Hey everyone! I'm currently the only IT person at my company, which operates 24/7 with a fully on-prem infrastructure. Since I took over, I've modernized our setup quite a bit (we were still using Windows Server 2008 when I joined!). Recent talks from the C-suite have sparked interest in moving everything to the cloud, likely after hearing about it from other execs.
I've looked into the specifics, and I'm struggling to see the benefits:
- **Cost:** We only have six servers (1 main DC, 1 backup DC/file server, 3 VM hosts, and 1 terminal server). Our server refresh just happened, and I estimate cloud costs would hit around $10k/year, while a new server would only be about $20k, and we wouldn't need replacements for at least five years.
- **Workflow:** Losing our internet connection is a huge concern. We have machines running 24/7, and if the cloud goes down, everything would come to a halt, which isn't acceptable for our operations.
I've thought about a hybrid setup, but it seems like it would just involve syncing on-prem servers with the cloud without much real benefit given our situation.
I'd love to hear your insights on this!
5 Answers
It all comes down to your business needs. If your servers predominantly handle internal data with minimal external traffic, then a cloud migration might not be worth the hassle or cost. Remember, data transfer costs to the cloud can stack up, especially if you have users accessing numerous files. A private cloud might be a better fit but still plan comprehensively!
For sure! Also consider if certain applications truly need to be cloud-based. There might be some that could still efficiently run on-prem.
Just throwing this out there: cloud isn't for everyone. If you have specific security or regulatory needs that the cloud can't satisfy, it may be better for your organization to stay on-prem, especially if you currently manage it effectively. It might also help to consider a hybrid strategy that gradually moves some workloads to the cloud while keeping critical services on-prem.
Definitely! It’s more about aligning cloud solutions with your business processes instead of just chasing the latest technology trends.
Exactly! Also, ensure that you're prepared with more than just tech specs. Your report should articulate the benefits and risks clearly to the decision-makers.
The cloud can be appealing but don’t ignore the implications of downtime or outages if you go all-in. Make sure to document everything and present both pros and cons to your C-suite. They need to know how critical the on-prem setup is and being transparent will help them make a responsible decision.
Absolutely! And don’t forget business continuity. Articulate how your current infrastructure supports ongoing operations even during internet outages.
For sure! It’s essential to present a well-rounded view, including potential risks associated with the cloud, before any shift happens.
Be careful with the numbers you presented! You should FAQ about operational costs. Unless you're running those servers at way low utilization, your cloud costs might be much higher than $10k/year. Most people underestimate the true expense of moving everything to the cloud! Patience during the analysis phase is key. They might need a proof of concept to really see the costs!
Right? I think if they want you to do a full analysis, it's crucial to include network costs and other expenses that can easily catch you off guard.
For real! It’s wise to put together a comparison that intelligently shows how costs can quickly escalate after moving to the cloud.
It sounds like you have a solid grasp of your current infrastructure. Remember, the cost is just one piece of the puzzle. Involve your execs in understanding that cloud costs can escalate quickly, especially with unexpected data transfer fees and usage spikes. It's not just about what things cost today but the long-term perspective. Make sure to get their buy-in on that!
Exactly! Also, emphasizing that moving to the cloud means shifting from a CapEx model to OpEx might help them see the bigger picture. It’s not always cheaper in the long run.
Totally agree. I've seen organizations hit with unexpected expenses after migration. Keeping your reports transparent with all cost factors can save a lot of future headaches.
Great point! Tailoring your approach to specific needs can save costs and maintain efficiency. Sometimes, adopting a hybrid model might work better based on your workload!