Head in the cloud

Businesses of all shapes and sizes are rushing to take advantage of the cloud, with easier remote working and reduced capital costs just some of the benefits. Today, more than four in five UK organisations have formally adopted at least one cloud service

Hampshire IT provider, Taylor Made Computer Solutions, says it’s seen a sharp rise in the number of businesses counting the financial and operational costs of getting their migration to the cloud wrong.

Managing director Nigel Taylor warns that rash decisions and quick moves can lead to disaster. Here, he talks to The Business Magazine about why switching to the cloud is a journey, not a quick fix.

“In the past eight months alone, we’ve seen a 25% increase in cloud customers and a lot of those are coming to us having encountered problems.

“A lot of businesses and organisations are diving head-first into solutions that are being sold and promoted as the solution to all our IT issues. Unfortunately this simply isn’t true or possible and locally we’re seeing a lot of businesses coming to us for help after their migrations into the cloud have failed.

“One of the biggest challenges they face is connecting legacy systems with newer cloud-based applications. The majority of current systems, especially systems of record, are not cloud-ready. It’s like trying to bake a cake with eggs still in the shell and butter still in the packet.

“What businesses need to do is look at their entire IT infrastructure and strategy from a ‘bird’s eye view’ and plan their journey accordingly. Knowing what systems are cloud-ready and what systems you might need to add in future can save huge problems – and a lot of money - later down the line.

 

“That’s what we’ve been doing with our clients and the difference it makes is clearly visible. The result of a well-planned IT strategy is greater transparency, better allocation of costs, whilst working in line with the company’s mission.

“Perhaps more importantly an IT strategy ensures the company prioritises its disaster mitigation and recovery efforts, reducing the potential financial and reputational implications of a cyber attack should it occur.

“So what can you do to take on the opportunities and advantages that the cloud clearly has to offer and at the same time mitigate the risks that some providers will expose you to?

“Our first piece of advice would be to get your over-arching IT strategy in place. We’re currently offering free, no-obligation consultations which can really help kick-start that process. Secondly, our tips below provide a sturdy framework for guiding you through the cloud journey.

“Finally, be prepared to pay more and get better. Cheapest is never the best.

“Remember this is a journey, and there is a very good chance it will be a one-way journey with very little turning back, so get it right first time. The cloud is a very sticky place and, like a fly drawn to a spider’s web, it’s easy to be drawn into and very difficult to get out of.”

For more advice on being cloud ready or to book a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our IT experts visit:

tmcs.co.uk
01329 239900
enquiries@tmcs.co.uk

Taylor Made’s top five cloud migration tips:

• Know where you are starting from, what you have, how it integrates and where you want to get to.
• Understand the costs (there can be plenty of hidden ones) as well as the project management elements of a migration into the cloud and the licensing and billing mechanisms.
• Set out and agree milestones of what will be done by when and have in writing (preferably in the contract) the deliverables you will be expecting for the price you are paying.
• Have a backup and disaster recovery plan.
• Insist on understanding who owns what and what contract liabilities are held by each party.