A Guide to Migrating from On-Premise Servers to the Cloud

Migrating from on-premise servers to the cloud is a significant step for any organisation looking to enhance scalability, reduce infrastructure costs, and improve operational efficiency.

Cloud computing offers numerous benefits, including increased flexibility, enhanced security, and access to advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and automation. However, a successful migration requires careful planning, as a poorly executed transition can lead to downtime, security vulnerabilities, and unexpected costs.

This guide outlines a structured approach to cloud migration, covering everything from defining a clear strategy to selecting the right cloud provider, assessing current infrastructure, and choosing the most suitable migration approach. It also details critical considerations such as network security, data migration strategies, testing, staff training, and decommissioning on-premise infrastructure.

By following these steps, organisations can ensure a smooth and efficient transition to the cloud while maximising the benefits of their new digital environment.

1. Define Your Cloud Strategy

Before starting the migration, establish a clear strategy to align with business needs.

• Assess Business Goals
  • Why are you migrating? (e.g., cost savings, scalability, disaster recovery, agility)
  • Identify key business drivers such as reducing infrastructure maintenance, enabling remote work, or supporting global expansion.
  • Determine critical success metrics (e.g., uptime, performance, cost savings).
• Choose the Right Cloud Model
  • Public Cloud – Fully managed by providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Best for scalability and cost efficiency.
  • Private Cloud – Dedicated infrastructure for better control and security (e.g., VMware on AWS, OpenStack).
  • Hybrid Cloud – A combination of on-premise and cloud resources, ideal for compliance-heavy industries.
  • Multi-Cloud – Using multiple cloud providers to avoid vendor lock-in and optimise costs.
• Select a Cloud Provider
  • Compare AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, or others based on features, pricing, and regional availability.
  • Consider cloud-native services such as AWS Lambda (serverless), Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), and Google Cloud BigQuery (data analytics).

2. Assess Current Infrastructure

Understanding your current IT environment is key to a smooth transition.

• Inventory and Categorise IT Assets
  • List all servers, applications, databases, and dependencies.
  • Identify legacy applications that may need modernisation.
  • Evaluate workloads that require high availability or special compliance requirements.
• Evaluate Network and Security Readiness
  • Check bandwidth and latency requirements for cloud connectivity.
  • Plan for VPNs, Direct Connect (AWS), or ExpressRoute (Azure) for hybrid setups.
• Analyse Costs and ROI
  • Use cloud pricing calculators to compare costs.
  • Identify potential savings from retiring old infrastructure.

3. Choose a Migration Approach

Different workloads require different migration strategies.

• Lift-and-Shift (Rehosting)
  • Move applications as-is to the cloud without modifications.
  • Fastest method but may not be cost-efficient in the long run.
  • Example: Moving VMs from VMware to AWS EC2.
• Replatforming
  • Make minor optimisations (e.g., migrating databases to managed services like RDS, Azure SQL).
  • Improves efficiency without a complete redesign.
• Refactoring/Rearchitecting
  • Redesign applications to be cloud native.
  • Uses microservices, containers (Kubernetes, Docker), and serverless computing.
  • Best for maximising cloud benefits but requires development effort.
• Retire or Replace
  • Identify unused or redundant applications to decommission.
  • Replace outdated systems with SaaS alternatives (e.g., migrate Exchange servers to Microsoft 365).

4. Plan Network and Security

A secure and well-architected cloud foundation is critical.

• Network Planning
  • Set up Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs), Subnets, Load Balancers, NAT Gateways.
  • Plan DNS and IP address management for cloud resources.
  • Consider hybrid connectivity via VPNs or dedicated links.
• Security and Compliance
  • Implement Identity and Access Management (IAM) for least privilege access.
  • Use multi-factor authentication (MFA), encryption (TLS, AES-256).
  • Ensure compliance with GDPR, ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials, etc.
• Threat Monitoring & Logging
  • Enable CloudTrail (AWS), Security Center (Azure), Cloud Audit Logs (GCP).
  • Set up SIEM solutions (Splunk, AWS GuardDuty, Azure Sentinel) for security analytics.

5. Data Migration Strategy

Moving data efficiently while minimising downtime is key.

• Migration Methods
  • Online Transfer – Use services like AWS S3 Transfer, Azure Storage Migration.
  • Offline Transfer – Large-scale migration using devices like AWS Snowball, Azure Data Box.
  • Database Migration Tools – AWS DMS, Azure Database Migration Service, Google DMS.
• Data Synchronisation
  • Implement continuous replication for minimal downtime.
  • Use tools like rsync, Datadog, or cloud-native data pipelines.
• Validate Data Integrity
  • Compare data before and after migration.
  • Run test queries on databases to ensure consistency.

6. Test and Optimise

Testing ensures everything runs smoothly post-migration.

• Functional Testing
  • Verify all applications, databases, and network configurations work as expected.
  • Test APIs, integrations, and security settings.
• Performance Testing
  • Benchmark cloud performance against on-premise systems.
  • Optimise autoscaling policies and resource allocation.
• Disaster Recovery Planning
  • Set up automated backups (AWS Backup, Azure Site Recovery).
  • Test failover mechanisms in case of an outage.

7. Train Staff and Implement Cloud Governance

Ensure your team is ready to manage cloud operations.

• Training & Certification
  • Train IT teams on cloud operations, security, and automation.
  • Encourage cloud certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator.
• Cloud Governance
  • Define policies for resource usage, cost tracking, and compliance.
  • Use AWS Organisations, Azure Policy, or Google Cloud IAM for enforcing policies.
  • Monitor costs with AWS Cost Explorer, Azure Cost Management, Google Cloud Billing.

8. Decommission On-Premise Infrastructure

Once everything is running in the cloud, finalise the migration.

• Verify Cloud Stability
  • Run in parallel with on-premise systems for a buffer period.
  • Monitor performance and security logs.
• Decommission Hardware
  • Shut down servers gradually.
  • Securely wipe storage devices to prevent data leaks.
• Update Documentation
  • Update system documentation to reflect the new cloud architecture.
  • Train employees on the new workflows.

How can Capella help?

If you are unsure about the budget required for a migration, or not knowing the costs and size of the task is holding you back, Capella Computer Solutions have plenty of assistance to offer. These include FREE services such as:

• Solution Assessments for migration – a structured programme designed to help organisations plan and execute their cloud migration strategy effectively.
• Cloud Security Assessments – a structured evaluation designed to help organisations identify, assess, and improve their security posture when migrating to or operating in the Cloud.
• Microsoft CoPilot for Microsoft 365 Readiness Assessment – helps businesses understand their technical, security, and adoption readiness, ensuring they can fully leverage Copilot’s capabilities while maintaining compliance and data security.

Once accepted for the chosen assessment, the following comprehensive process will be undertaken…

Contact Capella today to discuss your cloud requirements and take your next step to achieving your IT goals