Unlock the Power of Azure

In today’s fast-moving digital landscape, cloud adoption is no longer a choice but a necessity. Microsoft Azure has emerged as a leading cloud platform thanks to its robust capabilities in AI, data analytics, and machine learning, all designed to optimise business operations and drive growth. Migrating to Azure is a complex process – strategic planning is essential to ensure success.

At iomart, we’ve supported businesses across the UK, helping them navigate the complexities of cloud migration. In this post, we’ll discuss how to make your move to Azure a success, too.

1. Define Your Cloud Objectives

To get the most out of your Azure migration, your cloud strategy needs to be firmly aligned with your broader business goals – whether you’re aiming for greater flexibility, cost efficiency, or driving innovation. Establishing clear objectives amongst your stakeholders ensures your migration delivers lasting value.

But it’s not just about setting goals; building a strong foundation is key. This means implementing robust landing zones to establish the groundwork for security, scalability, and reliability. By putting these essential elements in place, you create a cloud environment that’s ready to grow with your business whilst enhancing customer experience and ensuring disaster recovery is seamless. Proper planning at this stage ensures your Azure migration sets the stage for long-term success.

2. Assess Your Current Infrastructure

Not all applications are created equal. Some can be migrated to Azure ‘as-is,’ whilst others may need to be re-architected or replaced. It’s important to assess any legacy systems and processes to identify potential compatibility issues before you start. We often find that businesses struggle here, especially those lacking an experienced in-house IT team. That’s where expert guidance can make all the difference.

There are five routes your business could take when transitioning to the cloud:

• Rehost (Lift and shift): Migrate an asset with minimal updates.
• Refactor: Adjust the code to meet new needs.
• Re-architect: Redesign the application for the cloud.
• Rebuild: Build a new application from the ground up.
• Replace: Swap existing software for a SaaS alternative.

Evaluating your options early on will help you determine whether a move to the cloud is efficient and cost-effective.

3. Evaluate Your Team’s Skillset

Cloud migration requires expertise. Does your team have the necessary skills to design, configure, and manage Azure? With the tech talent market as competitive as it is, many businesses may need to upskill their staff or bring in external cloud experts. Without careful planning, you risk project delays and unnecessary overspending. Starting out with the right resources ensures your team is set up for success.

4. Plan for Ongoing Management

Moving to Azure isn’t a one-off project – it requires ongoing governance. Without a long-term management plan, you’re exposed to unexpected costs and security vulnerabilities. Cyber security is a growing concern, and Azure’s capabilities can help you protect your business, but only if you stay on top of updates and best practices. Consistent governance will help you manage costs, maintain security, and ensure compliance over time.

For many small and medium-sized businesses, partnering with a cloud expert can make the difference between success and a costly migration misstep. At iomart, we help businesses stay ahead of the curve by offering hands-on support and strategic guidance throughout their cloud journey.

iomart Azure Accelerators

Recognising that every business is different, we’ve created Cloud Accelerators for Microsoft Azure. Whether you’re exploring Azure for the first time, need help with architecture design, or want to optimise an existing Azure deployment, we’ve got you covered.

Our services are tailored to your needs, whether you’re at:

• The Discovery Stage: New to Azure? Unsure where to start? We’ll assess your readiness and help you plan your journey.
• The Design Stage: Ready to move but need best-practice guidance? We’ll help you design your architecture.
• The Delivery Stage: Struggling with time or resources? We can manage the deployment for you.
• The Optimisation Stage: Already on Azure but not getting the performance you expected? We’ll fine-tune your cloud setup.

At iomart, we’re experts in Microsoft Cloud and application hosting. Let us help you architect a scalable, secure cloud environment tailored to your business.