Interscale Content Hub – In the current fast-changing digital world, a growing number of Australian businesses are turning to the cloud to gain more flexibility, scalability and cost savings.
And Azure is one of the top cloud platforms out there, with a whole range of services and features to help businesses operate in a whole new way.
But, as we all know, moving to the cloud can be a bit tricky, with lots of technical details to think about and potential issues to watch out for.
That’s why having an Azure migration consultant on board is an absolute must for every Azure migration process.
So, let’s break down what Azure migration involves and why hiring a consultant is a good idea.
What is Azure Migration?
Azure migration is when you move your company’s IT resources, whether they’re on-site or in another cloud, to the Microsoft Azure cloud platform.
Azure migration is when an organisation moves its digital assets – things like data, apps and workloads – from servers they own or other cloud environments to Microsoft Azure.
This process can include rehosting, refactoring, rearchitecting, or rebuilding applications to fit Azure’s environment.
The idea is to use Azure’s cloud computing capabilities to improve scalability, security and cost-efficiency.
Azure has a whole range of tools, like Azure Migrate, which helps you assess, migrate and optimise your workloads to the cloud.
The Azure Migration and Modernisation Program (AMMP) also offers resources and expert advice to make the transition easier, even for organisations new to cloud technology.
We’ve got an Azure migration consultant on hand to help with that.
An Azure migration consultant is someone who can help your company get through the tricky process of moving to Azure.
For a clear understanding of the value of an Azure consultant, please refer to “Why Choose Professional Microsoft Azure Consulting Services & Not An In-house?.”
Why Hire an Azure Migration Consultant?
Migrating to Azure is a pretty complex process, with lots of technical considerations, compliance issues and potential risks to think about. It’s a lot to handle, especially when your IT team is already stretched thin.
So, it’s more urgent than ever for businesses to make sure they have a smooth and secure migration to Azure.
That’s where Azure migration consultants really come in handy.
These consultants know Azure inside out, including all the different ways you can move your data there.
They’ve worked on lots of different migration projects, so they can see what might go wrong and put plans in place to avoid it.
That way, you’re less likely to have problems like losing data or having your system down during the migration.
By teaming up with a consultant, you get a reliable guide who can help you navigate the challenges and unknowns.
They help you make the right choices, avoid problems, and make sure your migration goes to plan and doesn’t cost the earth.
On top of that, Azure consultants can help businesses design cost-effective cloud solutions.
For example, they can set up Azure’s reserved instances, which can cut costs by up to 72% compared to pay-as-you-go pricing.
This makes sure your business not only moves to the cloud effectively but also does so in a way that’s financially sustainable.
The other thing consultants can do is help you move to the cloud faster. This quick transition is especially useful in competitive markets like Australia’s, where being agile and making the most of cloud capabilities quickly can give you a big advantage.
Services Offered by Azure Migration Consultants
Normally, the Azure migration consultants, like Inde in New Zealand, get started with an assessment and plan-making phase.
Next, they put together a custom migration plan, choosing the best route – whether it’s a simple “lift-and-shift” or a more comprehensive “re-architecting” – to make sure your systems flourish in the cloud.
Once you’ve got a plan in place, the consultant will guide you through the migration execution phase.
The consultant uses their expertise and tools like Azure Migrate to make the migration process as easy as possible, so it doesn’t disrupt your business too much.
Once your digital assets have safely reached their Azure destination, the consultant’s not done yet.
They’re also there for you after the migration is done. They’ll make sure your Azure resources are working at their best, so you can get the most out of the cloud.
Another consultant’s service is to provide training and knowledge transfer.
They’ll give your IT team all the tools they need to take control, with full training on Azure management, best practices, and troubleshooting.
This means your company will have all the skills and knowledge it needs to succeed in the cloud, even after the migration is done.
How to Choosing the Right Azure Migration Consultant
First, take a look at their credentials and experience, especially in Azure-specific migrations.
Look for certifications like Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Experts are a great way to see if they really know their stuff.
This certification is really valuable, with professionals saying it’s led to a lot more career opportunities and project success.
Industry expertise is also a big plus. Take healthcare, for instance. Consultants here have to make sure that personal information is handled properly, in line with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
The other thing is having a local presence. A consultant based in Australia or with lots of experience in the local market will know more about regional regulations and market conditions.
They can also give you more tailored support, which is really important for getting through issues like data sovereignty.
Finally, don’t forget to ask for client references. This lets you check out the consultant and see what they’ve done before.
Previous client feedback is a great way to get an idea of how good the consultant is at solving problems and communicating.
If you’d like to know more, take a look at “A Guideline How to Choose Azure Consulting Services in Australia.”
Challenges in Azure Migration
In Australia, it’s pretty important to stick to the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). The APPs set out how personal information should be managed, and they require consultants to put in place strong security measures.
These measures include things like encryption and identity management to make sure sensitive data is kept safe during and after the migration.
Another big challenge is to keep downtime to a minimum to make sure the business keeps running smoothly. If there’s a hiccup, you could lose out on revenue and damage customer trust.
Another big issue is managing costs when moving to Azure.
Cloud solutions are meant to be cost-effective, but poor resource management can end up costing you more than you expected.
The consultants need to make sure the right resources are allocated and make sure the company gets the full benefit of cost-saving features like Azure’s reserved instances.
FAQ on Azure Migration Consultant
What is the Typical Timeline for an Azure Migration?
There is no single answer here. The timeline can vary significantly based on the size and complexity of the migration.
For a small to medium-sized enterprise, the process could take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
The consultant will typically begin with an assessment phase, followed by planning, execution, and post-migration optimisation.
How do Consultants Ensure Data Security During Migration?
When data is being migrated, consultants make sure that encryption, secure data transfer protocols and rigorous access controls are in place to protect it.
They also test everything thoroughly before and after migration to make sure the data is all there and correct.
What Post-Migration Support is Available?
Consultants usually offer ongoing support services, including monitoring, performance optimisation and issue resolution.
They might also show the in-house team how to manage the new Azure environment effectively with some extra training.
How Interscale Can be Your Azure Migration Consultant?
As a Microsoft Authorised Partner, Interscale has lots of experience and a great track record of helping Australian businesses with the tricky bits of moving to Azure.
Our certified consultants can help you with the specific challenges of data security and compliance, so your migration will meet the strict Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
We start by putting together a plan for your migration, making sure we come up with strategies that fit your business needs.
We make sure there’s minimal disruption to your operations by using advanced tools like Azure Migrate to make the transition as smooth as possible.
If you’re worried about your business going down or stopping during the migration, Interscale got you covered.
We’ll make sure everything’s running smoothly and your business keeps on going.
Once you’re up and running on Azure, we’re still here for you.
We’ll keep optimising your environment to make sure you’re getting the most out of your subscription, and we’ll help you keep costs down by making sure you’re using all the features you’ve got.
We can also train your in-house IT team to manage the Azure environment, so you can maintain and evolve your cloud infrastructure independently.
Now, it’d be a good idea to do your homework, do some background checking and due diligence.
As a starting point, you could take a look at our Interscale Azure Consulting Services page.
Or, if you are ready for a coffee and croissant, let’s meet up. We’re ready to discuss any issues in your Azure migration process.
In Closing
So, hiring an Azure migration consultant is a smart move. Azurre’s migration consultants help Australian businesses get the best out of Azure.
They bring expert knowledge, manage risks and make sure everything goes smoothly during the transition.
That’s why you should think about Interscale as your Azure migration consultant. And yes, we are ready 24/7 for you.
