You've heard the news – the business world has entered a new age of cloud computing. We've moved on from using basic cloud services like Gmail and Slack and are shifting software, data and apps to the cloud like there's no tomorrow.

The business case is clear. Migrating to the cloud gives you and your team access to everything from anywhere. All you need is an internet connection – it doesn't matter what device you're using or whether you're in Dublin or Dubai.

This is more important than ever since the pandemic, when the shift towards working from home and hybrid working became the new normal. If your team is scattered across the globe, accessibility is a top priority.

On top of this, cloud providers offer bulletproof security and data recovery that can be managed from a single screen. We've come a long way from the patchwork of point solutions that required individual monitoring, debugging and upgrading.

Then there's the question of scalability. A successful business isn't static – and whatever your current setup, there will hopefully come a day when you need more. More storage. More flexibility.

This is something that cloud solutions are built for. If you need more capacity to run your workloads, you can easily upgrade your subscription. You don't need to lose yourself in a tangle of wires, blinking lights and arcane user manuals.

And finally, migrating to the cloud can save you money. The problem is that it doesn't always seem that way. Yes, you have to spend money to make money, but do you have to spend quite so much?

Thankfully, there are some things you can do to pare down your costs and reap the rewards sooner. But before we take a look at them, let's quickly run over the costs facing your average SME when it comes to cloud migration.

What are the costs of cloud migration for an SME?

Almost every aspect of cloud migration costs money. First of all, of course, there's the migration itself. Is your IT team cloud-ready? Do you need to invest in training or other tools to get the job done?

In some cases, application architecture will need to be written so it's ready for the cloud and you're not tearfully stuffing a square peg into a round hole. This can be avoided, however, by adopting the "lift and shift" method – essentially the wholesale movement of workloads into the cloud, with optimisation at a later date.

You might experience downtime during migration. You might lose time integrating your new cloud solution with legacy apps. You might have to take time out to increase your bandwidth.

These are all common sticking points for SMEs. "Yes," you say, "I get the benefits – but does it have to cost so much?"

Here, then, are four things you can do to keep your costs in check.

1. Plan like your business depends on it

Migrating to the cloud without a detailed plan is like heading for the hills without directions. You need to know what your IT infrastructure can handle, how the migration will fit in with your other obligations and, more fundamentally, how it all serves your business objectives.

Because like all IT solutions, cloud computing isn't just about streamlining operations and then catching your breath at the beauty and speed of it all. It's there to maximise efficiencies and make your SME's work life smoother and more flexible.

That's why you need to find the cloud solution that matches your business requirements – never the other way around.

Another reason for thorough planning is to prepare for setbacks. If there's a bump in the road, you need to be ready. Chance favours the well-prepared, so make sure you understand the potential vulnerabilities in your company.

2. Do it in batches

You don't have to do everything all at once. Doing so increases upfront costs and means the disruption will be more noticeable.

Instead, you can split the process into manageable stages. Much like the subscription model of most cloud providers, this means you're spreading costs – and risk – over a longer period.

If you work with a cloud consultant, they'll study your schedules and plan out the migration in waves that work around your deadlines.

3. Go hybrid

Public and private clouds have their own advantages and disadvantages. You may find that you need some private capacity – especially if you handle sensitive data. But the price tag on a full private cloud migration could make you wince and think twice.

If this sounds like you, consider a hybrid solution. This is where you keep your confidential workloads on your existing on-prem cloud while moving everything else to a public cloud.

Doing it this way lets you keep your options open. If you see a spike in business, you can always complete the migration to a fully private solution. If you need to keep your powder dry, you can stay with a hybrid solution – which, incidentally, has its own benefits.

4. Choose a cost-effective partner

So far, we've been looking at DIY solutions – migrations handled by your in-house team. If you have the necessary expertise on your payroll, why wouldn't you? But if you're worried that the costs of staff training are simply too onerous, you can consider partnering with a cloud consultant.

A reputable cloud consultant will offer flexible pricing plans that meet your requirements. Moreover, they'll handle every aspect of the process – meaning you're less likely to fall prey to mistakes that cause downtime and buyer's remorse.

Cloud migration shouldn't be the preserve of large enterprises – and it doesn't have to be, so long as you take steps to manage costs.

At Ascend Cloud Solutions, you can pay on a per-VM or per-project basis. We'll handle both planning and execution, making sure that your cloud migration is fully in line with your business goals. Interested? Please get in touch for a quote today.