How many people does it take to handle a cloud migration? This isn't a variation on the old lightbulb joke – and it's no laughing matter. (The answer is "many" – it's a clouded field. We'll get our coats.)
The thing is that cloud migration is a bigger deal than simply dragging and dropping a huge folder of data into a new cloud environment. It's like moving house – you're going to need help sorting, decluttering, packing, loading and driving.
And like moving house, it's a lack of preparation that causes the most headaches. In the cloud world, a huge part of planning is about allocating roles. Who's in charge of what? Where does the buck stop? Who's got the vision and who's putting it into practice? Who needs skilling up?
Skip this stage and you might end up with a bad case of "cloud shock" – that sinking feeling you get when you realise you've miscalculated and overspent.
Part of the problem is that cloud migration is a one-off procedure that requires huge reservoirs of specialist skills. It's one of the paradoxes of modern life that as things become more flexible and accessible, the technology behind them becomes more and more elaborate.
A cloud solution should be easy to use – but it isn't half difficult to implement.
Hopefully, you already have your dream team on your payroll – and if there's a skills gap, you can recruit someone new or lay on some training for an existing staff member.
Broadly speaking, there are six main roles to fill. Take a look at the list and see if your team can provide them all. If not, you may want to consider getting a cloud consultant on board.
Whichever you choose, the priority should be a smooth migration that's been carefully planned and implemented. Cloud migration is all about unlocking new efficiencies – so if you can't do it smoothly, you need to try another tack.
1. Executive manager
At bottom, this is the executive who carries the responsibility for the migration's success or failure. The buck stops with them.
This crucial role could be filled by a CTO or CIO. The main thing is that they combine a track record of effective decision-making with knowledge of the cloud's benefits and challenges – and have time to spare.
It's the last two that can be hard to find. A promising candidate may have to take some additional training to ensure that the migration strategy is working in the company's best interests.
2. Programme manager
This person will build the team and keep it motivated. They're both cloud experts and skilled project managers.
In terms of seniority, the programme manager is a director-level role. Because of this, it's sometimes the case that several programme managers work together on directing a project.
3. Solution lead
The executive manager and programme manager need to understand the options available to them and what cloud migration can do for the enterprise. But they don't need to know the ins and outs of the technology itself.
This falls to the solution lead: the in-house cloud engineer who's in charge of planning and implementing the new cloud architecture.
As well as possessing deep knowledge of testing, infrastructure and implementation, the solution lead needs to be a strong team player – not least because they'll be working alongside the systems administrator and security and compliance officer.
4. Systems administrator
Moving from on-prem hardware to the cloud is a big undertaking. That's why you need a systems administrator who knows all about VMs, cloud networking, IaaS, PaaS and other specialist subjects.
There's always the option of training an existing member of IT – but you may find that the investment needed dwarfs the cost benefits. This is where an external cloud consultant can help make a positive difference.
5. Cloud security manager
This one is pretty self-explanatory. This person is in charge of access permissions and cyber security solutions – and as a manager, they need to communicate the enterprise's security posture to the rest of the team.
Crucially, they need to be up to date – someone who knows their ZTNA from their POLP. Like cloud technology itself, security is moving fast, so you need someone who's in the loop.
6. Compliance specialist
Number six is number five's number two. They work closely with the cloud security manager to ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks like GDPR.
This person is a quiet hero, taking steps to make sure that the cloud migration is in line with compliance – and by doing so avoid downtime, fines and reputational damage down the line.
Conclusion
So, you're going to migrate to the cloud. Here's the ideal situation: your team is already bursting with talent – and availability. You can allocate all these roles without additional training and without overstretching your staff.
Sadly, life doesn't always work like this. Getting the right personnel for the job is one of the biggest and most frequent challenges for enterprises as they embark on their cloud journey.
One solution is to get a cloud consultant on board who can take on all these roles. They can work with you to ensure that the migration works around your existing deadlines and commitments. They can reduce the risks of overrunning and overspending.
This means that your existing staff won't be spread thinly and can continue to play to their strengths.
Cloud migration isn't a walk in the park. It involves lots of moving parts as well as goodwill, patience and coordination. Keeping the process as smooth as possible is a must – and you might find that a cloud consultant is the person to get you there.
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