Cloud Transformation
Organizations increasingly seek cloud transformation to strengthen their IT infrastructure, improve agility and drive innovation. Cloud transformation involves the comprehensive adoption of cloud computing technologies to transform an organization’s IT ecosystem, aligning it with modern business needs.
CDW Canada can support organizations in their cloud journey through professional services and workshops. For further assistance, consider contacting CDW Canada’s cloud native experts to plan your application transformation journey.
What Is Cloud Transformation?
Cloud transformation fundamentally changes your organization's IT infrastructure and applications from on-premises settings to cloud environments. This comprehensive process begins with identifying which of your applications drive differentiated business value and which serve as commoditized functions.
For commoditized applications, the goal is to enhance manageability. This is achieved by transitioning these applications into more efficient forms such as Software as a Service (SaaS) or Platform as a Service (PaaS). These models reduce complexity and streamline operations.
For applications that generate significant business value, the focus shifts to optimizing their deployment. By hosting these critical applications in the most suitable cloud environment, you can maximize their potential and drive substantial business value.
Embracing cloud native technologies and integrating various cloud services into your business operations are key components of this transformation. This strategic shift not only modernizes your infrastructure but also aligns IT capabilities with your organization's core objectives, delivering enhanced efficiency, security and scalability.
This approach keeps the content professional and engaging while ensuring it directly addresses the essential aspects of cloud transformation.
The Cloud Transformation Journey
The journey to the cloud is unique for every organization but follows several key stages:
1. Assessment
Evaluate the current IT infrastructure, identify potential applications for cloud migration and assess the readiness for transformation.
2. Planning
Develop a roadmap that includes timelines, key milestones and stakeholders responsible for each transformation phase.
3. Migration
Move applications and data to the cloud environment by rehosting, replatforming or refactoring.
4. Identify Unmovable Solutions
Some solutions will not move as they will not drive any additional value in the public cloud or they are tied to systems that will not be moving for other reasons.
5. Optimization
Enhance cloud applications and infrastructure for better performance, scalability and cost-efficiency.
6. Management
Continuously monitor, manage and optimize the cloud environment to ensure it meets evolving business requirements.
The Benefits of Digital Transformation
Digital transformation involves leveraging digital technologies to change how businesses operate fundamentally. The significant benefits include:
What Is Cloud-Based Digital Transformation?
Cloud-based digital transformation refers to using cloud technologies to drive organizational change. This function includes adopting Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). These solutions replace traditional on-premises systems, enabling greater flexibility, scalability and innovation.
Developing a Cloud Transformation Strategy
A successful cloud transformation strategy involves comprehensive planning and alignment with business goals:
Define Objectives
Establish clear business objectives and outcomes expected from the cloud transformation
Assess Readiness
Conduct a readiness assessment to determine the current state of IT infrastructure and skills
Select Cloud Providers
Evaluate and choose the right cloud providers based on business needs, compliance and cost
Create a Roadmap
Develop a detailed transformation roadmap outlining key milestones, timelines and responsibilities
Invest in Training
Train and reskill the workforce to equip, manage and operate in the cloud environment
Governance and Compliance
Implement governance frameworks to manage cloud security, compliance and data protection
Cloud Transformation Challenges and Best Practices
- Challenges
- Best Practices
Challenges Associated with Cloud Transformation
While the benefits of cloud transformation are substantial, organizations may encounter several challenges:
Security and Compliance
Ensuring data security and compliance with regulatory requirements
Cost Management
Effectively managing cloud costs to avoid overspending
Integration Complexity
Integrating cloud solutions with existing on-premises systems and applications
Change Management
Addressing the cultural and organizational changes required for successful cloud adoption
Skill Gaps
Bridging the skills gap within the IT team for cloud technologies
Cloud Transformation Best Practices
Adopting best practices can significantly improve the chances of a successful cloud transformation:
Adopt a Cloud-First Approach
Prioritize cloud solutions for new applications and services
Implement Automation
Use automation tools to streamline cloud management and operations
Emphasize Security
Integrate security practices into every aspect of the cloud environment
Leverage Managed Services
Utilize managed services to augment internal capabilities and support complex cloud operations
Continuous Optimization
Regularly review and optimize cloud services for performance and cost-efficiency
Differences Between Cloud Transformation, Cloud Migration and Digital Transformation
Though these terms are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings:
Cloud Transformation
A holistic approach that encompasses migrating and optimizing IT systems to the cloud
Cloud Migration
Moving applications, data and infrastructure from on-premises to the cloud
Digital Transformation
Broadly using digital technologies to change business processes and models fundamentally
1
STEP ONE
Workshops and Assessments
CDW runs cloud native workshops to help organizations understand key technologies and how to leverage them. Our 6-R method assessments provide insights for a confident cloud transformation plan.
2
STEP TWO
Holistic Approach
CDW meets organizations where they are on their technology journey, offering services from assessment to continuous management.
3
STEP THREE
Customized Solutions
Tailored strategies to update processes, train teams and implement industry-leading technologies.
CDW’s expertise ensures that your cloud transformation journey is secure, cost-effective and aligned with your business goals.
FAQ
What is a cloud transformation roadmap?
A cloud transformation roadmap is a strategic plan that outlines the steps and milestones an organization needs to follow to transition its IT infrastructure and applications to the cloud. It includes timelines, resource allocations and key performance indicators.
What’s the difference between cloud transformation and cloud migration?
Cloud migration refers to the specific process of moving existing applications and data from on-premises to the cloud. In contrast, cloud transformation is a broader concept that includes migration and continuously optimizing IT infrastructure, processes and applications within the cloud ecosystem.
How can CDW Canada support my organization’s cloud transformation?
CDW Canada offers workshops, assessments and a complete lifecycle of cloud transformation services. We provide expert guidance, customized strategies and managed services to help your organization effectively transition to and optimize your cloud environment.
What are the key elements to consider in a cloud transformation strategy?
Key elements include:
- Defining objectives
- Assessing readiness
- Selecting the right cloud providers
- Creating a detailed roadmap
- Investing in workforce training
- Establishing governance and compliance frameworks
What are the common challenges in cloud transformation?
Common challenges include:
- Ensuring security and compliance
- Managing costs
- Integrating systems
- Addressing cultural change
- Bridging skill gaps within the IT team
Contact Us
Optimize your cloud transformation journey
Whatever stage of your cloud journey, our team will help your organization find secure, cost-effective and fit-for-purpose services across on-premises and public clouds.