Cloud considerations: What to think about when moving to the cloud

Moving to the cloud is a smart way for many businesses to streamline operations, save money and adapt to today's flexible work environment. However, cloud migration is not a decision to take lightly. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when making the leap.

Why move to the cloud?

In 2024, Gartner predicts that Australian business's cloud spending will increase 19.7% to $23.3 billion. It's a pretty large number, and yet, these businesses will save costs from the transition. Instead of investing in expensive servers and hardware, you can shift to a pay-as-you-go model, cutting down on unnecessary expenses.

As your business grows, your cloud infrastructure can, too. Whether your company experiences seasonal demand or fluctuating workloads, the cloud adapts to you. Cloud-based tools also allow your team to access files, applications and data from the office, at home or on the go. For many businesses, this flexibility has become a critical asset.

How secure is the cloud?

Security is always a concern when moving data online and the cloud is no exception. It's important to choose a provider that prioritises data encryption, ensuring your sensitive information is secure, both in transit and at rest.

Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorised access to your cloud systems. Ensure your provider complies with local data privacy standards and regulations like the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). Cloud providers with data centres in Australia typically offer better security and compliance, which can also speed up access times.

Choosing the right cloud provider

When selecting a cloud provider, you'll want to weigh factors like pricing, support and service level agreements (SLAs). Transparent pricing is a must — look for a provider that clearly explains costs so you can budget effectively.

You want a provider with 24/7 support and reliable customer service, especially during the early stages of your transition. Make sure to review their SLAs to understand promises around uptime and reliability. Downtime can be costly, so you need a provider you can trust.

Planning the migration

The cloud can revolutionise how you do business, but preparation is key. Audit your IT setup to understand what systems and data are moving first and what should stay on-premise. Careful data migration strategies help ensure that nothing is lost in the shuffle.

With careful auditing and training, you can take full advantage of everything the cloud offers. At WMC Accounting, we specialise in helping businesses get cloud-ready, ensuring your transition is smooth, secure and efficient. Get in touch with our experts today to learn more.