Cloud migration isn’t just about moving servers or data, it’s about reshaping how your business operates and scales. But the process is often more complex than expected.
According to Gartner, nearly 50% of cloud migrations fail, and most of these failures trace back to one cause: poor planning.
This step-by-step guide breaks down the entire cloud migration process, from early discovery through post-migration optimization.
You’ll get detailed advice, a full checklist, and real-world insights to help you make smarter decisions whether you’re moving to AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud.
By the end, you’ll know how to:
Many businesses assume they can “lift and shift” workloads to the cloud and optimize later.
But that mindset often leads to runaway costs, inconsistent performance, or even data loss. Without a clear plan, you may experience:
A structured migration plan helps keep your move on track, prevents critical oversights, and gives your team confidence.
Start by evaluating your IT infrastructure. Without a full audit, it’s difficult to determine what should move to the cloud, or when.
Key areas to review:
Applications and workloads: Identify what can move without major changes, what needs updating, and what should be left behind or replaced.
Data and storage: Map dependencies and check data volume, sensitivity, and compliance implications.
Networking: Understand bandwidth limitations and latency risks, especially for real-time apps or remote users.
Security configurations: Flag outdated controls, admin permissions, and VPNs.
Tip: Tools like Azure Migrate, AWS Migration Hub, or Google Cloud’s Migrate for Compute Engine can automate much of this discovery.
What do you want this move to accomplish? Moving to the cloud is more of a strategy than a tactic. Tie your migration to measurable business outcomes.
Examples:
Each goal should influence your migration priorities and cloud provider selection.
CDMA Tip: If you’re unsure how to connect cloud migration to revenue or resilience, start with a free assessment from our cloud team.
Cloud migration is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. Depending on your goals, risk tolerance, and resources, you’ll choose from these strategies:
Common Approaches:
Start small. Run a test migration with a low-risk workload first, and use the results to inform your full-scale plan.
Migrations aren’t just IT’s responsibility. They affect finance, security, operations, customer support, and more.
Your core team should include:
Assign a clear project manager to keep timelines on track and resolve cross-team blockers.
Break the project into clear phases with assigned responsibilities, timelines, and deliverables.
Your roadmap should include:
Use a Gantt chart to visualize dependencies and avoid overlaps between teams.
One of the biggest mistakes during cloud migrations is treating security as an afterthought.
Don’t skip:
CDMA migration services include a thorough review of compliance posture before any data moves.
A phased approach limits risk and gives you a chance to make adjustments after each step.
Consider this order:
Rollbacks must be planned up front. If something fails, your team should know exactly how to restore the previous environment.
The job doesn’t end once everything is live. Now is the time to:
Set up alerts in your cloud console to catch cost spikes or underutilized services.
CDMA supports clients post-migration with continuous performance tuning and cost optimization.
Pre-Migration
During Migration
Post-Migration
1. How long does cloud migration take?
It depends. A small business might complete it in 2–3 months. Larger organizations with legacy systems may need up to a year. Complexity, team size, and application readiness all play a role.
2. What are the biggest risks during cloud migration?
Downtime, data loss, and misconfigurations are common. Most can be avoided with a solid migration plan and testing protocol.
3. Should we handle migration in-house or hire experts?
If your team lacks cloud experience or can’t afford downtime, hiring a provider like CDMA is often more cost-effective in the long run.
Successful cloud migration isn’t about speed. It’s about doing things right the first time. From thorough planning to post-migration reviews, each step matters.
If you’re unsure where to start or want an experienced partner to guide the process, CDMA’s cloud team is here to help. We handle planning, execution, compliance, and post-migration optimization, so your team can focus on what matters most: running your business.
Book a free cloud migration assessment with CDMA and migrate with confidence.
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