Interscale Content Hub – The Flexera 2024 State of the Cloud Report shows that a whopping 51% of workloads are already in the public cloud, with more on the way.
But it’s not always easy getting there.
That’s why we need to talk about cloud migration tools to help businesses move their digital assets. Let’s go.
What is a Cloud Migration Tool?
A cloud migration tool helps organisations move data, apps and workloads from their own servers to the cloud.
These tools make it easier to move data by doing many of the difficult tasks for you, like mapping, transferring and syncing data.
The 2024 State of the Cloud Report by Flexera found almost 71% of organisations use the cloud a lot. This shows how important cloud tools are for managing complex migrations.
Cloud migration tools also ensure minimal downtime, data integrity, and compliance with regulatory standards.
Types of Cloud Migration Tools
Cloud migration tools are sorted into different groups depending on the type of migration they can handle.
Data Migration Tools
Data migration tools are designed to move large amounts of data from old systems to modern cloud-based ones.
For instance, Microsoft Azure Data Box is a pretty popular tool these days.
It makes it a lot easier to transfer large amounts of data to Azure, especially in situations where there’s limited network bandwidth.
Application Migration Tools
Application migration tools let you move software applications from on-premises servers to cloud platforms.
One of the most well-known tools in this category is AWS Migration Hub.
It gives you a single place to monitor and manage the migration of applications across different AWS services.
Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Tools
Hybrid and multi-cloud tools are great for businesses that are using more than one cloud environment to get the best out of their IT resources.
Tools like Flexera give businesses the power to manage their cloud resources across different platforms.
They help businesses maintain control while optimising performance and cost.
Cloud-to-Cloud Migration Tools
Cloud-to-cloud migration tools are great for moving data and apps between different cloud providers.
As businesses grow and their cloud strategies change, tools like Cloudiway become really useful for moving data and apps between platforms like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365.
As a point of reference, you might want to read “Top Cloud Migration Services Providers in Australia: Who Can You Trust?“
Features of Cloud Migration Tools
Automation
Automation and orchestration are pretty much essential for managing the complexities of large-scale migrations.
Tools like Flexify.IO are great for this because they automate data transfers, saving time, and reducing the risk of errors that could disrupt operations.
The 2024 State of the Cloud Report says automation is a big reason why 71% of heavy cloud users want tools that make cloud processes easier, so IT teams can focus on more important stuff.
Cost Management and Optimization
The Flexera 2024 State of the Cloud Report shows that managing cloud spending is the biggest challenge for organisations.
The report says the average public cloud budget was 15% over what was planned.
These features help you figure out how much the migration is going to cost, keep track of what you’re spending during and after the migration, and find ways to make it more cost-effective.
Security and Compliance
Security and compliance are non-negotiable when it comes to any cloud migration strategy.
Tools like Carbonite Availability keep your data safe with advanced encryption and compliance monitoring, so you can trust it’s secure throughout the migration process.
This is critical in a region where data protection rules are strict and breaches can have a big financial and reputational impact.
Data Synchronisation and Replication
Some migrations require you to keep the data consistent between the source and target environments.
The data synchronisation and replication features make sure that any changes made to the source data are reflected in the cloud almost instantly.
The Cloudera guide on “Data Migration Tools and Methods,” goes into detail about how to use replication policies to achieve this, and it also points out the importance of incremental replication for keeping data in sync.
Customization and Flexibility
Every migration is different, so your tools should be flexible enough to meet your specific needs.
Look for tools you can adapt to your own needs, so you can make the migration process work for you.
Cloudera says it’s a good idea to get to know your current workloads and look for any problems before you start migrating, so you can plan and execute a customized migration strategy.
Benefits of Using Cloud Migration Tools
So yes, these tools can really help to cut costs, reduce downtime and avoid errors when it comes to migration.
The cloud migration tools make the process a lot more efficient by automating and orchestrating tasks, so there’s less need for manual intervention and the risks that come with it.
This means you can move to the cloud faster, with less disruption to your business, and save money in the long run.
The great thing about cloud migration tools is how they can help organisations get the right balance between performance and cost-efficiency for their cloud infrastructure.
Cloudera says it’s important to analyse your workloads and identify any potential issues before you start the migration process.
This proactive approach lets you make any necessary optimisations and tweaks, so that your applications run smoothly and efficiently in the cloud.
The Flexera report backs this up, saying that 71% of organisations are looking to save money by making the most of what they already have in the cloud.
On top of saving money and making things run better, cloud migration tools can also help keep data safe and make sure you’re following the rules.
It’s also worth mentioning features like data security and privacy controls, which are essential for protecting sensitive information during and after migration.
The Flexera report also shows how important security is for cloud projects, with many organisations saying that security is one of their main challenges.
For a good idea of how useful the tools are, take a look at “What is a Cloud Migration Strategy? Phases & Best Practices.”
Best Practices for Selecting and Using Cloud Migration Tools
TrustRadius suggests looking at things like the resources you’re moving, your migration strategy, and the costs and impacts involved.
It’s also a good idea to check if your cloud provider offers free migration tools or support, as this can save you a lot of money.
One of the best things you can do is to take a close look at your current IT set-up.
This is a big step because it helps you spot potential problems and make sure the tools you choose fit with what the company wants to achieve.
It’s also a good idea to choose tools you can scale up easily. If you want to be able to grow your business in the future, you should choose tools that can grow with you.
On top of all that, it’s important not to forget about security features.
Tools like Carbonite Availability that offer advanced encryption and compliance monitoring are a must for making sure your data is secure during migration, especially in Australia where data protection laws are pretty strict.
At the end of the day, testing and validation are pretty important steps in the migration process.
Before you fully commit to a cloud environment, it’s a good idea to use tools like AWS CloudEndure for continuous replication and automated testing.
This approach helps you spot potential issues early on, reducing the risk of unplanned downtime and making sure everything goes smoothly.
How Interscale Helps You Get the Suitable One
When we looked at all the different options on the market, we knew there were some pretty complex choices to be made.
Interscale also know how different every business is. So, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to cloud migration.
Our team of expert engineers will take a look at your current infrastructure, figure out what you need, and put together a complete migration plan based on your business goals.
We make sure your data is secure and compliant, so you can move to the cloud with confidence.
If you’re looking for more flexibility, better cost-effectiveness, or a more reliable disaster recovery plan, Interscale has the experience and expertise to help you out.
As you can see, we offer a complete support system, which might seem a bit confusing at first.
So, we suggest you do your homework. We’d appreciate it if you could do a bit of background research, fact-checking and due diligence on us.
We’d recommend you start by looking at our Interscale Server Migration to Cloud Service page.
And if it is convenient for you, we would be grateful for the opportunity to meet for coffee and a croissant.
Let’s discuss any issues you may have encountered during your cloud migration.
In Closing
Cloud migration is a big task, but with the right tools and strategies, it can be a game-changer for businesses of all sizes.
If you choose the right cloud migration tools and use them properly, you can get through the tricky bits of cloud migration.
