folder or a scheduled export.
2. Decide what to move, rebuild or retire
Not everything should move as it is. Some systems can be moved as they are, some are better replaced by a software-as-a-service product, and some can simply be switched off.
3. Estimate the running costs
Cloud pricing is based on usage. Model compute, storage, backups and data transfer for normal months and busy periods, and set budget alerts from day one.
4. Plan security and access
- Use multi-factor login for every administrator account
- Give people only the access they need
- Encrypt data at rest and in transit
- Turn on logging before go-live, not after
5. Test backups and the cut-over
Restore a backup in the new environment before you rely on it. Rehearse the cut-over with a small, low-risk system first and agree a rollback plan.
6. Monitor and optimise after the move
Review usage and costs in the first few months. Right-size servers, remove unused resources and switch non-production systems off out of hours.
If you would like a second opinion on your migration plan, talk to our team.
