Moving large volumes of data from on-prem systems to the cloud is no longer optional—it’s mission-critical. Cloud data migration is the process of transferring digital assets to cloud infrastructure, enabling better scalability, speed, and flexibility. Whether it’s structured or unstructured data, this shift demands a clear strategy, the right tools, and an understanding of the operational phases involved.
Table of Contents
What are the Main Benefits of Migrating to the Cloud?
Companies choose cloud data migration for good reasons:
• Scalability: Cloud platforms let you scale storage and compute resources as needed.
• Cost Efficiency: Pay only for what you use, reducing capital expenditure.
• Faster Access to Data: Real-time access to big data across global locations.
• Disaster Recovery: Built-in backup and recovery options protect critical data.
• Improved Collaboration: Easier data sharing across departments and geographies.
In industries like manufacturing, cloud data transfer enables faster insights from IoT devices and sensors, streamlining operations.
What are Common Cloud Migration Challenges?
While the benefits are clear, challenges can derail even the best intentions.
Lack of Strategy
Without a roadmap, teams risk delays, overruns, and poor data alignment. Migrating to the cloud isn’t just a lift-and-shift; it requires careful evaluation of business goals and workloads.
Cost Management
Cloud costs can balloon without strong governance. Unused resources, data egress fees, and inefficient scaling can make the cloud more expensive than anticipated.
Vendor Lock-In
Each cloud provider has proprietary services. Once data and applications are deeply integrated, switching vendors becomes costly and complex.
Data Security and Compliance
For sectors like finance or healthcare, cloud data movement must comply with regulations (GDPR, HIPAA). Encryption, access control, and auditability are non-negotiable.
7 Cloud Migration Strategies
These are the most commonly used cloud migration approaches:
1. Rehost (lift and shift)
2. Replatform (minor adjustments)
3. Repurchase (moving to SaaS)
4. Refactor (cloud-native rewrite)
5. Retire (decommission outdated assets)
6. Retain (keep on-prem if needed)
7. Relocate (VM migration without major changes)
Each has its place based on your IT architecture and business priorities.
5 Phases of Cloud Transformation
1. Prepare
Audit existing systems. Identify what should move, what can be left behind, and potential roadblocks.
2. Plan
Map workloads to the right cloud services. Define KPIs and compliance needs.
3. Migrate
Execute the transfer—either in phases or all at once. Data integrity checks are key here.
4. Operate
Monitor, manage, and optimize systems post-migration.
5. Optimize
Refine performance, cut redundant services, and scale based on usage.
Migrating Data to the Cloud with NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP
NetApp’s Cloud Volumes ONTAP simplifies big data migration to cloud platforms by adding enterprise-grade controls across providers.
Faster Transfers, Lower Costs
Built-in data compression and deduplication speed up cloud data transfer for manufacturing and reduce cloud storage costs.
High Availability with Cloud Volumes ONTAP
Automatic failover ensures uptime for mission-critical workloads.
Data Protection
Snapshot and cloning features protect data without disrupting production systems.
Data Classification
Tagging and organizing data helps teams locate and manage information efficiently.
Cost Optimization
Policy-based tiering moves cold data to cheaper storage classes without manual effort.
Proven Success with Cloud Volumes ONTAP
AWS
NetApp integrates directly with Amazon FSx and S3, supporting analytics, machine learning, and backup use cases.
Azure
Works with Azure NetApp Files, offering a consistent experience for Windows and Linux workloads.
Google Cloud
Supports Google Cloud Storage with native APIs and hybrid integration capabilities.
Top 3 Cloud Adoption Frameworks: Your Path To The Cloud
Compare AWS CAF, Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework, and Google Cloud’s Adoption Pathway.
Cloud Application Migration: A Practical Guide
Assess app dependencies, rewrite vs. rehost, and hybrid options.
Why Cloud Adoption Fails and 6 Tips for Success
Common pitfalls include lack of leadership buy-in, poor training, and underestimating security.
Cloud First Strategy: Challenges, Considerations & Practices
A “cloud-first” mindset demands architectural redesign and new KPIs.
What’s New in K8S 1.23?
Updates include pod security policies, ephemeral volumes, and dual-stack networking.
Cloud Migration Phases: Prepare, Plan, Migrate, Operate, Optimize
Understanding each phase helps teams stay aligned and reduce friction.
Conclusion
Cloud data migration is a high-impact initiative that, when executed well, unlocks cost savings, operational agility, and competitive edge. By following a structured plan, addressing key challenges, and using proven tools like NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP, organizations can make the leap with confidence.
