What are the pros and cons of using cloud applications.pdf

6/16/23, 11:01 AM A Comprehensive Look into the World of Cloud Computing
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CLOUD
A COMPREHENSIVE LOOK INTO THE WORLD OF
CLOUD COMPUTING
Index
What is cloud computing used for?
What are the 4 types of cloud computing?
What is data security and privacy in cloud computing?
What are the 3 common reasons to use the cloud?
Why do we need cloud platform?
Can you move applications to the cloud
What are the pros and cons of using cloud applications?
What are the different types of cloud services?
What are cloud migration services?
What does a cloud migration specialist do?
Is cloud migration easy?
What are the concerns of users before migrating to a cloud platform?
What are the 5 cloud migration strategies?
How do I migrate from cloud-to-cloud?
What is SAP Cloud migration?
Why is it important for SAP to move to the cloud?
How do I move SAP to AWS?

Introduction
We are rapidly transitioning to a digital world, and humans are finding and developing technologies to
make life easier. One such technology is the cloud, which is now fueling businesses around the
globe. 94% of enterprise businesses now use cloud services.
What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing refers to any virtual platform that allows the end users to store, access, retrieve and
modify data over the internet. It will enable faster implementation and easy accessibility when testing
and building applications.
Regardless of the industry and organization size, it helps analyze raw data and offers services
effortlessly without limitations. Cloud computing offers multiple benefits, and businesses of all sizes
are now moving to the cloud.
1. For storage – There are multiple ways to store data, including laptops, hard drives, USBs, etc. But
cloud computing saves data in a remote server, which you can access anytime and anywhere through
an internet connection. It allows for storing files like images, videos, documents, etc., which are
automatically saved and can later be accessed, downloaded, or retrieved.
Cloud computing eliminates the higher costs associated with storing a massive volume of data. All
the data can be stored on the cloud at a much lower price and accessed by multiple devices.
Apple (iCloud), Dropbox, and Google Drive are some examples of cloud storage applications.
2. For data backup – Cloud computing for data backup is easy to implement and offers maximum
security. It lets you store sensitive information in the cloud without compromising security. Cloud
systems automatically back up your data, allowing you to schedule periodic backups as and when
required.
With cloud computing, there is nothing such as data being permanently lost. Even in the case of
disasters, organizations can retrieve their data with minimal loss.
3. For big data analytics – Regardless of the organization’s size, all companies need big data. All
leading companies use big data to understand their customers better, evaluate the performance of
ad campaigns, offer personalized services, create content strategies, and develop and improve
products. But storing this data requires vast storage space and a huge budget. It opens up
opportunities for business growth by solving complex problems.

This is where cloud computing for big data fits into the picture. Cloud applications come with pay-
per-use pricing options, which let users pay only for the resources utilized. Additionally, cloud storage
is offered at a meager price compared to hardware storage devices. It saves companies from
spending money on storage.
4. For testing and development – Software development and testing is another best use of cloud
computing services. Developing in-house software is time-consuming and expensive owing to the
installation and setup of the IT infrastructure and the manpower to run it.
Cloud computing is a solution to these challenges. The development team can easily set up
development and run testing in the cloud environment. The infrastructure in the cloud can be scaled
up or down according to the business needs.
5. Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) – Cloud computing does not require hardware for hosting
applications making this one of their most significant advantages. Setting up virtual machines (VMs),
Domain Name System (DNS) services, Kubernetes clusters, storage, and networks is much easier
with cloud computing.
For Example, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, IBM Cloud, and Microsoft Azure are a few
popular cloud services that offer IaaS.
6. Platform as a service (PaaS) – PaaS is a step above IaaS. It offers a complete cloud platform,
including hardware, software, and infrastructure for users to develop, run and manage applications. It
provides all these services without the cost, complexity, and inflexibility of setting up, running, and
maintaining that platform on-premises.
Companies choose PaaS when they want to increase the development speed on a ready-to-use
platform and deploy and run applications on a cost-effective and predictive model.
7. Software as a service (SaaS) – Software as a service has changed how companies use software
applications. SaaS offers subscription-based cloud software applications that companies can
purchase, deploy, and use within minutes. SaaS eliminates the need for buying and installing
software on individual systems.
This software can be accessed via a mobile app or website with an internet connection.
There are over a hundred thousand SaaS companies and products in the market. Some examples
include Salesforce, Hubspot, and Slack, which offer cloud software for various functionalities,
including customer support, marketing, sales, etc.
The Future is Cloud

Cloud computing is growing tremendously, and there’s no doubt that all companies will migrate to the
cloud in the coming years. It is cost-effective, scalable, reliable, and secure. While one cloud solution
might not fit the entire organization, there are multiple cloud offerings to suit specific business
needs.
What are the 4 types of cloud computing?
Introduction
Cloud computing delivers computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking,
software, analytics, and intelligence—over the internet. It offers faster innovation, flexible resources,
and economies of scale. Cloud computing is of four types:
Public cloud
Private cloud
Hybrid cloud
Multi-cloud
4 Types of cloud computing
1. Public Cloud : Public cloud computing services are delivered via the Internet. These cloud
computing services are owned and operated by third-party companies that give customers access to
storage, computing power, and other resources on a pay-as-you-go basis.
There are many examples of public clouds, but some of the most popular include Amazon Web
Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Microsoft Azure. Each provider offers various
services to build, deploy, and manage applications in the cloud.
AWS is one of the most popular public cloud providers and offers a wide range of services for
businesses of all sizes. AWS provides essential computing and storage services alongside more
sophisticated services like machine learning and data analytics. AWS also offers a range of pricing
options, making it a flexible and cost-effective option for many businesses.
The three most common types of public cloud services are Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS),
Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS).

● Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) – IaaS is a cloud computing service that delivers computer
infrastructure—servers, storage, networking, and data center space—over the Internet as a pay-as-
you-go service. IaaS providers own and operate the infrastructure and give customers self-service
control while providing scalability and flexibility regarding capacity and resources.
● Platform as a Service (PaaS) – PaaS provides a platform for developing, testing, deploying, and
managing applications in the cloud. PaaS providers offer a complete development environment,
including the operating system, programming language execution environment, database, web server,
and other tools needed to build an application.
PaaS makes it easier for developers to create applications without worrying about setting up or
maintaining the underlying infrastructure.
● Software as a Service (SaaS) – SaaS delivers software over the internet as a pay-as-you-go
service. SaaS providers host and manage the software application and backend infrastructure while
giving customers access to it on demand via the Internet. SaaS apps are typically available on a
subscription basis and can be used by businesses of all sizes to save on upfront costs and IT
resources.
2. Private Cloud
A private cloud operates solely for a single organization. Private clouds are usually deployed within
an organization’s internal network or hosted by a third-party service provider. Examples of private
clouds include:
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
Microsoft Azure Stack
Rackspace Cloud Servers
Organizations use private clouds to control their data and applications while benefiting from the
economies of scale and other advantages of cloud computing. The advantages of private clouds
include increased security and privacy, as well as improved performance and scalability. Private
clouds also offer the flexibility to customize applications and services according to an organization’s
specific needs.
3. Hybrid Cloud
A hybrid cloud combines public and private clouds to take advantage of the best of both worlds. A
hybrid cloud stores confidential data in a private cloud and less sensitive data in the public cloud.
This allows businesses to keep their data secure while leveraging public cloud advantages such as

cost savings and scalability.
Here are a few hybrid cloud use cases:
A company has an on-premises data center and uses a public cloud provider for disaster
recovery.
A company uses a private cloud for its mission-critical applications and a public cloud for
development and testing.
A company uses a public cloud for web hosting and email but stores sensitive data in a private
cloud.
Rackspace Cloud Servers
There are many benefits of using a hybrid cloud, including the ability to:
Save money by only paying for what you use
Scale up or down as needed
Keep sensitive data secure
Leverage the best of both clouds
4. Multi-cloud
Multicloud combines many cloud computing services from multiple vendors. All hybrid clouds are
multi-clouds; however, not all multi-clouds are hybrid clouds. Hybrid clouds involve the integration or
orchestration of multiple clouds.
A multi-cloud, for example, consists of various cloud combinations involving – two public
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) providers, a public Platform as a Service (PaaS), on-demand
management and security systems from public clouds, a private cloud IaaS for company systems of
record, and a private Container as a Service (CaaS) stack on either public or private clouds.
A multi-cloud environment controls sensitive data better with improved disaster recovery, which may
occur by accident. Companies seeking to increase security and performance increasingly diversify
their environments with multiple clouds.
Each has unique advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the right cloud for your needs is
essential. Research and talk to experts to determine which cloud computing suits your business.
What is data security and privacy in cloud computing?
Introduction
The cloud has made data security and privacy vital for businesses of all sizes. According to a report,
businesses have stored 1.2 million terabytes of information online. With so much data now held

online, companies must take steps to protect their data from being stolen or improperly accessed.
Cloud-based services rely on secure data transmission between the cloud provider and the user, and
careful attention to data security and privacy is essential to ensure that confidential information is
not compromised.
There are several ways to protect data in the cloud, from encryption to security measures such as
firewalls. This blog discusses cloud data security and privacy and how it affects businesses.
What is data security in cloud computing?
Cloud data security is a key component of any organization’s information security strategy. It
protects the data and systems essential to the organization’s operations.
Data security requires a comprehensive approach, including prevention, detection, and response.
Prevention measures include securing data against unauthorized access, destruction, alteration, or
theft. Detection measures include monitoring for signs of unauthorized activity and responding
quickly to detected incidents. Response measures include taking appropriate action to protect the
data and systems and investigating the source of the incident.
Why protect your data online?
Protecting your business data online can be difficult. Many threats can risk your business and data,
including hacking, breaches, and more.
Files in the public cloud on any server are constantly being moved between locations where free
storage space is available at all times. This means that your data can zig-zag across different
continents, depending on the capacity of your free virtual server.
For example, EU companies can no longer store personal data in the US due to recent EU-US Privacy
Shield issues. Organizations need to implement controls to ensure that user data is protected.
Regular audits by internal and external auditors, network penetration tests, and automated testing
procedures help keep your data safe in the cloud.
Data protection is a top priority for businesses of all sizes and industries. Here are a few reasons to
help you understand its significance:
● Protect your customers’ data : If your business is breached, your customers’ personal information
could be compromised.
● Maintain your brand reputation : Your brand relies on your customers’ trust, and protecting their
data is essential to maintaining that trust. If your customers believe that their information is not safe
with you, they may switch to a competitor.

● Keep your data secure from hackers : Hackers are always looking for ways to steal your data and
use it against you. By keeping your data secure, you can avoid becoming a victim of this type of
crime.
● Avoid legal issues : Data breaches continue to be costly, with the average cost reaching a record of
$4.4 million, per a security report released by IBM. By keeping your data secure, you can avoid
running into legal trouble. For example, if your data falls into the wrong hands and is used to commit
fraud, you may be held accountable.
● Gain a competitive edge : By being proactive and taking steps to protect your data, you can ensure
that your business remains viable and competitive in the modern age.
What is the role of cloud storage in data security and privacy?
Cloud storage is a secure way to protect your data and your company. It promotes peace of mind
knowing that your data is constantly backed up. Cloud solutions typically have many security
features to ensure your data is safe from threats.
Tips to protect your data online
Your business should use the best information security and data protection tools. Here are some of
the right tools your business can use to ensure data protection online:
1. Encryption : Encryption is a method used to protect data by creating a cipher so only authorized
parties can read it. Encryption can protect data in transit, at rest, and in storage.
● Microsoft Azure : Microsoft Azure is a highly scalable, large-scale cloud computing platform
with several data-centric features, including built-in data encryption, analytics, and machine
learning.
● Google Cloud Platform : It hosts and runs applications that include many state-of-the-art data
analytics tools.
● Amazon Web Services : AWS is a cloud computing service that lets you run applications in a
geographic region and offers a variety of tools for scaling and managing your resources.
● IBM Cloud : IBM lets you scale to meet your needs with various tools for managing your
resources.

2. Access control : This controls who has access to what resources on a system. Here are a few
cloud computing access control tools:
Role-based access control
Secure multi-factor authentication
Server-to-server authentication
Virtual machines
3. Some more tools and tips :
● Identity management : If a user is going to use a computer system and has access to sensitive
information, the user needs to have the appropriate identity and permission to do so.
● Network security : It protects networks and their information from unauthorized access,
damage, and disclosure.
● Data integrity : Data integrity ensures that the data stored is what was originally intended.
The bottom line
The cloud is a great way to protect your data. It offers increased security, reliability, and scalability
compared to on-premise solutions. Additionally, it can often be cheaper to use the cloud than to pay
for a dedicated solution from a single provider. When choosing a cloud provider, select one with
excellent data protection capabilities that comply with all relevant regulations.
What are the 3 common reasons to use the cloud?
Introduction
Cloud computing is quickly taking over industries across the board, from large federal institutions like
the NSA, CIA, DOD, and FBI to native cloud goliaths like Amazon Prime, Disney+, Netflix, and Hulu
sole proprietorships and every business in between.
What’s “The Cloud”?
The phrase cloud computing, also known as “the cloud,” has a very ambiguous connotation. But, to
put it into easier words, the cloud is a vast network of computers worldwide that serves a specific
purpose.
The cloud, rather than being a physical object, is a massive global network of remote servers linked
and designed to function as a single ecosystem. These servers supply content for services like

streaming, webmails, social media, etc., or store and manage data.
Why is the Cloud Important for New-Age Businesses? The Moderna Example!
We are all familiar with Moderna, a pharmaceutical entity, for its contribution to the rapid
development of the COVID-19 vaccine. Pre-pandemic Moderna was smaller than its competitors in
the fast vaccination development race.
However, only 42 days after the virus was first sequenced, Moderna was able to send its first clinical
batch to the National Institutes of Health for a phase one trial by developing and growing its
operations on the cloud.
The company developed exclusive cloud-based technologies and techniques to synthesize mRNA
constructs of the vaccination that are already present in our bodies. Thus, Moderna can run different
combinations simultaneously and swiftly switch vaccinations for various viruses without spending
on new infrastructure or technology.
Moderna also used other cloud services to improve productivity and visibility in inventory
management, manufacturing, and accounting. It replicated its digital manufacturing model onto
partner centers for vaccine production’s rapid scaling.
The success story of Moderna highlighted how cloud computing for companies could benefit them in
rapid innovation, lower costs, and operational flexibility.
What are the Three Common Reasons to Use the Cloud?
● Rapid Innovation : Most top organizations use the cloud system to promote faster product and
service innovation.
For Example, the producer of episodic video games, Kuma Games. This game offered millions of
customers rich 3-D experiences with stories adapted from cable TV shows and weekly news articles.
Since 2007, Kuma has collaborated with IBM to develop flexibility, dependability, and scalability for
their dynamic and immersive gaming. After using IBM’s cloud-based services within months, it
started observing a consistently high performance and giving its users a more aesthetically pleasing
and seamless gaming experience.
Cloud computing software enhances the speed and agility of innovation and software development
by enabling enterprises to create additional cloud computing instances quickly.
Developers can quickly test new concepts and create application architecture without being
constrained by on-site hardware restrictions or drawn-out procurement procedures. Therefore,
accelerating the speed to market in the turbo speed.
● Lower Costs : As per Gartner, integrating cloud software into businesses has several financial
advantages. Such as:

1. Higher cost agility with a service-based infrastructure
2. Increased cash reserves
3. Lower opportunity costs
4. Cheaper acquisition costs
5. Lower hardware expenses
6. Minimal IT resources
7. Fewer IT personnel are required to handle cloud services
8. Less money to manage
● Operational Flexibility : Implementing cloud solutions for businesses, especially in the operations
department, can bring greater scalability. Cloud computing supply chain solutions are a very
adjustable usage-based model with a network, storage, and the ability to be updated or modified
more quickly.
It allows companies to connect and add new partners, vendors, and suppliers, scale up, or adapt to
changing customer demands or market conditions.
Cloud computing allows operational managers to seamlessly share supply chain information across
multiple locations and with external collaborators.
For Example, it was with the help of cloud solutions that Moderna (use case mentioned before) could
not only build but also scale up vaccination production and distribute it in record time.
Such seamless distribution was only possible with a cloud solution that managed inventory and
manufacturing while collaborating with various plants to produce more vaccines.
Conclusion
The cloud is quickly becoming the preferred platform for software testing and development,
communication, storage, and deployment in new businesses. With all these applications for cloud
computing and the advantages listed above, there is no excuse for you to delay implementing cloud
computing in your company to obtain a competitive edge.
Why do we need a cloud platform?
Introduction
Cloud technology and platforms are taking the world by storm. They have become a part of the
business model. They have not only altered how businesses used to store and access data but also
how businesses should strategize and operate.
What is cloud computing?

According to AWS, “cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of IT resources over the Internet with
pay-as-you-go pricing.” In other words, instead of owning and maintaining all the information
technology (IT) infrastructure, people can store data and access technology services on an as-
needed basis on a cloud platform provided by a cloud provider.
What constitutes a cloud platform?
A cloud platform has components like an operating system and server hardware in an internet-based
data center. Companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft own such platforms and rent them to
individuals and businesses to access several computing services. These include data storage and
retrieval, database, networking, analytics, intelligence, and software.
Why do we need a cloud platform?
Cloud platforms are highly in demand because of their six distinct qualities.
● Effortless Disaster Recovery : Data recovery during a system breakdown can be a real headache.
Data retrieval may become complex if the physical servers are damaged or malfunctioning. In the
worst-case scenario, data retrieval may not be possible at all. Loss of data can jeopardize business
operations significantly. Moreover, it can be a cause of significant revenue loss for businesses.
Cloud store data in multiple locations instead of a single location. Therefore, even if the physical
server in one location is damaged, the data will always have a backup copy in another location. Thus,
it minimizes the possibility of data loss.
For Example, AWS offers data backup and disaster recovery services, providing cloud-native tools
that can evolve backup solutions into a solution for disaster recovery.
● Flexibility : Computing needs can vary in businesses, which local servers often fail to meet. As a
result, the local server requires an expensive upgrade to meet the demand for extra bandwidth. Cloud
platforms solve this problem by adjusting themselves according to the cloud computing needs of the
users. All the users must do is pay according to the usage of space.
For Example, the pay-as-you-go option of AWS is popular because it restricts the expenditure of the
users to the space utilized and nothing more than that. This freedom allows greater flexibility to
businesses, making a significant difference in the organization’s overall efficiency.
● Reduced maintenance concerns : Maintenance of traditional server setup is an ongoing, arduous
and costly affair. However, the maintenance issues reduce in the case of cloud platform usage. It is
the responsibility of the cloud service providers and not the organizations using the cloud platforms.
For Example, Giant CSPs such as AWS, Google, and Azure take responsibility for maintenance,
freeing the users from maintenance-related worries and expenses.

● Cost saving : Cloud platforms save costs for businesses. Shifting to a cloud platform may come
with a significant price tag, but that price is worth paying, given the overall cost savings in the long
run.
While on the cloud, businesses can save time and money through lower transaction costs.
For Example, The AWS pay-as-you-go system allows the user to pay according to the usage; with no
extra charges. This process restricts the expenditure of computing services and increases overall
cost efficiency.
● Robust security : Cloud service providers are majorly responsible for the data security of their
users. That is why they build a high-level security network to protect the data from being lost, stolen,
or damaged.
For Example, Google uses various measures to secure its infrastructures, such as cryptographic
authentication and authorization, service account identity, segmentations, and firewalls. It also
safeguards from privileged access attacks and maintains operational security, encryption of data,
and secure internet communication.
Studies have confirmed that the security of many businesses has improved since moving to cloud
systems. Besides, many organizations have claimed that cloud platforms have helped them comply
with government regulations and statutory compliances.
● Easy access : The importance of cloud computing was deeply felt during the COVID-19 pandemic
when the world shifted to remote working. The business’s cloud interface connects the entire
organization on cloud platforms.
Employees can upload files, access, work, and reload them through the cloud. They can also access
the backend software remotely using the correct security protocol.
Conclusion
The features mentioned above make cloud platforms essential for businesses. Additionally, these
features enable companies to improve collaboration and achieve incredible speed, mobility, depth of
insight, and quality control.
Can you move applications to the cloud
Introduction
Is your business considering a move to the cloud? You are not alone.
Globally, 94% of companies use cloud computing for their operations. Cloud migration is the shift of
computing and storage tasks from a local device or data center to a remote cloud-based service.

According to the study, the global market for public cloud services is forecast to grow at a CAGR of
14.6% from 2020 to 2027.
There are numerous reasons behind these astounding figures for a cloud app migration. Moving an
application to the cloud can provide increased agility, scalability, and cost savings compared to
traditional on-premises Infrastructure.
Can you move applications to the cloud?
Yes, it is possible.
“App migration” describes moving software from one system to another. Moving applications from
one cloud to another is possible, such as between public and private clouds or from an on-premises
host to a cloud provider’s architecture.
The three most common deployment models are public, private, and hybrid.
● Public clouds : Owned and operated by a third-party service provider
● Private clouds : Owned and operated by a single organization.
● Hybrid clouds : A combination of both public and private clouds, usually with some orchestration.
How to move apps to the cloud?
There are many elements to consider when moving an application to the cloud. Here are a few steps
organizations can follow for a smooth experience:
Step#1: Understand the app’s workload : The first step is understanding the application’s workload
and how the organization will use it. The four main types of workloads are:
Compute-intensive
Memory-intensive
Storage-intensive
Data-intensive
Once the organization decides on the workloads, it’s time to evaluate the cloud providers they will
sign with.
Step#2: Evaluate cloud providers : Some factors to consider while evaluating cloud providers include
price, features, security, and customer service. Some providers are better at certain things than
others.

For Example, Amazon Web Services is good at providing Infrastructure as a Service, while Google
Cloud Platform is good at delivering platform as a Service.
When evaluating cloud providers, organizations need to consider the following:
1. Price : How much will it cost to use the provider’s services? The three main pricing models are:
Pay-as-you-go
Pay-per-use
Subscription
Also, consider the provider’s long-term costs, as some providers may charge more for certain
features.
2. Experience : Ensure they have a good track record of uptime and reliability. The provider’s SLA
should give you an idea of their uptime guarantee, and the organization should also look at reviews to
see what other users have experienced.
3. Security : The provider should offer data encryption, secure login, and firewalls. They should also
have a good reputation for safety.
Step#3: Plan your cloud strategy : Before organizations begin migrating their apps to the cloud, they
need to understand better what they want to achieve and what their ideal end state looks like.
What are the organization’s goals for moving to the cloud? Are they looking for better performance,
scalability, or disaster recovery capabilities?
Once they know what they want to accomplish, they should research which type of cloud platform—
public, private, or hybrid—is best suited for meeting those goals.
Step#4: Decide on your options : There are three main options for migrating the app to the cloud:
● Platform as a service (PaaS) : PaaS providers offer a development environment and the
infrastructure and platform services required to run the application.
● Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) : It provides users access to the computing infrastructure
required to run their applications. IaaS providers offer various services, including storage, networking,
and computing power.
● Software as a service (SaaS) : It refers to a cloud computing model that delivers software
applications over the Internet. SaaS providers offer a variety of applications, such as email and
customer relationship management (CRM).

The option for a particular organization depends on several factors, including its budget,
applications, and development needs.
Step#5: Choose the right platform : Migration to CRM, SAP, or HANA can be critical to deploying
applications on the cloud. They can utilize their scalability and flexibility by migrating the
organization’s data and applications to these platforms.
When selecting a platform for app migration, i.e., CRM, SAP, and HANA, it is essential to consider the
organization’s specific app deployment requirements. Each platform has its strengths and
weaknesses that they must take into account. Here’s a quick rundown of each:
● CRM app deployment : CRM provides a centralized view of customer data, making tracking and
managing customer interactions easy. It also offers tools for automating marketing and sales
processes. However, CRM can be expensive to implement and requires careful planning to ensure
smooth deployment.
● SAP app deployment : SAP offers enterprise-grade security features, making it a good choice for
businesses that handle sensitive data. It also provides high-performance data processing
capabilities. However, SAP can be complex to deploy and manage and requires expert knowledge to
get the most out of it. For example, hiring consultants to help with SAP deployment is often
necessary.
● HANA app deployment : HANA provides high-performance data processing capabilities, making it
a good choice for businesses that quickly analyze large volumes of data. It also offers tools for
managing and deploying applications in the cloud. However, HANA can be expensive to implement
and requires careful planning to ensure smooth deployment.
So, which platform should organizations choose?
It depends on their specific app deployment requirements. If security and performance are their top
priorities, then SAP may be the best choice. However, if they are looking for an easier and more cost-
effective solution, then CRM may be a better option.
The Bottom Line
Before migrating applications to a new platform, it is crucial to have a clear plan. The plan should
include a timetable for the application migration, the steps for migrating data, testing the new
application, and deploying the new application. Following a plan can minimize the risk of errors and
ensure a smooth transition to the new platform.
What are the pros and cons of using cloud applications?

Introduction
Cloud computing or cloud applications are more than just a buzzword now. It is taking over the world,
and businesses are rapidly adapting. With technology comes its pros and cons. There are public,
private, and hybrid clouds available in the market. They have their benefits and limitations, and it’s
about choosing the right one that suits a business.
What are Cloud Applications?
Simply put, a cloud application or the cloud app is a software program deployed on a cloud
environment instead of a server or a machine. It relies on remote servers, and users can access it via
an internet connection.
Cloud applications eliminate the need for a local storage device or hard drive by storing files in a
cloud-based remote database. It requires an internet connection for users to run and access
software programs.
Businesses are increasingly adopting cloud applications for the benefits of cloud computing. But
using the cloud also has its downsides.
What are the Pros and Cons of Cloud Applications?
Cloud applications and software are becoming an integral part of our lives. Have a look at the
benefits of cloud computing.
1. Cost-efficient : One of the primary reasons companies are shifting to cloud applications is its cost
efficiency. It helps companies save money spent on buying storage disk
Also, cloud applications bring down hardware and software maintenance costs for companies. It
eliminates hiring trained personnel to install and maintain the hardware. Cloud providers usually take
care of the entire installation and maintenance process.
2. Unlimited storage : Another significant advantage of cloud applications is the vast storage space
associated with them. Organizations can store their files, including images, videos, documents, etc.,
in free and secure storage.
While some software requires the purchase of extra storage, the cost is much cheaper than buying
hardware storage devices. Organizations can effortlessly increase their storage as they scale their
business.
Some examples of cloud storage applications include Google Drive, Apple (iCloud), and Dropbox,
which offer users unlimited storage spacers.

3. Data backup and recovery : 93% of companies that lost their data center for ten days or more due
to a disaster filed for bankruptcy within one year of the disaster.
Data loss has a significant impact on any business. The situation is different when they use cloud
applications. Here, data is automatically backed up and saved on a remote server. Furthermore, these
applications let them recover information, thus making it easy to back up and retrieve information,
preventing data loss.
4. Improve collaboration : The pandemic has shifted how companies work and operate. It is
becoming increasingly digital, and employees are looking for digital collaboration.
Cloud applications are best suited to offer that. It lets multiple employees work simultaneously on a
document or file and helps them collaborate more efficiently. It eliminates asynchronous
collaborations by saving employees from downloading and sharing after every new version.
For Example, Google suite, which includes Docs, Sheets, and Slides, lets multiple users collaborate
and work on a single document or a sheet synchronously.
5. Subscription-based pricing : Cloud applications have subscription-based pricing models in which
organizations pay per use. They can select the features they are looking for and pay monthly,
quarterly or yearly. This saves them from settling in one single go for any service and gives them the
privilege to pay as they use and choose.
Cons of cloud applications
Here are a few.
1. Need consistent internet connectivity : All information and applications stored on the cloud rely
on internet connectivity for users to access. A fast connection with good bandwidth is crucial for
using these cloud applications.
2. Vendor lock-in : It is a significant disadvantage of cloud computing. Cloud applications make it
difficult to transfer data from one vendor to another because all information resides in the cloud.
Data loss or exposure may occur if this is not done correctly.
3. Downtime worries : The average cost of downtime for large enterprises is more than $11,600 per
minute. Since the cloud requires a steady internet connection, there is a possibility for a technical or
service outage.
The outage can happen due to low Internet connectivity, loss of power, etc., ultimately leading to a
considerable revenue loss for the company.

4. Security concernsSecurity is a crucial concern for any business. A company’s responsibility is to
store user data safely and securely. When data is stored in a third-party cloud server, it becomes even
more essential for organizations to be vigilant about their data security. Hence choosing a provider
with the best security and compliance becomes vital. If not, it will ultimately increase their spending
on a cloud application.
4. Limited control or flexibility A cloud service provider operates the cloud infrastructure. It offers
organizations limited control and flexibility, in complicated cloud scenarios, like a multi-cloud
architecture. Altering the cloud infrastructure’s function and service execution is challenging. For
their applications and data, it can get quite difficult to migrate their data.
Conclusion
Every coin has two sides, and so do cloud applications. There are multiple cloud options available in
the market, and there is one for every type of business. Understanding the cons and adopting the
cloud to the best of their ability is crucial for every organization. Remember, the cloud can be a huge
boon if managed properly.
What are the different types of cloud services?
Introduction
Organizations today prefer relying on remote servers to store, manage and process data rather than
depending on personal computers to do the job. Widely accessible cloud services are what have led
to this acceptance.
So what is cloud computing?
Cloud computing refers to the array of services that provide organizations with the most cost-
effective solution. Shifting to the cloud has enabled organizations to access software, hardware
resources, and IT infrastructure anytime, anywhere.
What are the 3 types of cloud services?
It is essential to understand different types of cloud services because the scope of the cloud has
increased, and almost every organization is shifting to the cloud.
1.Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): IaaS refers to the cloud services model where devices,
processing power, database, and networking equipment are provided to the organizations by an
external provider.

Under this model, since everything related to hardware and infrastructure is outsourced, it is the
outsourcing company’s job to manage the infrastructure for you.
Advantages of IaaS :
This model provides the highest control and flexibility over your IT resources.
An organization can save costs by using this model. The reason is that the customers are
supposed to pay on a user basis – by the hour, week, or month. Hence, the model is cost-
effective and reduces capital expenses to a considerable extent.
It is also time-saving as the service provider does the hardware setup.
There are no maintenance expenses involved. The data center or the cost for new software
updates is all borne by the IaaS Cloud Provider.
The current software used in your organization might not be as secure as the one provided by
your IaaS cloud provider. Hence, you can rely on this model for better security.
2.Platform as a Service (PaaS): In addition to providing infrastructure, hardware, and networking
devices, the Platform as a service (PaaS) model also provides an environment to develop, test,
deliver and manage software applications.
Once the developers have decided to opt for the PaaS model, their worries about storage,
infrastructure, and databases needed for app development are no more theirs. The outsourcing
companies’ job is to provide the cloud service infrastructure and operating systems that support app
development.
Hence, developers can develop and create mobile applications very easily and quickly.
Advantages of PaaS :
PaaS, as a cloud services model, saves costs. An app developer does not have to bear the
expense of buying software licenses, physical infrastructure, hardware, or other app
development tools.
All you need to do is manage the applications you develop and leave the rest to the cloud service
provider.
The PaaS model makes it easy for non-experts to develop software and applications.
The outsourcing companies handle all the updates and software maintenance part. So the users
can manage the upgrades.
There is more flexibility as app developers from different locations can sync on the same
application build.

3. Software as a Service (SaaS): This type of cloud services model provides software application
support. Depending on your enterprise needs, the cloud service providers offer application-level
services.
As and when the user demands, the Cloud Service Provider offers them software applications. SaaS
is generally a subscription-based model, and the most widespread examples of SaaS are Netflix,
Gmail, Microsoft Office 365, SAP, Dropbox, and more.
Advantages of SaaS :
Management of service and infrastructure is the service provider’s job. Also, the user does not
have to worry about maintaining the servers and operating systems. It is, again, the
responsibility of the cloud service provider.
The setup cost is zero because, upon subscribing, the users get ready-to-use applications
Payments are flexible. The user needs to pay on a usage basis.
There is no extra cost that a user needs to incur for software updates.
The enterprises do not have to worry about updating the software on every employee’s
PC/laptop. They also do not have to worry about keeping the software up-to-date on every PC.
Conclusion
Every enterprise must avail of at least one of the cloud services because it helps reduce costs, let
organizations scale, and improves efficiency. Depending on the type of enterprise and the kind of
business they do, it can choose the service model that will meet its requirements.
What are cloud migration services?
Introduction
When businesses migrate to the cloud to scale their activities and boost productivity, they look for
the best migration process for a smooth transition. Not all cloud migration service providers will be
aligned with your business goals. So, it is essential to collaborate with an independent cloud
migration services team that is better aligned with your business goals and will serve you better in
the long run.
What is Cloud migration?

It is moving all or part of your digital assets to cloud storage and using SaaS to add benefits to the
migration process in computing. The cloud migration process should be executed with care and after
careful planning to succeed.
What are Cloud Migration Services?
Cloud migration services are a set of services that enable the seamless shifting of business IT
infrastructure and resources to cloud platforms. It includes a spectrum of services from planning to
execution, ensuring minimum disruption of business processes and workflows during and after the
transition. While most cloud service providers offer the benefits of data transition, the best cloud
migration service provider can provide bespoke services aligned with your budget, needs, and goals.
Why should you transition to cloud services?
Businesses around the globe are discovering the cost-effectiveness of shifting their IT infrastructure
to the cloud. According to a report, organizations can save an average of 15% on all IT costs by
transferring to the cloud.
Some cloud migration benefits include:
Reduced process time, increased workflow
Ability to innovate faster
Easing increasing resource demands
Adapting to increased customer expectations
Reduction in IT costs
Delivering immediate business results
Simplifying IT
Shifting to an all-service business model
Improving consumption management
Adding cloud scalability
Because of these and other benefits, IT migration to the cloud is no longer an option but a necessity.
The question is how to make the process as seamless as possible. The answer lies in engaging the
best cloud migration service team.
What does cloud migration involve?

It is easy to jump into cloud computing in a silo fashion, moving random processes and data to the
cloud as and when required. However, this is likely to disintegrate business processes, and in today’s
digital world, disintegration can prove fatal. The shift to the cloud should be well-planned and less
disruptive. Cloud service migration can be achieved through the following:
1. Determining your long-term and short-term goals
2. Identifying your cloud service provider
3. Mapping out the least disruptive route
4. Executing the migration plan
Cloud migration is no longer optional. It is critical to every business, big or small. The goal is to move
away from traditional software and create an integrated, fully-automated infrastructure, technology,
and work culture that will save time and effort and provide high-quality, consistent, and recurring
results.
The good news is that this is possible without deploying your internal resources. You can outsource
the project to a cloud migration services team.
Which is the best cloud service provider?
Introduction
In cloud computing, the two words: Cloud refers to the internet, and Computing refers to different
computer operations. Therefore, cloud computing companies provide several computing services
over the internet.
Who provides these services? Cloud Service Providers.
Cloud service providers are cloud computing vendors who offer internet-based infrastructure and
storage services through a cloud or internet-based platform for a fee. The user pays only for the
amount of cloud service they have used. It is similar to paying utility bills.
Besides providing internet-based applications and infrastructure, cloud computing service providers
offer services that immensely benefit businesses. The market has many cloud service providers
(CSP), such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Google.
Which is the best cloud service provider?
Amazon Web Services : It is a subsidiary of Amazon. It offers on-demand cloud computing services
and application programming interfaces (APIs) to individual users, businesses, and governments. It
charges users based on the pay-as-you-go model.

Microsoft Azure : Microsoft Azure, as the name suggests, is managed by Microsoft and its data
centers. All its applications are windows-based, which makes work even more convenient.
Google Cloud Platform : As a cloud computing service provider, Google has come a long way.
For Example, Google Cloud Platform is a complete package of cloud computing services. These
services and their applications run on the same infrastructure that Google’s other services, such as
Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Search, use internally.
Let’s have a subjective and objective comparative analysis of these three giant CSPs, also known as
hyperscalers.
Subjective Analysis: :
Cloud
Service
Provider
Advantages Disadvantages
AWS
It provides five times more computing
capacity than other service
providers. There are several data
centers located all around the world.
These are called “regions,” which
enhance data security and crisis
recovery. It offers the ability to
configure the user’s security firewall per
requirements.
If applications demand hardware
changes to improve performance, AWS
does not offer that hardware-level
change. AWS does not provide a
Multicast Network, which is group
communication where data is
transmitted simultaneously to a group
of destination computers.
Microsoft
Azure
High speed is its significant feature,
giving it an edge over competitors. This
cloud computing technology can work
in a challenging environment. It has a
superior disaster recovery system.
Continuous management and
maintenance are one of its
weaknesses.Windows dependence
makes this cloud technology less
dynamic.
Google
Cloud
Platform
Providing access to information from
anywhere through web-based
applications is its biggest
strength. Compared to other cloud
service providers, its pricing policy is
Google Cloud Platform tends to follow
Amazon Web Services when adding the
latest features. In Google Cloud, the
network pricing is relatively
expensive. The product ranges are

far better.The strength of its security
system is time-tested.
limited compared to competitors like
AWS and Azure.
Objective Analysis:
AWS Azure Google
Availability
zones
66 regions 54 regions 20 regions
Users
Bigger community
support and user base.
Almost 80 percent of
Fortune 500 companies
are its customers.
Many high-end
companies.
Services 200+ services 100+ services 60+ services
Compute
services
Amazon Elastic Compute
Cloud, AWS Elastic
Beanstalk, Amazon
Elastic Compute Cloud
Container Service, and
AWS Lambda
Virtual Machines, App
Service and Cloud
Services, Azure
Kubernetes Service
(AKS), and Azure
Functions
Google Compute Engine,
Google App Engine,
Google Kubernetes
Engine, and Google Cloud
Functions
Storage
services
Amazon Simple Storage
Service, Amazon Elastic
Block Store, Amazon
Glacier, and Amazon
Elastic File System
Blob Storage, Managed
Disks, Azure Archive Blob
Storage, Azure File
Storage
Google Cloud Storage,
Google Compute Engine
Persistent Disks, Google
Cloud Storage Nearline,
and ZFS/Avere
Key cloud
tools
Artificial Intelligence and
Machine learning,
SageMaker to Serverless
Cognitive Services and
Supporting MSFT
Software
IoT to Serverless and Big
On AI
Pricing US$69 per month US$70/month US$52/month
Conclusion
While AWS is suitable for applications that do not require hardware-level changes, Microsoft Azure
does not require additional support. Google Cloud Platform, too, is somewhat hardware independent.
But AWS is highly beneficial for those businesses that provide services to different regions.

Each of the market leaders has its pros and cons. When GCP and Azure are compared, GCP is a
lower pricing and a more comprehensive product range. Furthermore, neither Azure nor AWS depend
on a particular system such as Microsoft windows. Businesses must select as per their customer
requirement and business needs.
What does a cloud migration specialist do?
Introduction
The demand for cloud migration specialists is growing in the post-pandemic world. During the
COVID-19 pandemic, many companies shifted their business processes to the cloud. As a result, they
have reinvented their offerings and become more agile, cost-effective, and innovative.
However, migrating to the cloud requires planning and proper strategizing, for which companies need
cloud migrators who will help them seamlessly migrate to the cloud. This is the core job of cloud
migration specialists. This article will discuss various aspects of this role and its significance in the
company’s cloud migration.
What is cloud migration?
Cloud migration is a process that transitions a company’s digital assets, databases, services, IT
resources, and applications into the cloud. The movement can be partial or whole. Also, moving from
one cloud to another is part of cloud migration.
What is cloud migration?
Cloud migration is significant for five reasons: t 1.Cost-benefit
2. Eliminates maintenance headaches as the cloud provider is responsible for keeping the lights on
and the applications running
3.The high availability of the cloud platform is vital for mission-critical workloads
4.Public cloud providers’ international footprint has boosted workload performance in key global
markets and accommodates a global user base
5.Public clouds offer an astonishingly wide array of specialized services; the vast availability of cloud
resources and ready-made services make complex tasks faster and more practical without any
infrastructure investment
Who is a cloud migrator?
A cloud migrator or cloud migration specialist leads and drives a company’s cloud migration project
to successful completion. They design and execute cloud migration strategies, define delivery
architecture, create migration plans, and deal with cloud migration challenges. In addition, cloud

migrators work closely with technology consultants, engineers, and architects to translate cloud
migration goals, roadmaps, and business requirements into reality.
What are the responsibilities of a cloud migrator?
A cloud migration specialist works according to a cloud migration checklist. This checklist includes
the following:
Assess the existing infrastructure and applications
Map application, network and data dependencies, and topology
Select applications fit for cloud migration
Develop a migration plan and process flow
Create an appropriate cloud hosting environment
Replicate application images
Stage and test applications in a pilot project
Check the security and regulatory compliance of the final pilot project
Harden the security and optimize performance as required
Implement the full-scale project
The responsibilities of a cloud migration specialist vary from one company to another. For example, a
cloud migration specialist may be required to collaborate with the company’s database and network
team to help customers migrate from an on-premises instance to the cloud. Alternatively, they may
have to collaborate with project stakeholders to set up cloud migration roadmaps and priorities.
The cloud migrator or migration specialist is responsible for planning a migration project and
directing the execution and configuration of migration tools from pilot efforts to full-scale business-
level migration in a phased manner. They must also develop best practices for the work breakdown
structure, identify the critical path, determine the agreed-upon milestones, and plan resource
allocation. Primarily, this role is project-based.
Identification of risks is another area of operation for a cloud migrator. They identify the risks and
take actions to mitigate or minimize them through proactive collaboration and communication with
the stakeholders and other teams.
Last but not least, cloud migrators deal with cloud migration challenges. Migration is a complex
process. There can be numerous challenges at every stage. A cloud migrator needs to tackle these
challenges and find solutions so that migration continues uninterrupted. Cloud migrators adopt rapid
migration approaches using agile project management approaches.
Conclusion

A cloud migration specialist’s leading role is to identify companies’ specific migration needs, figure
out a plan to execute the same, and mitigate any challenges that may come with viable solutions.
Is cloud migration easy?
Introduction
Cloud migration refers to the partial or complete transfer of a company’s digital assets, services,
databases, IT resources, and applications to the cloud. Changing clouds frequently is another
interpretation of the same terminology.
Companies are now turning to the cloud to take advantage of cloud computing benefits to replace
outdated and increasingly inefficient legacy infrastructures. The legacy infrastructure includes aging
servers, potentially unreliable firewall appliances, or even getting rid of hardware or software
solutions that are no longer performing to their best. This is the rationale behind the widespread
adoption of shifting some corporate functions to the cloud, which is cloud migration.
How does migration to the cloud work?
It is wise to start by taking an end-to-end look at the cloud journey because switching to the cloud
can transform the entire business. This will simplify identifying the tasks and abilities needed to
accomplish the three crucial phases of cloud migration.
1.Create a business case and define the strategy : Moving to the cloud is much more than a
technological experiment. It must be built on business outcomes and the organization’s specific
goals. The organization may start creating a cloud migration strategy and the business case for the
migration based on these goals. Important aspects of this strategy include selecting which apps will
be migrated to the cloud, the type of cloud environment they will be migrated to, and the
infrastructure’s final configuration.
2.Discovery and evaluation : Managing risk is crucial for every enterprise. Businesses anticipate
greater flexibility, cost savings, and control, but they must consider how their apps operate if
significant infrastructure changes occur. Companies must understand their current state through
discovery and assessment to identify their present architecture and choose the best applications and
data to migrate to the cloud.
3.Cloud migration : Cloud migration entails creating new cloud-native apps, updating current
applications for the cloud, and changing the architecture and infrastructure.

The objective is to eventually establish a completely new operational model and culture for
technology that will allow the business to develop more rapidly, effectively, and efficiently. Automated
management and migration technologies are essential to migrate smoothly.
What are the challenges of cloud migration?
The difficulties businesses will have to overcome during the cloud migration process are as follows:
● Legacy Application : It’s essential to understand which applications an organization wants to keep,
the ones they want to destroy, and the ones they want to rebuild.
● Cloud administration : Post-migration management of an organization’s applications is a
significant challenge.
● Migration Complexity : During migration, IT teams need help recognizing the complexities they
encounter and accurately estimating the effort required to complete it.
● Crucial Dependencies : Examining required dependencies, such as prioritizing applications and
identifying required corrections, is challenging. They can lower the security risk and cloud cost by
resolving critical infrastructure and application dependencies.
Cloud migration is essential to achieve robust performance and efficiency in real time. Therefore,
meticulous planning, investigation, and execution are required at every stage to ensure that the cloud
solution satisfies the organization’s needs. It’s essential to remember that moving to the cloud
involves more than simply getting there; it also affects how organizations handle everything after
migration. Thus, the answer to the question – Is cloud migration easy? – is not straightforward. It can
be easy if implemented under expert support.
What are the concerns of users before migrating on cloud
platform?
Introduction
Cloud migration has many benefits, including cost-effectiveness, increased productivity, security,
flexibility, etc. But even a small migration can have a significant impact on a business. Hence,
migrating to a cloud platform comes with risk factors, which every company shifting to cloud
computing is concerned about.
Therefore, you must carefully understand cloud migration challenges and create a cloud platform
development plan if you decide to migrate to the cloud.

So, what is a cloud platform? It is an operating system of a server in an internet-based data center
that allows all hardware and software products to exist at scale. Here is a list of top concerns or risk
factors businesses face in shifting to a cloud platform. Understand them before choosing a cloud
platform and make a prudent decision.
Finding the Right Cloud Platform
Many factors come into play when looking for a cloud migration service provider, and it can take
much work to know where to start. There are various cloud migration service providers, and you must
identify which ones are right for your needs.
Finding the right cloud migration service provider is a big challenge for IT companies because you
must consider cost, security, and other factors that impact your business. How do you start?
Have a clear understanding of the storage, bandwidth, processing power, and overall
performance you expect from your cloud provider.
Explore references from other companies or customers who have recently used the same
service provider for relevant comparisons.
Remember the cost! Of course, the price of a particular service provider should reflect the quality
of work they provide to you. Check for competitive pricing benefits as well.
Research each potential provider’s costs, services, and reputation or track record in the industry.
You also need to consider the kind of experience your potential provider has because this will
impact how quickly they can get started on your project and whether or not they will be able to
deliver on their promises.
Choose a provider who has been around for a while to ensure they have the experience you need
at a reasonable price. Ensure you understand what services are included in your contract before
signing on the dotted line!
What are the concerns of users before migrating to a cloud platform?
When migrating to the cloud, users are usually bogged down by the following top concerns.
● Security : Forbes estimates that 66% of IT professionals have security as their primary concern
against pursuing a cloud computing strategy. The cloud platform is increasingly becoming a target
for hackers, who can gain access to data stored on-site by hacking into hardware or software used
by companies to run their operations. This includes laptops and PCs, cloud servers, and even
smartphones that connect to the internet.
Companies considering shifting their operations to a cloud-based platform are faced with many
questions on cloud migration security. These companies want to know how their information will be

protected and what encryption will be used on their data if they use the cloud for storage. They also
want to know if the cloud provider’s security measures are at par with excellence.
If the company’s cloud storage is hacked, it could mean significant problems for customers who rely
on their personal information being stored securely with an external provider. Hence, cloud migration
security strategy is a big concern and a more significant task in cloud platform management.
● Cost : Companies must calculate roughly how much money they can save by moving to a cloud-
based platform versus staying on-prem. This can vary from company to company based on their size,
needs, and industry.
The cost of cloud migration, which goes beyond the cost of data storage space, must be precisely
determined, even if cloud storage is usually considered more cost-effective than local storage. Here,
price fluctuation is the concern. The cost of cloud computing fluctuates, and each supplier will have
various services and charges to provide. The perfect combination can take time to decide. You can
save money by making the necessary calculations to determine your needs.
You may spend more money than you expected because many services are provided by third parties
who charge extra fees for their services. In addition, your cloud platform can change the prices
anytime they want, and there is no way to get compensation for this business practice.
● Data Integration : One of the primary issues of cloud platform development is data integration
because businesses may need to change their data architecture to incorporate the cloud services
available. Also, it is challenging to connect legacy systems to modern cloud-based applications,
which are the foundation of many enterprise companies.
Companies are skeptical as sometimes it is tough to create a new data architecture and optimize it
for old applications or legacy systems with system libraries, development environments, and
execution environments that still need to be fully supported by the cloud. There is always a chance of
losing data during migration to the cloud. You may find that some of your files are incomplete,
corrupt, or missing due to various technical challenges or user errors.
● Productivity : When your data is stored on-premises, you have complete control over your
resources, rules, and infrastructure. However, when switching to external cloud platform services,
some of these activities pass to the cloud service provider (CSP), which may lower your company’s
visibility. Moreover, as the infrastructure migrates to the cloud, companies must hire a few in-house
cloud platform engineers to oversee the organization’s work.
These changes may also have a psychological component. Many aspects of cloud platforms, such
as security, availability, and other technical issues, are viewed with skepticism and are an

overwhelming concern for the management to address.
● Reliability : Companies also worry about reliability, essential for all businesses, especially those in
highly regulated industries such as healthcare or banking, where downtime can mean disaster for
customers and employees alike!
Cloud platform offers new challenges when managing IT architecture regarding data, cost, and
productivity. It is crucial to be aware of the cloud migration risks, but they can be managed with the
appropriate knowledge and the right service providers.
What are the 5 cloud migration strategies?
Introduction
A cloud migration strategy aids a business in determining and validating the most effective method
of migrating its data and systems, especially because the entire process entails moving some or all
of a company’s data and systems to the cloud.
The cost-effectiveness, performance, and accessibility of the cloud have given rise to new business
capabilities, but moving your data and system to the cloud will benefit you only with the proper
migration strategy. Cloud migration solutions can be used when seamlessly transferring your data
and system to the cloud.
5 Types of Cloud Migration Strategies
When migrating to the cloud, you can use various migration strategies. The requirements of the
system and your long-term goals will determine the best course of action to take.
Organizations must consider which migration approach best meets their goals. The “5 Rs” are the
five cloud migration strategies that Gartner has identified. The succinct descriptions of each are as
follows:
1. Rehosting : Your current data and systems are transferred to the cloud as part of the first
migration strategy. It implies that you will transfer identical or similar programs, operating systems,
and data from the old environment (the local server) to the cloud provider. This tactic, in which you
move from point A to point B without making any changes, is sometimes called “Lift and Shift.” This
migration strategy provides the benefit of a lesser risk of cloud migration. The drawback is that it
does not typically offer many advantages over time.
Organizations use Infrastructure-as-a-service to rehost or “lift and shift” (IaaS). Your current data and
apps are simply redeployed on the cloud server. Since it’s simple to perform, it’s appropriate for

businesses that aren’t comfortable with cloud systems. It is also an excellent choice if you want to
move your applications without changing the code.
2. Replatform : Utilizing some of the cloud providers’ services is a benefit of this method. You can
begin using the current cloud services provided by the cloud vendor rather than simply moving your
data and system to the cloud. A fully-managed database service that enables a business to maintain
its database and save money on fault-tolerant maintenance is one example of a service that the
cloud provider might offer.
This process of fine-tuning and optimizing apps in the cloud is referred to as refactoring or the “lift,
tinker, and shift” approach. In this situation, organizations would deploy a Platform-as-a-Service
(PaaS) approach. The programs’ fundamental architecture doesn’t change, but changes are made to
make greater use of cloud-based technologies.
3. Repurchase/Replace : This migration tactic is called “Drop and Shop”. Instead of migrating your
system to the cloud, this tactic allows you to buy something already in the cloud. You might get rid of
your current system and look for new cloud services from a vendor. For instance, businesses may
opt to license a few user accounts or a brand-new cloud-based customer relationship management
system. An illustration of this kind of system is Salesforce.
The rebuilding migration strategy, which extends the revised approach by eradicating the current
code base and substituting a new one, is frequently used. This time-consuming approach is only
considered when businesses realize that their existing solutions do not satisfy their current company
needs.
4. Rearchitect/Refactor : You can redesign and rebuild your systems on the cloud to rearchitect your
entire system. To construct what some refer to as a cloud-native version, you can use all the many
services a cloud provider offers. It indicates that you are utilizing strategies that best use a cloud
provider’s resources. This time-consuming migration strategy is only considered when you determine
that your current systems cannot handle your company’s current needs. In the long run, this strategy
typically produces the best return. For instance, a business can use cloud features like serverless
computing and cloud auto-scaling that are absent in current systems.
The rearchitect technique expands on the other approaches and necessitates more substantial
alterations to the design and source code of the migrated systems to the cloud. It is to give programs
the best chance to utilize the cloud’s capabilities. This tactic necessitates considerable knowledge
and advanced planning.
5. Retire : In this strategy, a business can assess its systems to determine the ones that are not in
use. And if that’s the case, a company can switch them off since maintaining that system is costly. It

is also referred to as “sunsetting” a plan or program.
Conclusion
Implementing a cloud migration strategy might have difficulties, including cost control, vendor lock-
in, data security, and compliance. Even though cloud migration is difficult and dangerous, it is
frequently the best course of action for a company in the long run.
How do I migrate from cloud to cloud?
What is Cloud-to-Cloud Migration? Strategy, Process, and Tools
Migration to the cloud is a big topic, with many businesses moving their operations to the cloud
platform. But what exactly is cloud-to-cloud migration, and what are its benefits?
Cloud-to-cloud migration is moving data or applications from one cloud platform to another. There
are several reasons to do it, such as:
Taking advantage of a different platform’s features
Consolidating multiple platforms into one
Cloud-to-cloud migration is a more cost-effective way for organizations to scale their operations.
How?
They only have to pay for the resources they use on the new platform. It can also help improve
performance and security since they can take advantage of the latest advances in cloud technology.
However, cloud-to-cloud migration comes with challenges, such as ensuring that all data is
transferred correctly and all applications are compatible with the new platform. With careful planning
and execution, organizations can overcome these challenges. This blog highlights the right strategy,
process, and tools for cloud-to-cloud migration.
How does an organization migrate from cloud to cloud?
There are several ways to migrate data and applications from one cloud to another. The most
common method is a cloud migration tool, which will automate the process and make it easier.
Another way is to manually export the data from the source cloud and import it into the destination
cloud.
Organizations can use cloud migration to move data between two clouds or transfer data from an on-
premises system into a public or private cloud. They can also use it to move data between two

regions within the same cloud provider’s infrastructure.
The cloud migration process
The three primary players (hyperscalers) in the cloud storage space are Amazon Web Services
(AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Each offers services, including computing
power, databases, security, etc. Organizations need to take the following steps to migrate data from
one cloud provider to another:
1. Identify what data needs migrating from which provider(s) >Create a process map for how this
data will move between providers 3.Execute the migration based on the process map created in step
2 4.Verify that all migrated data meets business requirements and expectations (e.g., accuracy,
completeness, timeliness, etc.)
Cloud-to-Cloud Migration Strategies
There are a few different ways to approach cloud-to-cloud migration, and the right strategy for a
particular business will depend on some factors. The most common methods are lift and shift, re-
platforming, and refactoring.
● Lift and shift : The most straightforward approach involves moving the organization’s workloads
and applications to the cloud without making any changes. It can be a good option if they are looking
to get their applications up and running in the cloud quickly, but it’s not always the most cost-
effective option in the long run.
● Replatforming : It is similar to lift and shift, but it involves making changes to the organization’s
applications to take advantage of the unique features of the cloud. For example, organizations might
re-architect their application to use a cloud-based data storage solution. It can be more complex and
time-consuming than lift and shift, but it can also lead to significant cost savings.
● Refactoring : It is the most complex option, and it involves making significant changes to
applications to take full advantage of the cloud. This might involve re-writing parts of code or
changing the application’s design. Refactoring can be time-consuming and expensive, but it can also
give organizations the most flexibility and scalability in the long run.
What to consider before beginning a cloud-to-cloud migration?
There are a few cloud migration steps that organizations must consider before beginning a cloud-to-
cloud migration:
● Define the business goals for the migration : What are organizations hoping to achieve by
migrating to the cloud? Cost savings? Increased performance? Improved security? Once they know

their goals, they can select the right strategy and tools for their needs.
● Choose the right provider : Some clouds are different! Ensure thorough research and choose a
provider with the ‘right-fit’ features and services.
● Selecting a target platform : There are many different types of clouds (e.g., public, private, hybrid),
each with its strengths and weaknesses. Organizations need to select their requirement-specific
platform.
● Develop a plan : Migrating to the cloud is not something that organizations should do on a whim –
it requires careful planning to avoid disruptions in service or data loss. Organizations work with their
team (IT, developers, etc.) to develop a comprehensive plan detailing every stage of the process.
● Cost analysis : Migrating to the cloud can be a costly endeavor. Organizations will need a cost
analysis to ensure it is feasible for them.
● Test, test, test! : Once their plan is in place, it’s time to implement it. But before they do, thoroughly
test the process to ensure everything works as intended.
Cloud-to-Cloud Migration Tools
Cloud-to-cloud migration tools help organizations move data, applications, and workloads from one
cloud environment to another. Several tools are available in the market, each with its features and
capabilities. Some of the best cloud migration tools include
● AWS Migration Hub : This tool from Amazon Web Services (AWS) enables organizations to track,
assess, and migrate workloads across multiple AWS and on-premises data center environments.
● Azure Migrate : This tool from Microsoft Azure enables organizations to discover, assess, and
migrate on-premises workloads to Azure.
● CloudEndure Migration : This tool helps organizations automate migrating data and applications
from on-premises environments to the cloud.
● Google Cloud Storage Transfer Service : Google Cloud Platform (GCP) tool enables organizations
to securely transfer data between GCP storage services or from third-party storage services to GCP.
● Mover : This tool helps organizations migrate data between various storage platforms, including
on-premises systems, cloud-based systems, and SaaS applications.

These are just a few of the many cloud migration tools available today. When choosing a tool,
organizations must consider their specific needs and requirements.
What are some common challenges with cloud-to-cloud migration?
Some common challenges during the cloud-to-cloud migration include:
● Data loss : Loss of data can occur if data is not backed up adequately before migration or if there
are errors during the migration process.
● Downtime : This can occur if servers are not configured properly before migration or if there are
errors during the migration process.
● Security risks : This can occur if sensitive data is not secure enough during the migration or if there
are errors in the security configuration of the new platform.
Conclusion
Cloud-to-cloud migration can bring incredible scalability, agility, security, and compliance results.
However, the same can present challenges if not done right. A reliable cloud migration service
provider ensures a safe and smooth experience using the most relevant, up-to-date, and back-tested
tools and strategies.
What is SAP Cloud migration?
Introduction
SAP Cloud Migration moves your SAP software, including data, applications, and other resources,
from one database server to another. It can be done on-premises or in the cloud. It is used for
disaster recovery and business continuity planning. The migration process transfers data from one
server to another without downtime or loss of data integrity.
Cloud Migration Strategies
When you consider a cloud migration strategy, you have many options. Gartner lists five solutions for
companies moving to the cloud: the 5 Rs – Rehost, Refactor, Revise, Rebuild, and Replace. While the
five R’s of cloud migration are all essential and valuable, other aspects matter when selecting an SAP
cloud strategy for migration. For example – all apps need not be rebuilt from scratch. Additional
strategies like ‘Retain or Retire’ can also be considered if the migration outcome is predicted to be
negative. Let’s look at the 5 Rs for now.

● Rehost : This refers to moving your existing data and applications to a virtualized environment in
the cloud. This is often more costly than other strategies because you have to pay for hardware and
software licenses for each application that will not be used anymore.
● Refactor : This refers to making changes to an existing application without completely rewriting it
from scratch to improve its efficiency, sustainability, and reliability. The applications’ fundamental
architecture is unaltered. A platform-as-a-service (PaaS) strategy is used in this situation. It is an
excellent way for companies that need more time or money to completely rewrite their applications
before moving them into the cloud.
● Revise : Revising is when you update an application’s code but keep its functionality intact. You can
use this strategy if some aspects of your current application need improvement or if there are bugs
with how it works now; you can fix those issues while still keeping its original function intact!
● Rebuild : Rebuilding is when you move from one version of your application to another version. In
other words, it is rebuilding an entire application from scratch to eliminate any bugs or problems in
the original code base. It is also known as re-architecting.
● Replace : Another response to the problems that drive the Rebuild strategy is a replacement.
Replacing is when a SaaS solution replaces a legacy system with functionality identical or similar to
that of the legacy system. This involves switching to a third-party, prebuilt application that the seller
provides. Data is the only component of your existing application you migrate, and the rest of the
system is brand-new.
Benefits of SAP Cloud Migration
Many companies are shifting their SAP workloads to the cloud. Let’s see why.
● Security : SAP provides a secure environment for customers and employees alike; once they
migrate their applications to the cloud, they will benefit from increased security, which makes it
easier for them to access and use their apps without fear of hacking attacks from hackers or
malware. Data is also encrypted while being transferred between your server and the cloud provider’s
server, thus, ensuring greater security for your organization.
● Scalability : Migrating SAP applications onto a private cloud can help your business scale up
quickly without worrying about bottlenecks or limitations based on system size or available memory
space. It also allows you to adapt your application soon to maintain its performance when more
users start using it at once!
● Scalability : Migrating SAP applications onto a private cloud can help your business scale up
quickly without worrying about bottlenecks or limitations based on system size or available memory

space. It also allows you to adapt your application soon to maintain its performance when more
users start using it at once!
With an on-premises deployment, you have to purchase additional hardware or servers every time
there’s an increase in your business volume. However, with the cloud solution, you only need a single
server that will allow you to run multiple instances of SAP simultaneously on different locations
within your network environment without any additional costs (since it’s already been paid for).
● Resilience : Migrating your software onto the cloud will help you achieve resilience because if one
part fails, all other parts of your system can still function normally. In other words, resilience is the
ability of your system to react to failure and remain functional. An example of cloud resilience is its
disaster recovery program.
● Reduced costs : Moving your applications to the cloud can help you significantly reduce your IT
costs. Because you do not have to maintain an expensive infrastructure in-house, you can use that
money to improve your business processes or invest in other areas of your business.
● Access from anywhere : You no longer have to be at your office! With SAP Cloud Migration, you can
access all your information from any device with an internet connection to stay connected with your
staff and customers, even if you are not in the office.
SAP Cloud Migration Challenges
SAP cloud migration can be a difficult decision. There are many benefits, along with a few risks and
challenges. But if you are considering moving your SAP systems to the cloud, you should know that
every business is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for any company’s needs.
For some businesses, it might make sense to move everything to the cloud. For others, it might make
more sense to streamline certain aspects of their business by using an internal system instead of
moving everything to the cloud. Here are a few significant challenges of SAP cloud migration.
● Complexity : The first step is deciding on an SAP cloud service provider, which can take some time
and research. Once this decision is made, the next step is deciding what and how much data needs
to be migrated.
The third step is figuring out how long it will take for the migration to be complete and what skillsets
are needed for the cloud migration process. Finally, many dependencies must be considered when
migrating SAP systems, such as downtime, security requirements, and more. The bottom line is that
each company needs to consider its unique needs when making this decision.

● Adaptability : You may need help to scale up quickly depending on how your current system works
and how far ahead of time you need to plan for any changes that affect performance or functionality.
● Time : Overall, SAP migration from on-premises to cloud computing takes a long time, even
months. So there’s no guarantee that everything will go smoothly during the SAP migration process!
● Cost : Many businesses that migrate to the cloud need clear KPIs to determine how much money
they will spend post-migration. As new services are accepted and application demands increase,
pricing can change quickly, given the dynamic nature of cloud environments. This makes it
challenging to determine whether migration is beneficial economically.
These challenges may seem overwhelming without the right SAP cloud migration partner. However,
they can be as easily overcome with proper planning and expert support.
Why is it important for SAP to move to the cloud?
Introduction
System Application and Processing, popularly known as SAP, is an Enterprise Resource Planning
software. It is the most commonly used ERP software in the market.
With rapid digitization and the shift to remote work, companies are quickly adapting to cloud
technologies. The significant reasons why SAP is moving to the cloud are because of better
scalability, lower cost, and easier data management. Take a deep dive to understand the seven
primary reasons for moving SAP to the cloud.
Why move SAP to the cloud?
SAP is the foundation of most businesses, from sales to operations, financials to supply chains.
However, particularly for mission-critical applications, companies expect and demand change as per
the latest technology, such as SAP deployment.
Moving SAP to the cloud saves money, but the goal is also to become more adaptable and
innovative.
● Businesses want their IT team to improve the flexibility of how the company runs and to be able to
respond to business needs more quickly. However, it’s challenging to address these requirements
within the constraints of an on-premises infrastructure, which needs to be updated. The hardware on
which SAP operates is frequently the weak link, with manufacturers providing limited or pricey
support to keep it running.

When SAP estate is hosted in the cloud, businesses will no longer have to worry about updating and
maintaining data centers and servers, as cloud providers will handle it.
● Finding methods to save costs is crucial for maintaining effectiveness and remaining within
budget. As servers and related on-premises infrastructure are expensive, a good place to start could
be to seek underutilized resources within the SAP estate. The initial capital costs associated with a
complete in-house IT infrastructure are relatively high and include electricity, cooling, networking
equipment, and the software licensing required to run everything.
Cloud computing solutions can significantly reduce this business burden of managing infrastructure
requirements. By utilizing a cloud service provider’s investment in the most recent generation servers
and systems, companies can obtain all the advantages of a full, functional infrastructure for an easily
manageable, constant operational cost rather than having to cope with a substantial upfront capital
expense.
● Rapid technological change pressures businesses to modify their ERP platforms and fulfill evolving
needs. The analysis of massive amounts of data, improving business processes, and providing
innovative services and products are just a few new options the cloud opens up for expanding its
ERP capabilities. The organization may be innovative without starting from scratch, which is
ultimately the most significant benefit.
Top 7 benefits of moving from SAP to the cloud
Moving to the cloud offers multiple benefits, including security, accessibility, and much more. But
there are also challenges associated with it. So, why move to cloud? Because the numerous benefits
of the cloud can easily offset these challenges. Here are the top reasons why companies should
migrate SAP to the cloud.
1. Scalability : One of the significant advantages of the cloud is its scalability. When starting a new
project, companies can quickly increase storage and remove unwanted resources without extra cost.
By moving SAP to the cloud, companies can upsize and downsize the system according to their
business needs.
Having your SAP on the cloud will help companies stay agile and adapt quickly to growing business
needs.
2. Cost-effective : With the current economic downturn and recession, companies should look for
cost-effective solutions while scaling their business. Moving to a cloud solution eliminates the need
for hardware and workforce. It cuts down the cost required to run and maintain data centers,
operating staff, and upfront charges for hardware requirements.

Companies can evaluate their needs and cut down on wasteful spending. It also opens up space to
upgrade and downgrade along the way.
3. Improved security : Cloud systems offer the best-in-class security. It has different encryption
techniques, network hardening, extensive control, access control, and other features to prevent data
loss or leakage.
Moreover, the cloud providers will handle all your security, from physical to network security to
backup and recovery, with the necessary compliance. Companies can focus on their business goals
and growth while the cloud providers will take care of your data and privacy.
4. Pay-per-use model : Cloud services usually come with subscription-based pricing or a pay-per-use
model. Here, the companies only pay for what they need or use. For example, if a company needs
storage only for a week, they can pay for it. This is impossible with an on-premise system where
every purchase you make is permanent.
As mentioned earlier, the cloud offers the best security, and your data is monitored around the clock.
This further eliminates the need to have a disaster recovery infrastructure.
5. Accessibility : With the pandemic, where companies opened up opportunities for remote work, a
need arose to access data from anywhere and anytime. By migrating SAP to the cloud, you can
eliminate location constraints. It lets employees access data anytime from any part of the world.
6. Resilience : Unlike on-premises systems, cloud platforms do not require you to save data manually
every time. They are equipped with auto-backup, in which all data will be stored instantly on the
cloud. Since all data is backed up, it helps to recover data quickly. Moreover, the cloud is unaffected
by machine or hardware crashes, so data is stored securely.
7. Digital transformation : By migrating SAP systems to the cloud, businesses can leverage
innovations faster. They can access advanced analytics, intelligent, real-time applications, and more.
With cloud migration, companies can access a better-managed service with shorter deployment
cycles and increased reliability.
Conclusion
SAP cloud migration will aid in cost savings and increased productivity. It will provide you with the
flexibility and agility you want while also being financially lucrative. Have a proper plan for a safe and
secure SAP to cloud migration.
How do I move SAP to AWS?

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