10 Adjusting Screws for a Successful Cloud Migration

Cloudification is one of the most important IT topics for medium-sized companies. This article explains the key parameters that determine success during the planning and implementation of a cloud migration.

Together with several experts, our colleagues at gridscale have developed a white paper outlining the ten most important levers for cloudification in SMEs. Below is a summary of the main findings. The complete study can be requested free of charge here.

The 10 Adjusting Screws for a Successful Cloud Migration

There is no universal formula for cloudification. The following sections describe the most important strategic, technical, and organizational factors, as well as their challenges and best practices.

Strategic Adjusting Screws

1. Need for Cloudification

Cloudification increases fail-safety, scalability, and flexibility. However, it should not be implemented at any cost. The decisive factor is whether the solution fits the company’s specific challenges. A pragmatic and goal-oriented approach is essential.

2. Cloudification Strategy

A solid strategy begins with a detailed analysis of all business applications. The cloudification plan must align with the company’s overall goals and IT strategy. Understanding dependencies and workloads ensures a sustainable and cost-efficient migration path.

3. Dealing with Public Clouds

For most SMEs, a full migration to public clouds is neither practical nor cost-effective. Private clouds may offer less scalability, but they provide more control and data sovereignty. Hybrid and multi-cloud models combine flexibility with independence and are therefore often the better choice.

Technical Adjusting Screws

4. Creating the Right Conditions

Before moving to the cloud, existing infrastructure and processes must be adapted. This includes preparing server and application landscapes for cloud operations. Short-term solutions may save time, but they often create long-term risks and technical debt.

5. Technical Planning

Virtualization is only the first step toward cloud readiness. Network architecture, security, and management must also be integrated. Hyper-converged infrastructures (HCI) combine server, storage, and networking but are expensive for SMEs. A managed private cloud can be a more economical alternative.

6. Managed Cloud

Setting up and maintaining a private cloud requires expertise and resources. Outsourcing through managed private cloud services reduces complexity. Hybrid models, where part of the infrastructure is managed externally, provide flexibility but demand internal cloud competence.

Cultural and Organizational Adjusting Screws

7. Repositioning of IT

Cloud transformation is not only a technical process—it also changes how people work. Agile methods and flexible structures can only succeed when employees understand and support them. Training, communication, and cultural change are key success factors.

8. Realignment of Processes

Cloud technologies reshape workflows and organizational structures. Process adjustments should be seen as an ongoing improvement cycle, not a one-time project. Continuous optimization ensures that the company remains agile and efficient.

9. Designing External Cooperation

Cloudification often increases collaboration with external service providers. Transparent communication, clear responsibilities, and long-term partnerships are essential. However, companies must maintain internal expertise to manage providers effectively and remain independent.

10. Human Resources Development

Cloudification changes roles and required skills within IT. Private cloud environments need more technical specialists, while managed or hybrid models demand employees who can coordinate multiple providers and understand business-wide effects.

Source: gridscale