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Avoid top 5 mistakes

How to migrate to the cloud

An increasing number of companies are looking to migrate their existing systems to the cloud. And with good reason: breaking free from dusty server rooms promises increased efficiency and lower costs. However, a look at current studies reveals a problem.

Cloud Migration: Better thought than done

It’s a recurring pattern: companies start with clear motivation, only to face the same problems a few months later:

  • Budgets are exceeded.
  • Applications are unstable.
  • Teams are unsure of who is responsible for what.

Why is this? Unlike our previous post on migrating legacy applications, this blog post focuses on the most common mistakes made when uploading to the cloud—and how companies can avoid them.

1. Lack of a plan

Often, the objective is simply stated as "We are migrating to the cloud"—without a clear picture of the specific outcome to be achieved. Without defined goals, it is difficult to measure success and prioritize decisions throughout the project. This quickly leads to additional costs and frustration. The rule is: the cloud is not a goal, but a tool.

Meaningful and measurable goals can include, for example:

  • Faster deployment of new features
  • Higher availability and stability
  • Reduction of operational effort and costs
  • Greater flexibility during peak loads

A well-planned cloud migration can significantly reduce operating costs while simultaneously shortening time-to-market. However, the prerequisite is that these goals are clearly defined from the outset and continuously reviewed throughout the project.

2. Legacy systems are not sufficiently analyzed

Planning documents are patient—legacy systems usually are not. Those who start without a thorough analysis often encounter nasty surprises: hidden dependencies, data inconsistencies, technical debt, or security vulnerabilities that only become visible shortly before go-live.

A typical project pattern:

  • Requirements for "cloud compatibility" are formulated too vaguely
  • Late change requests delay the schedule
  • Impacts on interfaces, security, and operations are underestimated

The result: rework, postponed milestones, and rising costs. The following measures, among others, have proven effective:

  • Clear definition of "cloud-ready" (including security, monitoring, operations, data)
  • Proof-of-Concepts for critical integrations to verify assumptions early on
  • A short change freeze before go-live to ensure stability
  • Impact checks for all interfaces and involved teams
  • Phased rollout instead of a "big bang" to distribute risks

3. Teams are unprepared

Cloud migration rarely fails due to technology alone. More often than not, organization and communication are the deciding factors.

If employees are not involved and upskilled early on, uncertainty arises: Who will handle operations later? What competencies are required? Which tasks will be eliminated, and which new ones will be added?

Success happens when everyone involved understands: the cloud is not just an IT project, but a transformation process for the entire company.

Key building blocks are therefore:

  • a clear vision for organization and responsibilities
  • training and enablement concepts for the teams involved
  • transparent communication regarding expectations, roles, and ground rules

4. Overlooking Costs

The cloud's usage-based billing model provides transparency and flexibility, but without proper governance, it can quickly lead to unexpected expenses. Often, mechanisms to systematically monitor and optimize usage and spending are missing. "Pay-as-you-go" then rapidly turns into "pay-and-forget."

The Solution: A structured FinOps approach connects IT, business units, and finance. This involves several key principles:

  • Clearly assigning budgets and cost centers
  • Regularly evaluating and optimizing usage
  • Strategically utilizing reservations, scaling options, and automated shutdown rules
  • Making the cloud initiative's return on investment measurable

Without this level of control, the cloud quickly loses its economic advantage.

5. The schedule is too tight

The more complex and demanding a project is, the greater the risk of unpredictable complications. Delays can arise in various contexts, such as when legacy systems are involved. To ensure there is enough time for the necessary due diligence at the end of the project, it is essential to build in a time buffer or management reserve.

Conclusion: Understanding Cloud Migration as a Process of Transformation

Cloud migration is not a one-off project, but rather a process of transformation. It is successful only when technology, organizational structure, and business goals are fully aligned. TRUSTEQ supports companies in bringing these exact dimensions together—from strategy, planning, and implementation to secure operations in the cloud.

Kay Berkemeier

Senior Cloud Engineer

Would you like to assess your cloud migration readiness or are you already facing specific challenges?

Our experts will work with you to develop a structured roadmap, helping to mitigate risks and make the benefits of your cloud initiative measurable.

Please feel free to contact TRUSTEQ to discuss your situation in a non-binding consultation.

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