The cloud has proven to be one of the most revolutionary technologies for digital businesses.
Cloud transformation provides a truckload of benefits for both startups and established corporations. It allows company security teams to respond more appropriately to cybersecurity threats while boosting other essential business processes.
But if you’re new to the concept of cloud transformation, you could be wondering what it is and whether it presents any significant perks for your business. Well, this article shall help to address those concerns.
What Is Cloud Transformation?
The best way to understand cloud transformation is first to familiarize yourself with the word ‘cloud.’
Cloud is a term for the servers accessible over the internet and the software applications that run on those servers. This innovative technology, often available on a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) model, has gradually replaced the need for physical servers. Businesses can now rent cloud service providers’ computing power and data storage capabilities.
Cloud transformation is modernizing or optimizing a company’s operations to align with its digital transformation objectives. There are several IT infrastructures you might consider moving to the cloud. But the most common ones are data applications and related business management software.
Now, cloud transformation services are special programs or applications that facilitate cloud transformations. Every business requires these services to achieve its digital transformation objectives. The tools guarantee seamless integration with the cloud without compromising data safety or affecting service delivery during the migration period.
Obviously, no two cloud transformation services are identical. So, research is paramount while looking for a tool that serves your business needs.
Is Cloud Transformation the Same As Cloud Migration?
The words “cloud transformation” and “cloud migration” often appear interchangeably. But while closely related, they’re not interchangeable.
Cloud migration is moving data from local servers to the cloud to enhance data privacy and streamline operations. On the other hand, cloud transformation entails aligning a business with its digital transformation goals.
Most cloud transformation services typically begin with cloud migration. However, migrating to the cloud is possible without implementing robust digital transformation solutions.
How Might Cloud Transformation Elevate Your Business?
1. Enhancing Security
Migrating your data from physical computing hardware to the cloud ensures better protection of your company’s sensitive information, including bank accounts, payrolls, correspondences, etc. That’s because cloud service providers usually invest significantly in data security.
Most cloud data management software is nearly 100% hacker-proof. Such applications are remarkably efficient at keeping cybercriminals at bay, unlike physical hardware that may be stolen or tampered with during routine business operations.
Once sensitive data exists in the cloud, it becomes a lot easier to align it with your long-term digital transformation goals.
2. Achieving Compliance
Storing your company’s data in the cloud doesn’t just prevent such information from slipping into the hands of malicious actors. It also fosters compliance, especially when data protection is such a sensitive topic.
Data protection compliance prevents your company from becoming the subject of costly litigations in the event of significant breaches. It also saves you the publicity nightmares associated with cyberattacks.
3. Boosting Flexibility
When many think of cloud transformation services, the first thing that springs to mind is data migration.
However, as already mentioned, cloud platforms support various other IT infrastructures. These include artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Businesses relying on AI-driven services, such as content generation, can now leverage the technology’s transformative powers from decentralized servers in the cloud. Similarly, companies in sectors like home automation can implement cloud-based IoT services to improve efficiency among all connected devices.
4. Improving Scalability
Transitioning to the cloud also improves your company’s adaptability and scalability. That’s especially true for businesses with clients spread across different time zones.
Note that the cloud has a way of distinguishing cloud-based companies from on-premises ones. These distinctions can portray your business positively in terms of being responsive to pressing customer needs.
Being cloud-compatible also allows you to compete on a level playing field with cloud-based businesses that operate in distant markets. That’s for the simple reason that you’re both connected to similar (or nearly similar) computing systems.
5. Streamlining Operations
Real-time data access is a significant challenge faced by on-premises businesses. Employees often have to travel to the companies’ physical offices to access information, and the process can be pretty laborious depending on the volume of data required.
Fortunately, this is another area where cloud transformation services have proven remarkably efficient.
By offering real-time access to company data, cloud transformation services reduce the downtimes often encountered when retrieving such information manually. This can go a long way in streamlining business operations and improving efficiency.
6. Maximizing Revenue Generation
All the above-listed benefits of cloud transformation services have one overarching objective – minimizing operational costs and maximizing revenues.
Adopting cloud transformation technologies eliminates the need for physical IT infrastructures. The upfront capital you’d have expended purchasing and maintaining these systems can now boost other aspects of your business.
Cloud transformation services also ramp up company revenues by reducing the labor expenditure of operating physical data management equipment.
Final Word
Evidently, there are multiple reasons to integrate cloud transformation services into your business operations. The secret is to find a credible platform that lets you transition with the least expense of capital resources.