Skip to content
In recent years, migrating systems and data to the cloud has become a trend among companies of all sizes.
And according to Gartner , by 2028 Cloud Computing will no longer be a disruptive technology but will become a necessity to maintain competitiveness.
This is because this practice allows organizations to gain agility, flexibility and innovation potential.
But what exactly does it mean to migrate your database to the cloud? In simple terms, this involves transferring your data and applications from on-premises servers to virtualized infrastructure managed by cloud service providers.
In this post we will delve into this topic, addressing the main benefits , but also making considerations for a safer migration.
Good reading!
What does it mean to migrate your database to the cloud?
As we mentioned in the introduction, migrating a database to the cloud involves transferring data and information from a local system to an internet-based cloud infrastructure.
Traditionally, organizations ran IT applications and services on a physical infrastructure , managed within the company, where all data was stored and processed.
With the advancement of technology, the cloud has emerged as a less costly alternative that, at the same time, offers more flexibility and scalability .
This is because, with migration to the cloud , data can be accessed from anywhere, at any time by authorized people, and it is possible to increase or decrease storage space as needed.
Throughout the text we will explore more about the benefits of this practice.
Types of cloud services available
When we talk about the cloud, we can mention three different types of services, with different levels of control, management and functionality. See below for more details:
SaaS ( Software as a Service)
The concept of SaaS is already consolidated, although it is not always recognized by name. This is software acquired through monthly contracts, which offers access to services directly in the cloud. In other words: ready-to-use applications over the internet.
With this, users no longer need to install applications on their computers; just access them directly through the browser.
PaaS (Platform as a Service)
PaaS is a cloud model that provides a complete infrastructure for developers to create, test and run applications, including hardware, operating system and development tools.
This way, it is possible to develop, work and launch applications in an agile , as it offers complete support for the life cycle of web applications, from construction to delivery.
IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)
With IaaS, the company rents servers and storage space in the cloud.
This allows information to be stored and accessed over the internet from anywhere in the world, without the need to purchase hardware to set up physical servers, which is advantageous in terms of cost and flexibility.
Additionally, it is possible to contract services on demand , expanding capacity as needed, which is particularly useful during seasonal peaks.
Benefit 1: greater security
Nowadays, hackers and digital threats are proliferating every day, but cloud providers invest heavily in cybersecurity .
They usually have advanced encryption features, real-time monitoring and threat detection tools, so migrating the database to the cloud can be advantageous in this regard.
Threat protection
Firewalls , intrusion detection and prevention systems, and continuous monitoring are widely used in cloud services, ensuring a high level of information security.
Cloud companies also employ encryption to protect data both in transit and at rest. This is because encryption helps ensure that only authorized can access sensitive information.
Additionally, features like multi-factor authentication add an extra layer of security, making unauthorized access difficult.
Backups and data recovery
The cloud makes it easy to perform automatic backups and off-site storage, minimizing the risk of data loss due to hardware failures or natural disasters. This helps ensure that critical data is always recoverable.
Additionally, cloud services enable rapid data recovery , reducing downtime. Recovery methods such as RPO (Recovery Point Objective) and RTO (Recovery Time Objective) are used to define and achieve recovery times and data availability, as needed by the business.
Benefit 2: Scalability and Flexibility
One of the main advantages of the cloud is the scalability and flexibility it offers, allowing companies to optimize resources according to their needs and adjust their IT configurations without difficulties.
Understand better below:
Automatic scaling
This is one of the main advantages and one of the reasons that many companies seek to migrate to the cloud : the ability to scale resources as needed immediately.
In practice, this means that you can increase or decrease storage space according to the demands of your business.
For example, during periods of peak traffic due to promotions or special dates, you can easily add more computing capacity , ensuring that your applications continue to operate without interruptions.
Configuration flexibility
With the flexibility of cloud configuration, companies can adjust their IT infrastructure according to specific needs. This includes modifying, adding, or removing hardware and software on an ongoing and non-disruptive .
With customizable and predetermined options, you can choose solutions for your goals, adapting to new projects, development tests and changes in business requirements.
Furthermore, configuration flexibility allows for easier integration
Finally, the cloud allows data to be accessed by authorized people anywhere in the world , as long as there is internet.
Benefit 3: reduced operating costs
This is a fundamental point. By migrating data to the cloud , there are significant cost savings.
This happens because the need to invest in physical hardware and associated maintenance is eliminated.
Additionally, many cloud providers offer flexible payment , where you only pay for the resources you use.
Infrastructure costs
As previously stated, by migrating data to the cloud, companies eliminate the need to maintain and update physical servers. This results in savings in hardware acquisition, maintenance, energy and physical space costs.
Instant scalability also allows you to adjust computing power according to demand, without prior investment .
Pay-per-use model
The pay-as-you-go model gives you control over operational expenses. Companies only pay for the resources used, without high fixed costs.
This financial flexibility adjusts expenses according to usage, quickly adapting to new demands. This facilitates financial planning by offering cost predictability and avoiding unforeseen expenses.
Benefit 4: Global access and collaboration
Being in the cloud provides global access to a wide range of resources. This results in significantly improved collaboration between teams, as it becomes much easier for all team members to share information.
Access from anywhere
Data and applications are accessible from anywhere in the world with an internet connection, allowing employees to manage tasks regardless of their location.
Furthermore, migrating to the cloud means having a better ability to respond to customer demands in different time zones, ensuring more efficient and agile service.
Improved collaboration
The cloud also transforms the way teams work together.
Integrated tools such as shared documents, real-time chats and video conferences promote constant communication and information exchange, reducing project development time and increasing operational efficiency .
Furthermore, real-time visibility into task progress allows for accurate monitoring and faster decisions, promoting a culture of innovation within the organization.
Result: performance becomes simpler, strengthening teamwork and cohesion among organization members.
Benefit 5: Automatic updates and technical support
Another advantage of migrating to the cloud : automatic updates that keep all systems at the latest version, improving security and systemic efficiency.
Cloud platforms have technical support , available twenty-four hours, seven days a week (24/7), reducing downtime and minimizing service interruptions.
stable and reliable IT infrastructure , enabling companies to focus on their core activities with greater peace of mind.
How to start migrating your database to the cloud
Now that you understand the main benefits of migrating your database to the cloud, it's time to find out how to do it.
To start this process efficiently and safely, planning , which takes into account the organization's needs, steps to be followed and possible obstacles that may appear along the way. Look:
- Initial assessment : Perform a detailed analysis of your current infrastructure to identify which assets are critical and should be migrated first.
- Choosing a cloud provider : Select a provider that meets your organization's specific needs, considering cost, support and features offered.
- Migration method : Choose the appropriate method for data transfer, always considering the needs of your company.
- Initial Test : Test, test, test! This is critical for a successful migration. Migrate non-essential data initially and test systems to identify potential errors without risk to critical data.
- Full backup : Perform a full database backup before starting the migration to ensure additional security.
- Migration execution : Execute the migration plan as planned, monitoring closely to resolve issues quickly.
- Post-migration validation : After migration, validate the data in the new structure to ensure that everything transferred correctly and that the applications work as expected.
Cloud Migration Challenges: Understanding the Obstacles
Without adequate planning, cloud migrations can become time-consuming and expensive processes. Below, we explore some common challenges faced during this crucial process.
1. Technical complexity
Migrating to the cloud can present technical challenges , such as systems architecture and integration. Therefore, identifying and properly managing the complexities of existing systems is essential.
For example, some applications may have interdependencies , where moving one without the other may disrupt critical operations.
Legacy systems may not be compatible with cloud environments, requiring extensive refactoring or even a complete redesign to function optimally in the new infrastructure.
2. Operational interruptions and downtime
During migration, downtime can impact critical operations. Therefore, it is essential to create a plan that minimizes interruptions , ensuring business continuity while data and services are transferred.
3. Skills gap and adopting a new culture
Cloud platforms can be new and unfamiliar to internal teams who are used to traditional IT environments. Therefore, there may be resistance to cultural change , and a lack of cloud-specific skills may also be a significant obstacle.
Because of this, it is essential to train existing staff or hire new talent with the experience and skills needed to effectively manage cloud infrastructure.
Additionally, internal organizational culture must evolve to encourage the adoption and effective use of new tools and practices associated with migration.
Move to the cloud with Skyone
Throughout this post you could see the main benefits of migrating your database to the cloud. And to put this into practice, there is nothing better than a partner specialized in the subject.
At Skyone , we help you make a safe and efficient migration to the cloud. Our platform's cloud computing module includes Skyone Autosky , which offers everything you need to migrate, manage and orchestrate your cloud assets securely and hassle-free.
Request a demo now and find out how our platform can boost your success!
Conclusion
As we have seen throughout this text, database migration to the cloud offers numerous benefits for companies, such as flexibility, security, operational efficiency, cost savings and improved collaboration between teams.
This is because this process allows organizations to adapt their IT needs to demand, without the need for large investments in infrastructure, and access essential data from anywhere in the world, at any time.
planning must be carried out , which includes needs assessment, data backup, analysis of network connections and security measures.
Furthermore, choosing a suitable and secure cloud provider is essential to maximize the advantages of cloud computing . This ensures rapid adaptation to market demands and drives innovation.
Want to know more about migrating to the cloud? Read our guide on the subject!
