Published 2026-01-31 by TechNet New England
Over 60% of businesses are planning to increase cloud spending in 2025. However, cloud migration is not universally beneficial - success depends on understanding your specific situation and requirements.
What Are You Actually Moving?
Cloud migration means different things to different organizations:
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Using cloud-based applications like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, or industry-specific software. This is the simplest form of cloud adoption and is already common in most businesses.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Running servers, storage, and networks in cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. This replaces physical servers but requires similar management expertise.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Using cloud platforms for application development and deployment. Primarily relevant for businesses that develop custom software.
Questions to Ask Before Migration
Why Are We Considering This?
Clarify your actual business objectives. Common drivers include:
- Eliminating aging hardware that needs replacement
- Enabling remote work capabilities
- Reducing physical office space requirements
- Improving disaster recovery capabilities
- Scaling capacity for business growth
Migration for its own sake, without clear business objectives, often leads to disappointment.
What Are the True Costs?
Cloud pricing models differ from traditional IT. Factors to consider:
- Monthly service fees (predictable)
- Data storage costs (can grow unexpectedly)
- Data transfer costs (often overlooked)
- Migration costs (one-time)
- Training and change management
Total cost of ownership comparisons should span 3-5 years including all these factors.
What About Our Existing Applications?
Not all software works in cloud environments. Legacy applications, specialized industry software, or systems with specific hardware requirements may need to remain on-premises or require significant modification.
How Will Security Change?
Cloud security is shared responsibility. Cloud providers secure infrastructure, but you remain responsible for:
- Access control and user management
- Data protection and encryption
- Application security
- Compliance with industry regulations
What About Internet Dependency?
Cloud systems require reliable internet connectivity. If your internet goes down, can your business operate? Consider:
- Primary internet reliability
- Backup internet options
- Offline work capabilities
- Impact of latency on application performance
How Will We Handle Data?
- Where will data be stored geographically?
- How is data protected in transit and at rest?
- Can we get our data back if we leave the provider?
- How do backup and recovery work?
Migration Approaches
Phased Migration
Moving systems incrementally reduces risk but extends the transition period and may require hybrid infrastructure.
Full Migration
Moving everything at once is faster but higher risk. Appropriate for smaller environments or when old systems cannot remain operational.
Hybrid Approach
Some workloads remain on-premises while others move to cloud. Common for organizations with specialized on-premises requirements.
When Cloud May Not Be the Answer
- Applications that require low latency to local devices
- Extremely large data volumes with frequent access
- Regulatory requirements for data location
- Limited or unreliable internet connectivity
- When current infrastructure is modern and meeting needs
TechNet New England provides cloud readiness assessments and migration planning to help businesses make informed decisions.
Sources: Gartner Cloud Spending Projections, ISG Enterprise IT Budget Research, Industry Cloud Migration Best Practices