Common Mistakes Companies Make When Migrating to the Cloud

Migrating to the cloud is complicated. It is so challenging that one in three cloud migrations fail outright! If your company is considering a move to the cloud, a crucial first step involves examining the common mistakes that frequently hinder companies, allowing you to proactively avoid them. Let's explore eight defining mistakes companies often make when migrating data to the cloud and the problem-solvers prepared to help you avoid each mishap.

1. Lack of Technical Expertise & Resource Planning

Problem

Underestimating resource requirements & timelines is usually the result of a lack of technical expertise.

• 66% of respondents said insufficient personnel and expertise was the top operational challenge to managing access to cloud data.

Problem Solvers

Cloud Architects 

• Develops a comprehensive cloud architecture plan and ensures alignment with business goals.

Project Managers

• Manages the migration project, including timelines, resources, and team coordination.
  
  
  
  

2. Lack of Security Measures

Problem

• 39% of businesses have experienced a data breach in their cloud environment last year.
  

Problem Solvers

Cloud Security Engineer

• Implements and monitors security controls, performs risk assessments, and ensures compliance.

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

• Provides overall leadership for security initiatives and ensures alignment with organizational security policies.

3. Poor Data Migration Strategies

Problem

Inadequate oversight during data migration can result in data loss, downtime, and incomplete transfers, presenting financial challenges and jeopardizing your reputation with customers.

• 83% of data migration projects either fail or exceed their budgets and schedules.
  

Problem Solvers

Data Migration Specialist

• Plans and executes data migration strategies, ensuring data integrity and minimal downtime.

Database Administrator

• Manages databases, optimizing performance and overseeing data migration processes.

4. Ignoring Cost Management

Problem

• Only 3 out of 10 organizations know exactly where their cloud spend is going.
  

Problem Solvers

Cloud Financial Analyst

• Monitors and analyzes cloud spending, identifies cost-saving opportunities, and provides cost projections.

Cloud Governance Manager

• Establishes policies and procedures to manage and optimize cloud costs across the organization.

5. Inadequate Training

Problem

As new products are introduced, the absence of proper employee training in cloud technology poses significant security risks and inefficiencies.

• 44% of organizations adopt the latest cloud products as soon as they're available.
  

Problem Solvers

Cloud Training Specialist

• Develops and delivers training programs to upskill employees on cloud technologies.

Chief Learning Officer

• Oversees the organization's learning and development initiatives, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.

6. Vendor Lock-In

Problem

•  34% of businesses rely on a single cloud service provider.
  

Problem Solvers

Cloud Solutions Architect

• Designs solutions with multi-cloud or hybrid-cloud architectures to avoid reliance on a single provider.

Vendor Management Specialist

• Manages relationships with cloud service providers and ensures contractual flexibility.

7. Overlooking Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

Problem

• 94% of IT and security professionals believe that compliance is a top priority for their organization.
  

Problem Solvers

Compliance Officer

• Ensures the organization adheres to industry-specific regulations and standards.

Legal Counsel

• Provides legal guidance on compliance matters and ensures that migration plans align with regulatory requirements.

8. Failure to Monitor 

Problem

• 59% use 3+ tools to manage and optimize their cloud.
  

Problem Solvers

Cloud Operations Engineer

• Monitors system performance, addresses issues, and implements optimizations.

DevOps Engineer

• Integrates monitoring and optimization practices into the development and deployment pipeline.

Final Thoughts

In migrating to the cloud, navigating the path with caution and foresight is imperative. A commitment to learning from past missteps is critical! It has been said that 'those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it' – therefore, you should look back and learn from mistakes other businesses have made to avoid repeating them. If your company is looking for strategic guidance to lead a successful cloud migration, consider contacting our experts to pair your company with best-in-class talent.