This document provides a checklist of 8 things to consider for a cloud migration. It recommends testing cloud applications before fully migrating and hosting common business applications like email and CRM systems in the cloud. It also discusses security considerations for data in the cloud like encryption and access controls. Additional items cover eliminating hardware maintenance costs, developing a clear migration plan and strategy, establishing backup procedures, and ensuring ongoing support and maintenance after migration.

1. CLOUD MIGRATION CHECK LIST
8 THINGS TO KNOW

2. CHOOSE YOUR CLOUD

3. You wouldn’t buy a car without taking it for a
quick spin first. You can easily transfer some
applications, use the cloud service for a week or
two, and make a decision without jumping in
feet first. You can also build and test new cloud
applications easily and affordably, thanks to the
pay-per-use model of cloud hosting.
TEST DRIVE THE CLOUD

4. WHAT TO HOST IN THE CLOUD
Typically, we recommend hosting a
combination of key business applications in the
cloud. Exchange (email) is the most common
program to be hosted in the cloud and most
flexible with many options available in Microsoft
Office 365. Many Line of Business applications
are creating hosted versions of their programs
such as SalesForce or Dynamics NAV,
Dynamics 365, etc.

5. SECURITY OF DATA CONSIDERATIONS
Azure infrastructure relies on secure practices
and technologies, connecting with each other
and to datacenters, which block unauthorized
traffic. Azure also uses industry-standard
guidelines to encrypt data. In addition to Azure’s
secure continuous monitoring, you can set your
own security parameters, including load balance
guides, IP filters, traffic flow policies, and more.
Client-side encryption is also available.

6. INFRASTRUCTURE CONCERNS
Eliminate the need to purchase and maintain
expensive hardware. The benefits go beyond
savings. Cloud services increase efficiency and
innovation. This means you don’t have to spend
time handling routine IT upgrades. Instead, you
can focus on improving your products and
services. Additionally, both public and private
cloud hosting give organizations the ability to
deploy and scale VMs instantly.

7. DEVELOP A CLEAR PLAN & STRATEGY
Like most technology projects, developing a
clear plan and strategy, will make your cloud
migration more successful. As you put together
your plan, keep coming back to key objectives,
progress points, and milestones.

8. BACKUP PROCEDURES
Although cloud technology can keep your data
safe, it isn’t full proof. (After all, nothing is.) As
you plan your cloud migration, be sure to
develop clear backup procedures as well.

9. SUPPORT & MAINTENANCE
As a trusted cloud infrastructure provider, we
know the work doesn’t end when a migration is
complete. Instead, it’s important to stay on top
of updates to ensure your data is fully protected.
At SWICKtech, our full stability agreements
provide 24/7 cloud monitoring to predict and
prevent issues, so you can focus on more
important things (like running your business).