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A Six Step Checklist for Migrating to the Cloud

Cloud solutions are growing in popularity, but are they right for your business?

As more ERP vendors release cloud-based enterprise systems, triggering discussion among CIOs about whether they should shift investments to the cloud. While there are benefits of reduced cost, scalability and opportunity for greater flexibility and security, leaders need to examine risks and rewards to determine if a cloud strategy will pay off. Some things to consider:

Know what you want to accomplish – Identify key strategic business and IT goals. Is moving to the cloud a cost-savings initiative? Is the goal to streamline IT operations? Gain access to new functionality? Take a close look at what you want to get out of a cloud solution to ensure it meets the business needs.

Get executive buy-in – Executive buy-in ensures technology goals align with business goals. Help senior management understand how new processes would benefit the organization, provide more timely information, enhance security, and offer flexibility as the business grows. Getting leaders engaged early can prepare the organization for change and support a successful go-live.

Look at maintenance benefits – How are software updates currently managed? Are there challenges with resources and technical skill availability? Cloud solutions manage the upgrade process, requiring fewer internal resources while ensuring the organization stays current.

Do the upfront work – Conduct a comprehensive assessment of existing IT infrastructure to understand current state and future requirements. Think about what to move to the cloud first, what to move in the future as well as what should remain on-premise. A well-planned migration roadmap will minimize disruption to the business, support efficient use of resources and ensure critical business needs are addressed.

Perform a compliance and security risk analysis– Look at what needs to be improved or updated. Cloud solutions often offer security advantages. For example, cloud providers must adhere to strict ISO security standards, offering stronger data security protection.

The role of an experienced implementation partner – Don’t underestimate the value of a trusted partner to help you and your staff achieve a successful migration. Get them involved in early discussions regarding your goals, your processes and systems.

Contact Avaap to learn more about your cloud options and how we can help you successfully move to the cloud.