What is Cloud Migration and why should you consider it?
Cloud migration refers to the process of moving digital assets - such as files, applications, and systems - from on-premise infrastructure to cloud-based platforms like Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, or AWS. For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across Australia, this shift is becoming increasingly relevant. It’s not just a technical upgrade - it’s a way to adapt to changing work environments, improve resilience, and simplify IT management.
The Australian Context
According to Gartner, cloud modernisation will see 70% of Australian and global workloads in cloud environments by 20281. Government initiatives like the Digital Economy Strategy 20302 and the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) Blueprint for Secure Cloud3 are also encouraging secure and compliant cloud adoption.
Why Are SMBs Making the Move?
1. Cost Efficiency and Scalability
Cloud computing eliminates the need for expensive servers and hardware maintenance. Businesses can scale resources up or down based on demand.
2. Cybersecurity and Compliance
With cyber threats on the rise, cloud platforms offer multi-layered encryption, automated updates, and AI-powered threat detection. The ACSC framework helps businesses align with Australian data protection laws.
- Data encryption
- Automated security updates
- AI-powered threat detection
3. Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
Cloud solutions offer built-in redundancy and backup options, reducing the risk of data loss and downtime - especially critical for SMBs with limited IT resources.
4. Remote Access and Collaboration
Cloud-based tools enable teams to work from anywhere, supporting hybrid and remote work models that have become more common post-pandemic.
Migration Strategies
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Depending on your goals, you might consider:
- Rehosting (Lift and Shift): Minimal changes, fast deployment
- Replatforming: Optimising workloads for cloud
- Refactoring: Redesigning apps for cloud-native efficiency
- Hybrid Cloud: Combining on-premise and cloud
- Multi-Cloud: Using multiple providers for flexibility
Planning a Migration
A successful migration typically includes:
- Assessment of current infrastructure
- Planning and mapping data migration
- Domain validation and setup
- Email and file migration
- User training and support
- Post-migration testing and optimisation
According to ADAPT’s annual study, 55% of Australian organisations’ workloads will be in the public cloud by the end of 2025, and highly modernised organisations in Australia already have 67% of their workloads in public clouds4.
What to Consider Before Migrating
- What are your current pain points?
- Which systems are most critical to your operations?
- Do you have internal IT support, or will you need external help?
- What’s your timeline and budget?
Final Thoughts
Cloud migration isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but for many SMBs in Australia, it’s becoming a practical step toward building a more resilient and adaptable business. Whether you're just starting to explore the idea or already planning a move, Unified IT can help you make informed decisions. Reach out to us so we could help with your transition to the cloud.