"Cloud consultant" isn't a job title that's been knocking around for long. But as the world embraces cloud solutions for all manner of business activities, it's an increasingly important role.

Cloud engineers and architects build the solutions. Cloud consultants implement them, freeing up time for businesses to pursue… well, everything else.

Is that it? Well, yes and no. At Ascend Cloud Solutions, we help businesses to migrate to the cloud – and we also provide VMware-specific support.

In this article, we're going to break down what we do and how it can help your bottom line.

First, let's take a look at managed migration services.

Managed migration services

Migrating applications and data to the cloud is tricky. And because it's tricky, it can be disruptive. When you're already juggling brand management, supply chains and internal issues – and everything else – the prospect of cloud migration can seem daunting.

So daunting, in fact, that it can be a barrier to adoption. You know as well as us that the future is in the cloud… "but does it have to be now?"

Working with a cloud consultancy takes a lot of the pain out of the process. Our MO isn't just about files, apps and data – it's also about minimising downtime and disruption for your company.

We offer three main types of migration:

    • On-premise to cloud

    • Cloud to cloud

    • White label

Of course, there's more than one way to skin a cat, and different consultancies have different methodologies. We specialise in "lift-and-shift" migrations. This is where your current data centre is copied wholesale in a cloud environment.

We do this because we believe that it's the least disruptive. Any tweaks or optimisations can always be done later on – no rush.

Whatever the origin or destination of the migration, we follow a tried and tested five-step plan:

1. We discover your current workloads, applications, sites and all the rest. We link this to your business goals and the state of your calendar in order to answer the question: "How can we do this with a minimum of disruption?"
   
   
2. We design a blueprint that meets all your requirements.
   
   
3. We plan your project timeline including individual migration waves.
   
   
4. We build the infrastructure, ready for the big move.
   
   
5. We execute the migration.

Meeting a business's requirements should be the top priority for any cloud consultant. It's not just about moving things from one place to another – it's about helping you to accelerate your ambition.

Migrating from NSX-V to NSX-T

Do you use NSX-V? Then you'll be aware that VMware's network virtualisation software is no longer supported. This means that any security or technical issues have to be dealt with in-house.

One of a cloud consultant's jobs is to facilitate the upgrade from NSX-V to T.

As with many aspects of cloud technology, it's not impossible for an internal team to pull it off – but it will require a lot of specialist knowledge. And specialist knowledge means resources. And resources mean… well, you get our drift.

Don't believe us? Take a look at VMware's guidance for DIY solutions. To the non-specialist, it reads like a tech YouTuber has fallen asleep in their chair and is talking in their sleep. Even an IT technician with a wealth of experience will find it hard going in places.

At Ascend, we're experts in VMware. We can help you migrate from V to T with minimal faff and maximum benefits. These include multi-cloud networking, an enhanced security posture, better automation support and cloud-native apps.

More broadly, we specialise in VMware consultancy. VMware is a big dog in the virtualisation world – and we know its software suites better than anyone.

VMware consultancy

In-house VMware support is not inconceivable. But it is a lot of work. Work that needs to be backed by recruitment, training and other costly endeavours.

A cloud consultant who specialises in VMware software can give you the goods for less.

There are three main areas we can help you with. The first of these is VMware's HCX platform. This is a powerful tool but a complex one. It takes experience and know-how to unleash its potential, whatever the scale of the migration. We can assist you in making the move as painlessly as possible.

The same applies to optimising vSphere and vCenter. Cloud technology is a niche – that's a fact. And making the most of vSphere is a niche unto itself. Luckily for you, we could choose "vSphere" as our Mastermind topic and get full marks (unless stage fright got the better of us).

Finally, there's consultation on NSX-T. Like vSphere, NSX-T is as intricate and delicate as a Swiss watch. If you tinker without knowing what you're doing, you could find yourself late for the bus (metaphorically speaking).

At Ascend, we've supported NSX from day one – so if you need help designing and deploying an NSX environment, we're your guys.

Overall, then, a cloud consultant's job is to make stuff happen. It's to help you achieve goals for your business's sake while saving you time and money investments. It's never just technical – it's there to serve your bottom line.

Why choose us?

Ascend Cloud Solutions was born in the cloud. Heck, our first word was "cloud". We know this stuff inside out – and we know how to implement it without getting in your way. Like a sort of digital butler, only more laid back.

We're a trusted partner of VMware and were founded by ex-VMware experts. Got a question about its software? We'll almost certainly have the answer.

So if you're looking for managed migration services, let us know. Our team of cloud consultants will take your cloud solutions to the next level.

At Ascend Cloud Solutions, we've managed 400 migrations and counting. Interested in our cloud consultancy services? Please don't hesitate to get in touch.