Migrating into the cloud is one thing, making the most out of it is another. Cloud hosting has a series of components that need to be taken care of while making the move. A poorly deployed cloud often leads to underutilization of its attributes which ultimately results in wastage of both time and money.

So, the first thing firms must do before making the move is to identify the motive behind the decision. Rigorous planning, defining a timeline, building a transition strategy and properly executing it is necessary for a successful migration. Firms must also pay due attention to the resources, funds, and skills required in the process and a foolproof action plan to face the many challenges that may surface.

How to Have A Successful Cloud Migration?

Cloud migration is a complex process that involves transferring the data stored on-premise to the cloud. Migration, if done carelessly, can sometimes lead to loss of resources, unforeseen expenses, data-loss, security concerns, and downtime. A successful cloud migration strategy, thus, includes the following:

i. A well-defined migration plan
ii. Execution done with precision to streamline the workflow
iii. Testing the cloud environment and ensuring adequate security in the cloud once the process is completed

Your Cloud Migration Checklist

Your cloud migration process may differ depending upon your business type. However, the following checklist is standard for all:

1. Identify what to move to the cloud and what to retain on-premise
2. Finding the right cloud vendor who comes with experience and has budget-friendly plans
3. Preparing for migration
4. Executing your migration strategy
5. Running a check to ensure everything is working fine and the security is intact

Following the above checklist properly will ensure that the process of moving into the cloud runs smoothly and the possible glitches that may otherwise occur are eliminated. Also, taking assistance from an experienced cloud services provider will help in making the process easier.

Key Considerations when Moving Your QuickBooks on the Cloud

Listed below are some of the points that CPAs, bookkeepers, and firms need to consider while moving their QuickBooks on the cloud:

1. How will the cloud benefit the organization?

Every technology-related decision that a firm takes has some logic behind it. Similarly, when you have determined to take all or part of your workload to the cloud, it must benefit you in some ways. Understanding the pros and cons of running a cloud-based business can help you make an informed decision. Most firms go for partial migration, where they take some of their applications and data on the cloud, while the less critical information continues to stay on-premise.
Firms must evaluate which applications and software will work better in a cloud environment and which ones perform better on-premise. Also, a careful evaluation must be done of the current local server environment to understand your expectations from the cloud in a better way.

2. Which cloud solution will suit you the best?

Several factors play a key role in deciding which type of cloud environment is ideal for your business. There are three types of cloud for businesses to choose from. A firm’s budget, performance needs, security concerns, and other business-specific requirements help to finalize which of the following three should be chosen:

i. Platform-as-a-service (PaaS)
ii. Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS)
iii. Software-as-a-service (SaaS)

Each solution has its own set of pros and cons. Your business type and the unique set of requirements play a decisive role in choosing which cloud solution is best suited for you. If you are aiming for expanding your organization in the near future, finding a provider who offers scalable plans will be a better decision.

3. How to find an ideal hosting services provider?

Consider the following points when you are looking for a hosting provider for your firm:

What services will the cloud provider offer?

You know your firm well and you are familiar with your organization’s requirements. So, before you finalize one, confirm whether your cloud services provider’s pricing plans are suitable, is he reliable, will your business benefit from hosting with the said provider, etc.

Are there any hidden costs?

In most cases, a firm while moving into the cloud focuses on hosting, data migration, and management costs. However, it does not stop there. There are other hidden costs that pose a little later, including the bandwidth costs, expenses that differ with geographical location, support, etc.

The provider’s downtime history and how to minimize it?

This is one of the most critical steps in the process of cloud migration. Downtime is inevitable at times. However, the cloud vendor’s plan for dealing with it is what makes them reliable. Check into the past incidences of the vendor’s downtime and how they dealt with it. Find ways to reduce it when you are moving into the cloud.

How secure is the migration process?

Unlike the local server where the firm is entirely responsible for migration, the security of the cloud environment is entirely dependent on the cloud vendor. However, partnering with a cloud services provider who pays special attention to the security of your data and has the right tools in place, you can be sure about the security of your critical information during and after the migration.

Is there a need to change the application architecture?

Understandably, the cloud architecture is different from that of the local server. Sometimes, there may be a need to make a change in some or all parts to make it suitable to work in the cloud environment. Also, you must consider the effects the transition into the cloud has on your employees. You might also need to train your employees to make them feel comfortable working in the cloud environment.

Can your hosting provider accommodate your needs?

There are two things to consider. One, your hosting provider should be able to fulfill your current requirements. Two, the cloud should be scalable enough to accommodate your changing business needs in the future. This saves you the trouble of finding another hosting provider later.

Check whether you migrated successfully

As we stated earlier, migrating to the cloud is only half the work done. The next and most critical step is to ensure whether everything is working as expected. Confirm whether the applications are running as expected and if the data is properly copied. Verify is the users and administrators can access the cloud, applications, and data smoothly.

And, Finally

The process of moving your business into the cloud involves a series of considerations, most important of which are budget constraints and business requirements. Firms must consider everything adequately before making a final decision. Also, certain firms prefer to DIY when it comes to cloud hosting. If you are unsure about it, the best thing to do it to seek help from a professional cloud hosting services provider who can help take your QuickBooks 2020 into the cloud without any glitches.