Cloud is truly crowded now as we are reaching the end of 2012; there are so many Cloud information repository like Cloudtweaks.com, Cloudcomputingnews.net, Enterprisefeatures.com. No doubt you would find some crisp and useful information there. Still if you are overwhelmed with the quantity of information and don’t know where to start here some basic points you should consider regarding Cloud migration:

1)  Understand your internal IT infrastructure deeply and find out the bottlenecks. If you want to see a good change with cloud computing services, first find out weak points of your existing IT infrastructure. This would help you in getting a customized cloud migration plan from your cloud computing vendor.

2)      Topmost headache: Which applications to move first in cloud? You need to have a detailed assessment and strategic approach in terms of current infrastructure, applications and level of support each application needs. If you have followed point one religiously you must know which application needs what and where to focus.

3)      After completing first two steps the critical one comes: What type of cloud to choose – private or public? Ideally private cloud is best for eliminating all your security concerns but  at the same time it is possible to identify which application deserves what kind of environment.  For example direct procurement where quantity and frequency both tend to shift to the higher side of business graph private cloud is the ideal solution. Application which are not fully developed and tested, high maintenance application connecting with multiple data streams, sensitive data like payroll should also be kept in private cloud.

4)   Take special care of regulatory data. Medical and financial organizations deal with quite sensitive data  which is subjected to legal terms, so check twice before cloud migration.

5)      The another most important step of cloud migration(which would consume your 50% of time) is choosing right Cloud computing service provider. Cloud computing is not 100% secure but yes there are more and less secure environments depending upon your cloud vendor. Some providers focus only on automation and cost benefits and there are simple plans to choose without any noticeable human interaction. At the same time some cloud vendors  believe in providing customized support and service.

These were the basic considerations, part-2 coming soon!