Cloud computing is not something entirely new to business. Although, until the beginning of the last decade, most companies were running their own hardware servers on-site to maintain IT infrastructure, the pandemic changed this scenario.
In 2019, 23% of companies paid for cloud processing capacity. In 2023, it was 33% , as pointed out by the TIC Companies survey , by Cetic.br.
This is because migrating servers to the cloud offers several advantages. Using cloud computing, companies can ensure greater flexibility and scalability in their operations.
Furthermore, having the server in the cloud reduces operational costs , as it is possible to pay only for the resources used, without the need to maintain a physical infrastructure.
Therefore, adopting a cloud server has become essential for organizations that want to be successful and drive growth and innovation .
In this article, we highlight the biggest reasons why companies are migrating servers to the cloud and why your business should also follow the same path.
Good reading!
What is a cloud server?
A cloud server represents a significant evolution in the way companies manage their IT infrastructure.
It is a cloud computing model that offers remote access to resources such as storage, processing and software , over the internet, providing flexibility, scalability and cost efficiency compared to traditional physical servers .
See in more detail below:
Definition and basic concepts
A cloud server is a computing resource that is provided and managed by a cloud service provider. These servers work in a virtualized manner instead of relying on specific physical hardware.
Usage is typically measured on a pay-per-use basis, allowing companies to scale their resources as needed without investing in new physical servers.
Differences between on-premises and cloud servers
Local Server:
- These are physical hardware that companies buy, configure and maintain in their own data centers;
- They require a significant initial investment, as well as ongoing maintenance and regular updates.
Cloud Server:
- They have a lower initial cost, as it is not necessary to purchase hardware;
- They offer scalability as a key advantage, allowing additional resources to be applied quickly as demand grows;
- Server maintenance and updates are managed by the service provider, freeing IT teams to focus on more strategic tasks;
- Security is improved as cloud providers implement robust measures to protect the virtualized environment.
Advantages of migrating your server to the cloud
Migrating servers to the cloud offers a number of benefits that can transform the way companies manage their IT operations.
For small businesses that need to scale quickly or don't have the resources to maintain in-house IT teams, this can be a great option, for example.
Cloud server can also be an attractive option for larger businesses looking to reduce costs while maintaining high levels of uptime.
Among the most notable advantages are scalability, cost reduction, data security accessibility , as we will illustrate below.
Scalability and flexibility
Cloud server technology allows companies to increase or decrease their resources according to demands. This is essential in peak workload scenarios where traditional infrastructure could fail or be insufficient.
In an on-premises infrastructure, additional equipment would need to be purchased and installed to increase capacity, and these redundant resources would continue to eat up costs after demand peaks.
And flexibility is another key factor, as it allows for the rapid implementation of new services and applications. This way, it is possible to launch new products on the market faster without needing heavy investments in hardware.
cost reduction
Migrating servers to the cloud represents a reduction in capital and operational costs.
With the cloud , you don't need to buy expensive server equipment, or even invest in the maintenance and necessary hardware updates, in addition to the building infrastructure (air conditioning, UPS, maintenance team, etc...).
Furthermore, the pay-as-you-go ensures that the company only pays for the resources it actually uses.
This allows for a better allocation of capital to other strategic areas of the business, increasing competitiveness.
data security
Cloud service providers offer a range of tools and security measures that are often superior to what a company could implement in-house.
Security tools can include data encryption, advanced firewalls, and continuous monitoring.
There are providers that have certifications , ensuring compliance with international security and privacy standards. This is especially important for regulated industries such as finance and healthcare.
Additionally, data recovery in the event of disasters is also a strong point, with automatic backups and geographic redundancy protecting against the loss of critical information.
Maintenance and support
This is another advantage of a cloud server. Responsibility for hardware and software lies with the service provider, which frees up internal IT teams to focus on more strategic and innovative projects .
Support is generally available 24/7, offering instant assistance in case of any issues. This ensures that disruptions are minimized, keeping the IT environment stable and efficient.
In addition, cloud providers also offer monitoring and management that facilitate the administration of resources in real time.
Accessibility and mobility
Cloud computing allows you and your team to access data and applications from anywhere in the world , at any time, as long as there is an internet connection.
This eases the transition to remote work , offering employees flexible schedules and promoting collaboration among geographically distributed teams.
Cloud platforms are compatible with a wide range of devices , including smartphones, tablets and laptops, providing greater mobility. This is crucial in modern work environments.
When to migrate your server to the cloud?
So far we have seen the concept and advantages of migrating a company's IT operation to cloud servers. But when to do this?
The answer may vary, as the reality of each company is unique, but in this section we have gathered important aspects that should be considered when considering migrating to the cloud . Check it out!
Signs that it's time to migrate
A clear sign that a migration to the cloud is necessary could be an increase in the volume of traffic or data that the current infrastructure cannot handle.
Another indication is the cost of maintaining physical servers, which can be lower when adopting a pay-as-you-go model.
Additionally, if the IT team is spending a lot of time on server maintenance
Migration planning
Once the signs have been identified, it is time to plan the migration. This process involves several steps, but with organization the challenges are more easily overcome, allowing for a safer and more effective implementation.
Analyze current infrastructure
Firstly, it is necessary to analyze the current infrastructure and identify which components can be migrated, what the priorities and which assets are most important. This means the process begins in a clearer and more organized way.
Discover the solutions
Familiarize yourself with the possibilities and limitations of the various cloud solutions and tools that enhance the migration and administration process. There are many options, some more suitable for large corporations and others for medium or small companies.
Work with experts and research providers
To ensure a successful migration and not miss a single detail, it's critical to work with experts who understand both your business and cloud solutions. It is also important to choose a cloud service provider that offers adequate support for your business needs.
Develop a migration strategy
Once you choose a provider, you must create a comprehensive cloud migration . Define your goals, establish a detailed schedule, budget, prepare for challenges and promote acceptance of future changes. Considering a testing or “pilot” period to identify potential issues and mitigate them before full migration can be very beneficial.
Focus on security
Throughout the process of having the server in the cloud, it is crucial to ensure that the data is protected and that there is a contingency plan in case of failures. Continuous and clear communication with all stakeholders is also essential for the success of the migration.
Migration challenges and considerations
migration to the cloud offers significant benefits, but it also presents challenges that require careful attention. Additionally, it is crucial to consider legal and compliance aspects, especially in regulated industries. Look:
Common Challenges
Downtime
The risk of interruptions during migration is high. Therefore, it is essential to plan backups and allocate resources appropriately to minimize negative impacts.
Data Loss
During the transition, data is vulnerable. security measures must be implemented to protect sensitive information against breaches and attacks.
Integration Complexity
Integrating legacy systems with new serverless services can be complex. Well-planned integration strategies
Costs management
Cost management is another common challenge. Many organizations do not establish clear KPIs to understand what they plan to spend or save after the migration, making it difficult to assess the economic success of the migration.
Legal and compliance considerations
When we talk about a cloud server, it is crucial to consider laws and regulations that may affect the process, especially with regard to privacy and information security.
Companies must be aware of the regulations applicable to data localization. Being up to date with regulations such as GDPR and LGPD is essential to avoid sanctions.
Therefore, implementing robust data protection and ensuring that service providers follow them is crucial.
Additionally, it is worth carrying out audits and maintaining detailed compliance reports to maintain transparency and adherence to laws.
It's worth highlighting! Consider all of these points carefully in your migration to ensure a smooth and compliant transition.
Move to the cloud with Skyone
Currently, many companies are migrating their operations to the cloud. And as we saw in the article, using your cloud server to house your assets can bring many advantages.
However, to ensure a successful transition, it is essential to have an experienced partner. Skyone stands out by offering effective and personalized solutions that meet the specific needs of each client .
Our cloud computing has products that allow a quick and secure migration of your server, providing peace of mind and increasing the efficiency of your business!
Discover how we can propel your business towards success and request a demo!
Conclusion
Throughout the article, we saw that adopting a cloud server model can be highly beneficial for companies. This is because cloud servers offer greater flexibility , scalability and reduced operational costs, eliminating the need for a local IT infrastructure.
Migrating to the cloud server is, therefore, a strategic and transformative step for organizations that want to increase agility and improve operational efficiency. However, this decision must be motivated by clear signs that this is the best path.
It's essential to carefully evaluate your business needs, potential challenges, and legal considerations before deciding to migrate . By identifying the signs that it's time to migrate and implementing a robust strategy, organizations can position themselves for a more agile, secure and competitive future.
Want to know more about migrating to the cloud? Check out our special guide!