5 Steps for On-Premise to Cloud Migration

Cloud migration can save businesses 30–50% on operations and improve scalability, security, and flexibility. But poor planning can lead to delays and budget overruns. Here’s a quick overview of the 5 essential steps to ensure a smooth transition:

• Step 1: Check System Requirements
  Assess your current infrastructure, document assets, and address security needs like encryption and access control.
• Step 2: Choose a Cloud Provider
  Evaluate providers based on performance, security, cost, and support. Ensure database compatibility and compliance.
• Step 3: Build Data Transfer System
  Map data structures, apply transformation rules, and secure the transfer with encryption and access controls.
• Step 4: Move Data in Stages
  Migrate critical data first, validate results, and maintain backups to minimize risks.
• Step 5: Check Migration Results
  Test system performance, verify data integrity, and set up continuous monitoring for long-term success.

5 Stages for a Painless Cloud Migration Step By Step

Step 1: Check System Requirements

Before diving into cloud migration, it's crucial to evaluate your current infrastructure. Gartner estimates that by 2024, 45% of IT infrastructure and software spending will shift to the cloud ^[1]. This trend underscores the importance of understanding your existing setup to ensure a smooth transition.

List Current Systems

Start by taking stock of your infrastructure. Here's what to include:

• Hardware Assets: Document physical servers, storage devices, and networking equipment.
• Software Applications: List all business applications, their versions, and any dependencies.
• Database Systems: Include database types, sizes, and configuration details.
• Network Infrastructure: Note firewalls, load balancers, and other security appliances.

Additionally, map out how these applications interact and identify areas where bottlenecks might occur. This will help you spot potential migration issues and address them proactively.

Check Security Standards

Security plays a critical role during migration. The Check Point 2022 Cloud Security Report highlights that misconfigurations are responsible for 23% of all security incidents ^[1]. Addressing security concerns early can prevent costly mistakes.

Remember, cloud security is a shared responsibility. While your cloud provider secures the infrastructure (like servers, networks, and data centers), you are responsible for managing data, configurations, and access.

To strengthen your security posture, consider these actions:

• Conduct a pre-migration risk assessment.
• Review and update your security policies.
• Map user permissions carefully.
• Implement continuous security monitoring.
• Regularly update protocols to address emerging threats.

Step 2: Choose a Cloud Provider

Selecting the right cloud provider is a critical step - especially when you consider that 80% of companies experience breaches, with an average cost of $4.75 million per incident ^[4]. To avoid becoming part of that statistic, you’ll need to define clear criteria that align your provider’s performance, security, and compliance capabilities with your migration goals.

Define Provider Criteria

When evaluating cloud providers, focus on these key factors to ensure they meet your migration needs:

“Our focus lies on understanding the problems that our customers are facing, the opportunities that our customers have, and then helping build solutions and working backwards from that to be able to innovate on their behalf.”

Tom Godden, Director of AWS Enterprise Strategy ^[2]

Review Database Support

Ensuring database compatibility is essential for a smooth transition to the cloud. Here’s what you should prioritize:

Database Engine Compatibility-Check that the provider offers managed services and migration tools for your database. To minimize risks, implement strong Identity and Access Management (IAM) practices, which help reduce potential database vulnerabilities ^[3].

API Integration Capabilities-Effective API management is non-negotiable. Tools like DreamFactory can simplify API generation while securing access through Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and OAuth.

Data Governance Requirements-With predictions that 60% of corporate data will reside in the cloud by 2025 ^[4], it’s vital to ensure your provider meets key certifications and regulations, such as:

• ISO 27001:2013
• SOC 2
• Industry-specific standards like HIPAA or PCI DSS
• Regional data protection laws

Step 3: Build Data Transfer System

A dependable data transfer system hinges on accurate data mapping and robust security measures. With 92% of enterprises utilizing public cloud platforms ^[7], ensuring a seamless and secure transfer process is non-negotiable.

Map Data Structure Changes

Once systems and providers are ready, the next step is transferring data effectively. This begins with data mapping, which ensures the source and target systems align perfectly. Here’s what the process involves:

Tools like DreamFactory simplify this process by automating schema mapping and generating REST APIs. These APIs handle data transformation and validation, making integration far more efficient.

Once data mapping is complete, the focus shifts to securing the transfer process.

"Encryption and access control are two key pillars of data protection. They work in tandem to secure data, both at rest and in transit." - Mandy Recker, InterVision Systems ^[5]

Set Up Security Measures

Strong security protocols are essential to safeguard data during migration. For example, in February 2025, a financial firm successfully protected client records by implementing advanced encryption methods ^[6].

Here are some critical security measures to consider:

Encryption Protocols - Apply encryption standards consistently for data both at rest and in transit.

Access Control Framework - Use a multi-layered approach to restrict access:

• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
• IP whitelisting
• Audit logging

Compliance Validation - A healthcare provider in Alberta showcased the importance of isolating cloud environments to ensure patient records remained accessible only to authorized personnel ^[6].

DreamFactory supports these measures with features like RBAC, API key management, and OAuth. These tools not only enhance security but also help meet regulatory requirements such as GDPR and HIPAA.

Step 4: Move Data in Stages

Did you know that 83% of database migration projects either fail or go over budget and schedule? ^[9] That’s why moving data in a structured, step-by-step approach is crucial to keep everything running smoothly.

Order Migration Tasks

Using tools like DreamFactory, which automates API generation, can simplify the process of moving data in stages. Here's a breakdown of how to prioritize:

For instance, Lallemand managed to cut down SharePoint clutter by an impressive 70% ^[8].

"Cloud migrations can be challenging because sometimes data doesn't follow properly, or it appears differently in the new environment and can be difficult to track. That isn't a worry when working with ShareGate. We get really clear migration reports so we're always confident that the process was a success."
– Amy Senécal Côté, SharePoint Administrator, Lallemand ^[8]

To make the migration process more efficient:

• Classify Data Sets: Rank your data by its importance to the business and any compliance needs.
• Schedule Transfers: Plan moves during off-peak hours to minimize disruptions.
• Monitor Progress: Keep an eye on metrics like transfer speeds and error rates.
• Validate Results: Double-check the data before moving on to the next stage.

By prioritizing tasks and staying organized, you can ensure every phase is protected with reliable backups.

Create Backup Plans

A solid backup strategy is non-negotiable. Ted Friedman, a Gartner Research analyst, emphasizes:

"Data migrations are complex, risky and expensive - and often disrupted by unexpected challenges. To avoid surprises, deliver on time and ensure quality, data and analytics leaders can improve planning, proactively address data quality and rely on structured, technology-enabled execution" ^[10].

Here’s what an effective backup plan might look like:

Make sure to have rollback procedures in place to restore systems quickly if something goes wrong. A well-prepared backup plan can save you from headaches during the migration process.

Step 5: Check Migration Results

Test System Functions

Once the migration is complete, it’s time to test all systems to ensure everything is working as expected. DreamFactory's API testing tools can make this process smoother. Here’s what you should focus on:

"Data migration testing refers to the process of evaluating data before it's moved from a source to a target system to ensure data accuracy, completeness, and consistency." - Gil Trotino, Product Marketing Director, K2view ^[11]

To maintain the quality of your data, follow the ALCOA+ principles: ensure data is attributable, legible, contemporaneous, original, and accurate ^[12]. Additionally, set up data verification rules to catch inconsistencies early in the process.

Once system functions are verified, shift your focus to ongoing monitoring to detect any issues that might arise after migration.

Set Up System Tracking

Continuous monitoring after migration is critical. For example, a UK public sector organization successfully migrated 76 business applications by employing robust monitoring and validation processes ^[13].

Key tracking activities include:

• Monitor Traffic: Keep an eye on error rates and response times.
• Set Cost Alerts: Watch for unexpected increases in spending.
• Monitor Security: Track API activity and infrastructure changes.
• Track SLAs: Ensure cloud vendors meet agreed performance metrics.

For example, Spotify's real-time verification process significantly improved its email performance. Over 60 days, its email bounce rate dropped from 12.3% to 2.1%, while deliverability increased by 34%. These results highlight the importance of detailed tracking and validation.

Conclusion

Achieving success in cloud migration hinges on a well-thought-out plan and careful execution. By following the five key steps, organizations can ensure their migration process is not only efficient but also secure, setting the stage to fully leverage the advantages of cloud technology.

The benefits of a structured approach are evident in real-world examples. Tools like DreamFactory's automated API solutions play a crucial role in simplifying integration and securing data connections. As DreamFactory explains:

"With DreamFactory's automated API generation capabilities, you can quickly and securely create APIs that connect to all your disparate data sources - databases, cloud storage, SaaS apps, you name it." ^[14]

Cloud migration isn't a one-and-done task; it evolves alongside technological advancements and business needs ^[16]. With 94% of businesses worldwide now utilizing cloud technology ^[15], adopting a structured migration strategy is vital to remain competitive and maintain operational efficiency.

To ensure a smooth transition, focus on continuous monitoring, strong security measures, and clear communication with stakeholders. By combining proven practices with modern API management tools, organizations can confidently navigate their move to the cloud while ensuring stability and security.

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