Cloud computing is no longer a luxury for the significantly tech-savvy. It’s ability to streamline operations, boost collaboration and foster resilience in the digital world are only some of the reasons it’s a growing necessity for a growing number of businesses.
Stating that migrating to the cloud isn’t optional for many businesses is now no longer a bold claim. Research shows that more than half of ‘Late Majority’ businesses have already adopted basic cloud accounting and cloud storage, without the benefits of systems like Azure migration. Having your own website or using these tools on their own is no longer enough to count yourself as a truly ‘digital’ business1.
Common myths that hold businesses back from migrating to the cloud
Despite the inevitability of cloud computing, many businesses are still hesitant to embrace the future. There are perceived barriers that hold them back, like the belief that migrating to the cloud is too costly, and utilising the cloud takes away a lot of their decision-making power. There is also a lack of skills and awareness around how the cloud works and how it can be properly utilised to improve business.
Here are some of the most common cloud myths.
- Moving to and being on the cloud is too complicated and requires significant training, onboarding and restructuring.
- Going digital by migrating to the cloud opens my business up to a greater risk of IT issues and cybercrime.
- The process to move to the cloud is complex and time consuming, and will cause significant downtime for my business.
- It will cost more migrating to the cloud than simply updating existing systems.
Do any of these myths sounds familiar? Fortunately, these common misconceptions that make the cloud seem inaccessible are easily overcome. Microsoft Azure, for example, not only provides thousands of applications to help manage, streamline and grow businesses, but has a cost effective and stress-free onboarding process to make it as easy as possible to migrate to the cloud.
Busting myths with Azure migration
TRUTH: You don’t need extensive IT skills to migrate to Microsoft Azure
Even though moving to a new technology will always have its own learning curve, Azure doesn’t require significant IT knowledge to operate; it’s designed to be user-friendly and allow any business to flourish.
We provide you with subsidised Azure technical training through Microsoft Learning and accredited partners, and you’ll also have access to a library of self-guided resources to support your unique needs. Step-by-step guidance from Azure engineers is also available to mitigate risks.
TRUTH: The cloud is extremely secure, and Azure is one of the most secure cloud platforms in the world
Microsoft Azure is well equipped to keep your business safe and operational. It benefits from Microsoft’s $1 billion annual investment into cybersecurity, and is supported by a team of more than 3,500 global cybersecurity experts. Azure provides built-in disaster recovery and backup capabilities to minimise downtime and data loss. It also boasts 99.95% availability for its users, with 24/7 support and continual health monitoring available thanks to its network of data centres in more than 60 regions around the world.
TRUTH: Migrating to Azure does not require significant downtime that impacts business
The Azure migration process does not force your business to stop operating. While there may be brief moments of downtime, these are extremely small fragments of time and are significantly minimised thanks to prior planning and assessment.
The assessment is an essential step when migrating to Azure, and includes a real-time review of business data to create a clear and achievable cloud migration roadmap. This review covers your business’ strategies, workloads, costs and capacity. At Lucidity, we help collate the findings in a detailed report which is typically ready within 72 hours of the assessment. This report will help determine the best migration strategy; it might inform you that migrating to Azure will only take a few weeks and won’t impact your operations, or it might determine that your business has a lot to process, and you might benefit from a phased approach to minimise disruption.
TRUTH: The cost of migrating is far less than keeping aging legacy systems alive
While there are some upfront costs, the ongoing costs of Microsoft Azure are significantly less than maintaining legacy systems and physical IT infrastructure.
Even if you’re attached to your current system, or think that it’s integral to your business, the truth is that ageing legacy systems struggle to keep up with modern operation needs, which demand the processing power and speeds of newer technologies and software applications.
Azure gives you the power to reduce your operational costs. It includes automatic updates and software, and features cost management and analysis tools that helps you understand the costs of being in the cloud. It also sets spending thresholds, identifies opportunities for workload changes to optimise your costs, and features automated tools that significantly improve your business processes. Your business can potentially save up to 34% in your first year by using Azure’s Microsoft Cost Management to monitor and reduce spend.
Book your cloud assessment and move to the cloud with Lucidity
Now that we’ve shown you the truth, we’re also here to help you enjoy the benefits of Microsoft Azure. Lucidity can arrange an Azure Cloud Assessment unlock the full potential of moving your business to the cloud powered by Microsoft Azure.
Our dedicated team of professionals will guide you through the migration process, ensuring a smooth and secure transition for your applications and data. With Azure, you’ll have access to a wide range of powerful cloud services, enabling innovation, enhancing collaboration, and driving your business towards greater success.
Don’t miss out on the advantages of cloud technology – click below to register for your cloud assessment and discover how to move your business to new heights in the cloud, powered by Microsoft Azure.
Register for your Cloud Assessment
1 Source: http://www.betterforbusiness.govt.nz/
