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Common Pitfalls When Migrating To The Cloud

Moving towards a cloud operating model means transitioning from a traditional IT delivery approach to a cloud delivery of services. This transition requires a significant change in mindset and approach.

Transformation is never easy, and cloud transformation is no different. In addition to a cloud migration, organizations are also grappling with various challenges such as outdated infrastructure, monolithic applications, diverse cloud operating models, and security gaps. These all translate to increased requirements on scarce resources and as organizations use more clouds and cloud services to meet the diverse needs of their business, they find that each cloud silo presents unique architectural and operational challenges. At the same time, providing employees with fast, secure access to the apps they need is cumbersome and complex while challenging traditional security models. Want to learn best practices in planning your migration to the cloud? Register today for our upcoming webinar!

Our recent Benchmark Study found executives prioritize the following challenges regarding the utilization of multiple clouds:

  • Risk related to security, data, or privacy issues – 25%
  • Inconsistent infrastructure API, database, network, and security constructs – 25%
  • Need to hire or maintain new, specialized skills to support Public Clouds – 24%
  • Ability to manage/ optimize spending – 23%
  • Increased complexity from policies that manage individual environments – 23%

Things to consider when moving to multi-cloud

Moving to multi-cloud is not easy. There are challenges with both adopting and consuming multi-cloud, and many questions to consider.

  • Do you have an executive mandate to drive your cloud transformation across the organization?
  • Do you have a comprehensive multi-cloud strategy that addresses applications, infrastructure, and operating models?
  • Will you be able to minimize disruption to existing IT and business operations?
  • Will you be able to manage and operate your new environment at scale?
  • Do you understand how to implement consistency and standardization across multi-clouds?  For example, security should be consistent and ubiquitous.

Many customers are already on the path to multi-cloud. They may be just starting out and need to transform their data center into a private cloud; they may need to integrate their existing environment with one or more public clouds; they may already be leveraging public clouds but need additional capabilities. Wherever they are in their journey, these are challenges that we at VMware have recognized and want to address so you, our valued customers, are better prepared.

Migrating to the cloud can offer significant benefits for businesses, such as increased scalability, flexibility, and cost savings. However, the migration process can be complex and challenging, and there are several common hurdles that businesses need to be aware of.

Typical Challenges when Extending On-Premises to Cloud

Cloud environments require new skills and expertise that may not be available in-house, creating skills gaps that can slow the migration process. This challenge can be particularly difficult for businesses that rely on legacy technologies or have specialized IT requirements. Investing in training and development can help organizations overcome this hurdle.

Another common challenge is incompatible tools and processes. Existing tools and processes may not be compatible with the cloud, creating additional complexity and slowing the migration process. This can be particularly problematic for businesses that have invested heavily in on-premises infrastructure. Identifying and addressing these compatibility issues early on can help businesses ensure a smoother migration process.

Separate infrastructures are also a challenge when migrating to the cloud. On-premises and cloud environments may be separate, requiring additional work to integrate them and create a seamless user experience. This can be particularly challenging for businesses that rely on complex workflows or have strict data security requirements.

Finally, inconsistent security protocols can also pose a significant challenge when migrating to the cloud. Security protocols may be different in the cloud and on-premises environments, creating additional complexity and increasing the risk of security incidents. Businesses need to ensure that they have a comprehensive security plan in place that addresses the unique risks associated with cloud environments.

Migrating to the cloud can offer significant benefits for businesses, but it’s important to be aware of the common challenges that can arise. By investing in the right training, skills, tools, and security protocols, businesses can ensure a smoother and more successful migration process.


Interested in learning more? Join our upcoming webinar – Critical Cloud Migration Planning

Picking the right migration strategy is key to getting the very best out of the cloud. By taking a smart approach, you can accelerate innovation, boost efficiency, and gain a competitive edge. Learn best practices that will help you accelerate growth to the cloud. During this interactive webinar session, learn about common approaches, roadblocks, and how to navigate complexities many companies face when migrating to the cloud. In addition, we will discuss assessing the current environment and examining security and compliance. Maximize your impact and look like a rockstar during the planning session! Register today!