The traditional on-premise application landscape is steadily being replaced by cloud-based infrastructure or Software-as-a-Service. This transformation has been ongoing but has rapidly accelerated over the past two years due to the pandemic. While South Africa may lag the developed world, the country is leading the way on the African continent, with many born-in-the-cloud start-ups emerging and even large enterprises moving assertively into the cloud.

The challenge for enterprises on the transformation journey is not just a change in infrastructure but an entire mindset change. Lifting and shifting technology into the cloud is often not feasible, and this approach will limit innovation.

We need to ask not how the cloud can fit into business processes but how business processes can change to leverage maximum business value from cloud-based technologies.

The Case for Customization and Innovation

Adopting the cloud is not merely a technological upgrade but an invitation for businesses to innovate. Standardized cloud solutions may work for some, but customized cloud strategies are essential for enterprises aiming to differentiate themselves. Customization enables companies to align cloud capabilities with their unique needs, fostering innovation while solving specific challenges.

Understanding future state

Pre-pandemic, there were many stories of failed cloud implementations as enterprises scrambled to pull their infrastructure back on-premises. Now, the story is very different. Those organizations that had successfully begun the cloud migration were in a better position when external circumstances forced their arm.

Those who had not done so needed to move fast. But with experience comes learning, and as technology and the market have matured, digital transformation has become a smoother process.

The key, as always, is practical planning. If the cloud migration is not planned correctly, it will inevitably create difficulties. There are two stages here. First, businesses must understand their baseline, primarily if they heavily invest in on-premises infrastructure.

Secondly, a clear target state needs to be established, with the understanding that the cloud is a transition, not necessarily a journey with a defined start and end goal. Lift and shift are often impossible because on-premises data is so heavily entrenched.

Most cloud-based technology companies recommend the “land and expand” approach. Establish the cloud footprint to ensure you have all the building blocks in place, and thereafter, expand the cloud footprint.

Regulatory Compliance in Cloud Migrations

Cloud adoption also demands attention to local and international regulations. South African enterprises, for instance, must navigate the complexities of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and other global standards such as GDPR. A regulatory-first approach ensures cloud adoption aligns with compliance requirements, preventing costly legal pitfalls and bolstering customer trust.

Understanding where you are and where you want to be and then developing a strategy around that is critical. There is no ‘one size fits all’ cloud strategy. The result is often multi-cloud and hybrid, and change is constant as regulations, compliance, and businesses evolve.

People, process, data

Unlike traditional technology migrations, moving to the cloud needs to revolve around people, processes, and data.

People are often the most challenging element because the cloud is not just a new piece of software. In many cases, it is a whole new way of working, so if people are not upskilled, reskilled, or given the tools to use the technology, then the implementation will not be a success.

Processes are where the cloud becomes interesting. The cloud is not just software; it is a revolution in how infrastructure and applications are delivered and has massive potential.

Businesses often try to fit the cloud into their existing processes, which limits its use and innovative potential. Full utilization of the cloud demands going beyond this—next-generation technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning do not fit with traditional processes, so businesses must rethink things to ensure they can leverage the cloud to maximum advantage.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into cloud strategies has become a game-changer. AI-driven insights can enhance operational efficiency, while ML algorithms can predict trends, optimize resources, and drive personalized customer experiences. This integration maximizes the cloud’s potential to deliver cutting-edge solutions.

Data is often the biggest stumbling block to cloud migrations. Everything businesses do today is dependent on data, and some data interactions are not fully understood by many businesses. Cloud migration is an opportunity for businesses to rethink how data is used, stored, and managed to better align with new models and processes, and compliance and regulatory goals.

The long game

Business processes, behavior, and data must evolve as we move further into the cloud. The benefits are numerous—reduced capital expenditures and lower operational costs, greater agility and scalability, on-demand infrastructure, and cutting-edge technologies are all part of the cloud by design.

Security is often better than on-premises, and the cloud also offers enhanced business continuity because data and applications can be accessed from anywhere at any time.

However, it is essential to remember that cloud migrations are a long game. While there are immediate returns, many organizations achieve competitive advantages in the medium to long term after augmenting their business operational model with cloud-enabled digital transformations.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

An often-overlooked benefit of cloud adoption is its role in sustainability. Organizations can significantly reduce their carbon footprint by migrating workloads to energy-efficient data centers. Many cloud providers are now investing in renewable energy sources, making the cloud a more sustainable choice for enterprises aiming to meet their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.

Cloud migrations must also be a business decision, not an IT decision because the cloud fundamentally changes how businesses work. Furthermore, the right IT partner is an invaluable asset, offering invaluable experience and helping to map out a clear strategy with a long-term view.

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