Thinking about cloud migration? Here’s what you need to know

Migrating to the cloud is a major decision and it’s natural to have concerns. From security risks to cost predictability, many businesses hesitate because they’re unsure of the impact on their operations.

At Right Digital Solutions (RDS), we’ve helped businesses transition to Microsoft Azure without disruption – ensuring security, efficiency and long-term savings.

To help you make an informed decision, we’re tackling the biggest questions businesses have about cloud migration, breaking down the risks, realities and rewards of moving to the cloud.

Q: Are on-site servers still a reliable option for modern businesses?

A: On-site servers may seem dependable, but they often come with hidden risks. Aging hardware increases the likelihood of failures, leading to costly downtime. Plus, scaling up requires significant upfront investment, locking businesses into a rigid infrastructure that struggles to adapt to changing needs.

Q: How secure are on-site servers compared to the cloud?

A: On-site servers are more vulnerable to breaches, especially without constant monitoring and updates. While an IT supplier can provide support, they often struggle to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats. In contrast, cloud solutions like Microsoft Azure offer built-in encryption, real-time threat detection and compliance with global security standards.

Q: What’s the real cost of maintaining on-site servers?

A: Maintaining on-site servers goes beyond hardware costs. Energy consumption, physical space, IT staffing and maintenance expenses quickly add up. And when a system upgrade is needed, businesses face significant capital outlay.

Azure’s pay-as-you-go model eliminates these burdens, offering predictable costs and better resource allocation.

Q: What happens during an emergency, like hardware failure or natural disasters?

A: On-site servers are inherently high-risk when it comes to disaster recovery. A single incident could result in significant data loss and operational downtime. Azure Cloud’s global infrastructure ensures resilience with automated backups, failover systems and disaster recovery solutions that minimise downtime and protect your business.

Q: Are on-site servers sustainable in today’s world?

A: Traditional server infrastructure is resource-intensive, contributing to high energy consumption and carbon emissions. Migrating to Azure reduces your environmental footprint by utilising Microsoft’s commitment to renewable energy and energy-efficient cloud data centres.

Q: Will migrating to the cloud disrupt my business operations?

A: Not with RDS. Our phased migration strategy ensures that critical workloads are transitioned seamlessly without impacting your day-to-day operations. Using tools like Azure Site Recovery and Azure Migrate, we can even simulate the migration process to guarantee zero downtime for your business.

Q: How secure is the cloud compared to keeping servers on-site?

A: Azure is built with security in mind. It offers real-time threat detection, advanced encryption and access control measures that surpass most on-premises solutions. Additionally, Azure is certified with leading global compliance standards, including GDPR, ISO 27001 and PCI DSS, ensuring your data is protected and your business remains audit-ready.

Q: Won’t the ongoing cloud costs become unpredictable?

A: Azure’s pay-as-you-go model keeps costs transparent and manageable. At RDS, we monitor your usage and implement cost-saving strategies like reserved instances, so you only pay for what you need. Businesses migrating to Azure typically see a 20-30% reduction in overall IT costs.

Q: What happens to our data if there’s a cloud service outage?

A: Azure’s global infrastructure is designed for resilience. Your data is stored across multiple locations, ensuring it’s protected no matter what. With features like automatic failover and disaster recovery, Azure guarantees 99.99% uptime, so your business stays operational, even during unexpected events.

Q: Will I lose control over my IT systems if we move to the cloud?

A: You’ll gain more control, not less. Azure’s tools, like Azure Monitor, provide real-time visibility into your systems. Plus, Azure’s hybrid capabilities allow you to integrate cloud resources with on-premises infrastructure, so you decide what stays local and what moves to the cloud.

Q: Is moving to the cloud really sustainable?

A: Absolutely. Microsoft Azure leads the way in sustainability, with data centres powered by renewable energy and designed for efficiency. By migrating to Azure, you’re reducing your carbon footprint while aligning with Microsoft’s goal of becoming carbon-negative by 2030 – helping you meet your own sustainability targets.

The future is in the cloud – but on your terms

Cloud migration doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Yes, it’s about moving data but, with the right approach, it’s also about unlocking security, scalability and long-term cost savings.

At RDS, we help businesses navigate the transition with confidence, ensuring Azure works for your business needs, not the other way around.

Still have questions? Let’s talk. Whether you’re ready to migrate or just exploring your options, we’re here to help.