Published by Andreea Daly | Founder | July 15, 2024

Cloud Migration: Timing, Benefits, and Pitfalls for Businesses

Businesses should consider cloud migration for cost efficiency, scalability, and remote accessibility. Start by assessing your current IT infrastructure, setting clear goals, and choosing a reliable cloud provider. Benefits include reduced hardware costs, enhanced collaboration, and data security. Be aware of pitfalls like data breaches, downtime, and compliance issues.

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

Key Timing and Tips for Business Cloud Migration Success

When and how should a business look at cloud migration, and what are the benefits and pitfalls to be aware of? Businesses of all sizes often consider moving to the cloud for various reasons. Cloud migration can bring about significant benefits, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. One of the main problems businesses face during cloud migration is data security. Moving sensitive information to the cloud can be risky if not managed properly. There is always a concern about data breaches and loss of control over data. To address this, its essential to choose a cloud provider with robust security measures. Regular backups and encryption are also crucial to ensure data safety. Another common issue is the compatibility of existing systems with the new cloud infrastructure. This can lead to disruptions in business operations. To mitigate this, its important to conduct a thorough assessment of current systems and plan the migration in phases. This way, any compatibility issues can be managed without causing significant downtime. Lean on a trusted partner who will manage this all for and with you, keeping you updated throughout the process. Cost is also a major consideration. While cloud services can be cost-effective in the long run, the initial investment can be high. Businesses should carefully evaluate the pricing models of different cloud providers and choose one that aligns with their budget and needs. The performance of cloud services can be affected by internet connectivity. Slow or unstable internet can lead to lagging systems, impacting productivity. To avoid this, businesses should ensure they have a reliable and high-speed internet connection before migrating to the cloud. To address these problems, here are some recommendations: 1. Choose a Reliable Cloud Provider: Look for providers like Microsoft Dynamics 365, which offers CRM and ERP capabilities through applications that work seamlessly together. It has great security, regular updates, and a knowledgeable support team. 2. Plan the Migration: Conduct a thorough assessment of your current systems and plan the migration in phases. This will help in managing compatibility issues and reducing downtime. 3. Budget Wisely: Evaluate the pricing models of different cloud providers. For instance, Sage 50 combines the convenience of cloud with desktop accounting software, making it a good choice for larger companies despite its rigid pricing. 4. Ensure Reliable Internet: Make sure you have a highspeed and stable internet connection to avoid performance issues. 5. Utilise Admin Tools: Choose storage solutions like Box, which focuses on security and collaboration. It offers superb admin tools and a decent amount of storage on its free plan. 6. Work With a Trusted Vendor: This should absolutely save you money in the short and long-term. If cloud migration isn't your area of expertise, leaning on someone who is an expert will be absolutely invaluable. They'll be able to mitigate the risks, give good advice, be aware of best practices and hold your hand throughout. These suggestions address the common problems associated with cloud migration while offering practical solutions. Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a robust choice due to its seamless integration of applications, security features, and user-friendly interface, despite some ease of use issues (and hefty price tag). Sage 50 is excellent for its powerful reporting tools and ease of access, though it might be better suited for larger companies. Box stands out for its strong admin tools and collaborative features, though its pricing can be a concern. By considering these recommendations, businesses can navigate the challenges of cloud migration effectively and enjoy the benefits of increased efficiency, better security, and improved collaboration.

SEE MORE ON CLOUD MIGRATION TOPIC

Cloud Migration: Timing, Benefits, and Pitfalls for Businesses

BEST RESOURCE

See the best cloud migration solutions picks

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Andreea Daly | Founder

Founder |

1. Dropbox

A cloud-based file storage and sharing tool. Fab because pricing includes eSignatures which can be so useful for contracts and other documents. It is not so great from a user interface point of view, we find others easier to navigate.

Pricing

- Plus - for individual use - £7.99 a month - Family - for family and friends - £13.99 per month - Professional - for freelancers - £16.58 per month - Standard - for smaller teams - £12 per user per month - Advanced - for larger teams - £18 per user per month - Enterprise - for organisations - contact sales

2. Box

Cloud storage that focuses on security and collaboration. Fab because of “superb” admin tools, size of storage included on free plan. It is not so great due to pricing, it can get costly. Some features overlap.

Pricing

Based on a minimum of 3 users - Free for individuals - Personal pro - £8 per month (single user) - Starter - £4 per user per month - Business - £12 per user per month - Business plus - £20 per user per month - Enterprise - £28 per user per month - Enterprise plus - contact sales for pricing

3. Sage 50

Combines the convenience of cloud with the power of desktop accounting software. Fab because the reporting tools work very well, ease of access is great, simple reviewing of accounting details, easy invoice entry. It is not so great due to the rigid pricing, it is better suited to larger companies. Helpdesk wait times are long and credit card payments cannot be taken.

Pricing

Try free for 30 days offered - Standard account starts from £77 per month - Professional account starts from £155 per month

4. Pipedrive

A sales-focused CRM system designed to simplify the sales process for small to mid-sized businesses. Fab because it is easily customisable, easy to organise, reminders are sent when project follow ups are needed and it tracks performance data. It is not so great at ease of use - it needs more reporting and automation, drag and drop deal management is tricky, report configuration not straightforward and sorting data fields can be confusing.

Pricing

Free trial across all packages including enterprise (most expensive) package Pricing ranging from £14.90 per user per month to £79.90 per user per month depending on requirements. They offer add-ons to plans which range from £6.70 to £41 per company per month

5. Outlook

As it says on the tin. Fab because it is easy to use for business, whether you are at your desk or on the go. It integrates with so much. It is not so great as we don’t find it as user friendly as the likes of Google Calendar.

Pricing

Included with any Office 365 account.

6. Microsoft Dynamics 365

Provides CRM and ERP [enterprise resource planning] capabilities through applications that work seamlessly together. Fab because it offers great security, lots of regular improvements and updates. The support team are very knowledgeable and helpful when required. Intuitive user interface. It is not so great at some of the ease of use. Entering contact details is not automated so must be done manually. Sync of account and contacts not done in an easy way. The system can lag on a slow internet connection.

Pricing

Prices range depending on business size, first dynamics app or subsequent app Pricing for first D365 app ranging from £41.10 to £82.20 per user per month Pricing for subsequent qualifying D365 app ranging from £16.40 to £82.20 per user per month Pricing offered for sales, finance, marketing, supply chain, service, project management, HR, customer data platform and commerce also varying between pricing up to £1000s, depending on package wanted.

7. Bamboo HR

A cloud-based system for managing aspects of HR including hiring, onboarding, and benefits administration. Fab because of easy onboarding, search function is super user friendly, general ease of use and favourable user reviews. It is not so great at customisation and attendance feature of employees (as they are lacking).

Pricing

No pricing available online

8. Crisp

A cloud-based helpdesk platform designed to help small to midsize enterprises improve communications with website visitors. Fab because it can be used on the web, iOS and Android. It is easy to use and has great customisation options. The customer support team is quick to resolve any issues and the range of integrations is broad and they are easy to connect up. It is not so great as the chat filters can be confusing and the chat widget crashes sometimes or the mobile app does not always work as it should. It can be more difficult to set up automations for periods of closure.

Pricing

Try any plan free for 14 days - Free - Pro - £25 per month (per workspace) - Unlimited - £95 per month (per workspace)

9. Bynder

Bynder allows you to store all your digital assets in one centralised location. Fab because of strong reporting support and onboarding, intuitive platform. It is not so great as their pricing and info is super gated, huge offput when it is such a barrier to entry. Templating offered was underwhelming.

Pricing

None shared. Rumoured to start at $450 per month but unconfirmed

10. Rippling

One place to run a global workforce—from your employees' payroll and expenses to computers and apps. Fab because of clear onboarding process, customisable notifications and easy use for employees and usable across all devices. It is not so great at navigation due to feature overload, not enough detail on types of benefits for health insurance

Pricing

Starts at £7 per user per month

11. Microsoft OneDrive

Part of the Microsoft 365 suite, offering cloud storage and file sharing. Fab because it is easy to link to the Office/365 suite. Full disclosure: we use Google Drive for work, and OneDrive for personal storage. The storage offered with OneDrive is more generous for automatically backing up things like photos and videos from your phone. It is not so great at sharing and collaborating, which is a big downside from a business point of view for us.

Pricing

- Plan 1 - £4.10 per user per month - Plan 2 - £8.20 per user per month - Microsoft 365 basic - £4.90 per user per month - Microsoft 365 business standard - £10.30 per user per month

12. Google Drive

Offers cloud storage, file sharing, and collaborative editing. Fab because it is easy as to get going. Great for small to medium sized teams and companies for easy real-time collaboration. SaaSy favourite as the Drive and Google Docs are super easy to use. Sharing and collaboration is easier than in Microsoft, from painful experience. It is not so great when uploading Word and Excel files with particular formatting, as this often skews once converted into Google’s version.

Pricing

Storage already included when paying for an email address. Then: Basic - £1.59 per month - 100GB Standard - £2.49 per month - 200GB Premium - £7.99 per month - 2TB

WHAT OTHERS HAD TO SAY

★★★★★

Al Cattell, AI Opperations and Product Development at GiantKelp

SaaSy made a significant impact on our project, especially in meeting our tight deadline. Their experienced team introduced expert processes that effectively managed delivery, curbed scope creep, and handled bug fixing with finesse. Their brilliance lay in the seamless integration within our team, bridging the gap between designers, developers, and clients. Their comprehensive understanding of software stacks proved invaluable, enhancing our project's overall success. Despite the professional demands, Sassy was an absolute pleasure to collaborate with. They strike an impressive balance between top-tier professionalism and an enjoyable working atmosphere.

★★★★★

Tim Davies, CEO / Co-Founder at Projekt Rising

Andreea is Passionate and driven. She is an asset to any team, bringing humour even in challenging environments. She applies her knowledge and experiences to bring order and structure (where often it is lacking) IT Project delivery is often referred to as herding cats, if that sounds like your environment, you need Andreea!

★★★★★

Paige Simms, Marketing Operations Lead at Elvie

Andreea was an absolute pleasure to work with. From the initial discussion, her wealth of experience and can do attitude shone through. Andreea project managed the onboarding of our DAM, building a trusted relationship with Frontify, as well as managing multiple internal hurdles to ensure everyone was on same the journey and completed the necessary actions in a timely manner. She also brought her own flair and bubbly attitude to the project which was warmly appreciated by all the team. I would not hesitate to work with Andreea again on future projects and highly recommend her, particularly for her project management skill set.