Cloud migration is the movement of server workloads, data and files, and enterprise applications across dissimilar physical, virtual, and cloud platforms. Some companies offer managed migration, others a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model for automated migration, and still others offer migration tools for self-service.
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Cloud Migration Services help organizations transfer data, applications, virtual machines, and other digital assets to the cloud from on-premise servers as well as other clouds. Cloud Migration Services do this by providing safe and secure channels for data to be effectively processed into or between a cloud computing environment. Cloud Migration Services can integrate with content managers, database managers, and other external software for a seamless transition.
Cloud Migration Services provide data management tools to ensure that data volumes of any size are transferred without compromising security or efficiency. Cloud Migration Services can upload data to multiple clouds at once to provide redundancy for archiving and disaster recovery purposes. Additionally, Cloud Migration Services provide continuous updating and automated syncing features to ensure up-to-date governance and compliance regulation for applications and software.
Cloud Migration Services are a specialized Migration Tool to assist with moving data and virtual assets to and from clouds. They do not handle the migration of physical assets, such as servers or computers. Additionally, transferring legacy data or documents may be better handled by Office Migration and Repair Utilities, as those tools are geared toward providing modernization services.
The most common Cloud Migration Services features are:
When choosing the right Cloud Migration Service, consider the following:
Migration needs. Choosing the best Cloud Migration Services solution for you should start with determining what you need from the cloud. This will determine not only the features that you’ll need to use, but also the overall cost of the service. If you’re using the cloud for archiving and disaster recovery purposes, you may only need a more basic option. However, if you plan to use the cloud to host virtual machines, serverless architecture, or agile development tools, Dynatrace ensures applications and software are migrated efficiently, with features including post-migration testing support.
Industry. Related to your business’ individual migration needs, you’ll also want to consider which aspects of Cloud Migration Services solution will help you with the overall demands of your industry. This is especially true if you rely on the cloud for application, architecture, or software deployment, as server downtime, upload and download speed, and other considerations may impact the overall performance of your assets. Some vendors utilize artificial intelligence to dynamically monitor your data needs and optimize migration paths to minimize downtime and optimize transference speed.
Automated or serviced migration. Whether you want a product to autonomously handle migration for you, or if you want to manage the process yourself, there’s a range of options for users. Dynatrace offers a fully autonomous cloud migration service, complete with real-time visualizations of cloud resources, making cloud migration simpler for users who are uncomfortable with manually handling the process. Flexera One offers both automated and self-service migration tools, allowing users with more technical skill greater control over their assets. Finally, RiverMeadow offers a managed service to dynamically choose client-centric migration options, granting the benefit of specialist support without the need to be directly involved with the cloud migration process.
Pre- and post-migration support. Developing a successful cloud migration strategy extends beyond choosing a Cloud Migration Service from the outset. You’ll want to consider your options based on the type of support offered during the planning stages, as well as ongoing support after the initial migration. Accenture provides migration specialists teams to help develop personalized support plans, but it is one of the more costly options.
Cloud provider. Depending on who your provider is, you’ll want to make sure that your chosen Cloud Migration Services product can work with your cloud service. Generally speaking, products will work with AWS, Azure, and Google DataCloud without much problem. If you have a more specific provider, such as Oracle Cloud, you’ll want to consult the vendor to determine if they will integrate.
Cloud Migration Services vendors create client-centric plans to meet their needs. Vendors should be contacted directly for quotes. Most vendors offer free trials or demos.
The following resources will be helpful in determining useful aspects of cloud storage selection, such as hosting characteristics and pricing, before choosing a migration service.