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10 Factors Businesses Must Consider Before Cloud Migration

Monica Morris • Sep 11, 2020

Cloud technologies are getting wide adoption by businesses for good reasons. A popular process known as cloud migration could potentially save your business money and make your organization’s data more secure.

While traditional business applications are still used by many companies, the cloud offers an appealing alternative to the small business owner to leverage the power of cloud infrastructure without a full investment.

In this article, we look at some factors to consider before migrating your business to the cloud.

1. Running Costs

One of the advantages of moving to the cloud is the cost-efficiency. While a small business can cut down on hardware and staffing costs, some applications are costly to run on the cloud.

For example, legacy enterprise software may be costly to maintain and run when deployed to the cloud. Also, your business should consider other costs such as network and bandwidths especially for large data migration.

2. Business Goals

You must evaluate how the cloud will benefit your business before migrating. This involves having clearly defined business goals and doing a risk-benefit analysis that will help you understand the need to move to the cloud and how it can support your business goals.

3. Cloud Environment

When contemplating moving your apps and data to the cloud, you need to decide on the type of cloud environment that is best for your business.

There are four ways your organization can choose to move to the cloud, they include:

Public cloud operated by third-party companies with access to shared or dedicated computing resources over the internet.
Private Cloud for businesses that run their own cloud service in their own data center.
Hybrid Cloud Model combines both public and private cloud environments.
Multi-Clouds that involve the use of multiple public cloud provider’s infrastructure and applications for business needs.

4. Security

Security is a top issue when moving to the cloud. While transferring your data and apps, you must ensure adequate security is in place to prevent data leakage or snooping by unauthorized parties.

You also need to secure your data when it gets to the cloud.

5. Data to be Migrated

When deciding to move your business to the cloud, you need to choose apps and data that will best function in the cloud.

Your organization needs to analyze its current technologies to see which data and applications are worth migrating . Others may be left to run on the local systems until they are upgraded or replaced.

6. Industry Compliance

For certain industries such as health, choosing a cloud provider is only half of the issue. The migration must comply with industry regulations.

This could mean that you are only allowed to use cloud providers with certain features and cannot move users’ data out of specific regions.

7. Disaster Recovery Plan

Big tech changes come with risks. There could be migration failure, data corruption, and unavailability of cloud platforms.

What have your organization put in place to prevent or manage possible business disruptions?

8. Adequate Infrastructure

The infrastructure to handle business processes locally may be different from that required by the cloud.

Preparations and resources needed for cloud migration include apps compatibility test, employee training, and new operational policy.

9. Cloud Service Providers

As a small business owner, you are more likely to need the service of public cloud platforms.

Popular public cloud services include AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. To choose a cloud provider, you should consider pricing, security, availability, support, compliance, reliability, and location.

Niche cloud providers may provide better services if your industry is under strict regulations.

10. Cloud Migration Strategy

It may seem straightforward to move data to the cloud. However, a successful migration requires that you study the process and create a plan suitable for your organization.

A migration plan will make transferring data and syncing on-premise and cloud resources easier. It will also help you manage or avoid potential issues that may arise in the process of migration.

Extra Tip! Service Level Agreement(SLA)

An SLA defines the scope of support, deliverables, and services to expect from a cloud service provider. It also documents how much help you can get if there is a glitch or breach in your cloud system.

Choose a cloud provider that provides a fitting SLA for your business.

Migrating to the cloud has its advantages but you have to consider the issues discussed above before deciding on the best approach. As a small business owner, you may not have the resources to appraise your business needs and create a cloud migration strategy. Contact us today if you are interested in cloud migration for your business.

The post 10 Factors Businesses Must Consider Before Cloud Migration appeared first on SDTEK | San Diego, CA.

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Staying Ahead of Cyber Threats in Fort Wayne: A Guide for Local Businesses

05 Jan, 2024

In an era where digital transformation is at its peak, businesses are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated, local companies must avoid these threats to safeguard their digital assets. As cybersecurity experts, SDTEK is dedicated to helping Fort Wayne businesses fortify their defenses against these ever-evolving threats. Understanding the Cyber Threat Landscape in Fort Wayne Like many thriving urban areas, Fort Wayne is home to a diverse range of businesses. The variety of enterprises here makes the city a vibrant economic hub, from bustling tech startups to established manufacturing companies. However, this diversity also makes the area a target for cybercriminals. The most common threats include phishing attacks, ransomware, data breaches, and malware. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are particularly vulnerable, often due to limited IT security resources. Recognizing these threats is the first step in building an effective defense strategy. Why Cybersecurity Matters More Than Ever for Local Businesses The consequences of cyber attacks can be devastating. They can lead to financial loss, damage to reputation, and legal implications if customer data is compromised. In today's interconnected world, the fallout from a security breach can extend far beyond the immediate damage, impacting customer trust and business continuity. Tailored Cybersecurity Strategies for Fort Wayne Businesses At SDTEK, we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to cybersecurity. This is why we offer customized security strategies that cater to the specific needs of Fort Wayne businesses. Our approach includes: Risk Assessment: Evaluate your business's particular risks, considering factors unique to your industry and operational model. Employee Training: Empowering your staff with knowledge and best practices to recognize and prevent potential cyber threats. Implementing Robust Security Measures: This includes firewalls, anti-virus software, and secure Wi-Fi networks tailored to your business's specific needs. Regular Monitoring and Updates: Continuously monitor for threats and keep your security systems up-to-date to combat new and emerging threats. Best Practices for Cyber Hygiene In addition to tailored strategies, there are general best practices that every business in Fort Wayne can implement: Regularly update software and systems to patch vulnerabilities. Use strong, unique passwords and consider multi-factor authentication. Regularly back up data and store it securely. Establish a clear policy for handling sensitive data. Collaboration and Continuous Learning Cybersecurity is not a one-time effort but a continuous process. Collaboration between businesses and cybersecurity experts like SDTEK is crucial. We encourage Fort Wayne businesses to engage in local cybersecurity forums and workshops to stay informed about the latest threats and defenses. Conclusion In Fort Wayne, staying ahead of cyber threats is essential for the longevity and success of your business. By understanding the risks, implementing tailored strategies, and practicing good cyber hygiene, local businesses can significantly reduce their vulnerability to cyber-attacks. At SDTEK, we are committed to partnering with you in this journey, providing the expertise and support you need to protect your digital assets and thrive in a digital-first world. For more insights and assistance on cybersecurity solutions tailored for your Fort Wayne business, contact SDTEK . Your digital safety is our priority.

The Benefits of Cybersecurity Dark Web Monitoring for Business Owners

06 Dec, 2023

In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity is paramount to protect sensitive business information from falling into the wrong hands. As a business owner, you understand the value of securing your data and safeguarding your reputation. That's where dark web monitoring comes into play. What is Dark Web Monitoring? The dark web is a hidden part of the internet where illegal activities often take place, including the buying and selling of stolen data. Dark web monitoring involves scanning the dark web to identify any instances of your business's compromised information being traded or sold. By monitoring these underground networks, you gain valuable insights and can take immediate action to mitigate potential risks. Key Features and Benefits Real-time Alerts: Dark web monitoring provides real-time alerts, notifying you the moment your business's data appears on the dark web. This allows you to respond swiftly and take the necessary steps to protect your sensitive information. Comprehensive Coverage: Dark web monitoring casts a wide net across various dark web platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage. It searches for mentions of your business, compromised credentials, financial information, and other sensitive data that may have been exposed. Access to an Expert Support Team: With dark web monitoring, you're not alone in the fight against cyber threats. You have access to an expert support team that can guide you through the process, answer your questions, and provide recommendations to strengthen your cybersecurity posture. Addressing Misconceptions Misconception 1: Dark web monitoring is only necessary for large businesses. Cybercriminals do not discriminate based on business size. Any organization, regardless of its scale, can become a target. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable as they often lack the robust security infrastructure that larger enterprises may have. Dark web monitoring is essential for all businesses, regardless of their size, to proactively protect their data. Misconception 2: Dark web monitoring is too technical to understand. While dark web monitoring may involve technical processes, the service providers are equipped to simplify the complexities for you. They will guide you through the setup, explain the monitoring process, and provide actionable insights in a user-friendly manner. You don't need to be a cybersecurity expert to benefit from dark web monitoring. Misconception 3: Dark web monitoring is expensive. The cost of dark web monitoring is a fraction of the potential financial and reputational damage that a data breach can cause. It's an investment in the security and longevity of your business. Additionally, many service providers offer flexible pricing options to suit different business needs, making it an affordable solution for businesses of all sizes. Conclusion As a business owner, the protection of your data is essential for the continuity and success of your organization. Dark web monitoring offers a proactive approach to cybersecurity, enabling you to identify and respond to potential threats swiftly. By leveraging real-time alerts, comprehensive coverage, and the support of experts, you can safeguard your sensitive information, maintain customer trust, and protect your business from reputational damage. Don't wait until it's too late. Invest in dark web monitoring to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and gain the peace of mind you deserve. Your business's security is worth it.