Small-business cloud computing: A simple guide to getting started

Cloud computing is the use of remote servers to store, manage, and process data, freeing businesses from the limits of physical infrastructure. For small businesses, that means reduced IT overhead, improved agility, and access to enterprise-level tools. This article explores the migration process to help business owners shift with confidence.

Define your goals

Before doing anything technical, clarify why you’re making the move. For example, small businesses that want to scale down their on-premises server room may find that shifting their infrastructure to the cloud is a more flexible and cost-effective option.

Other companies may prioritize remote and hybrid work and see cloud services as a way to secure data for their employees. Whatever your needs, think them through from the start, as this will shape your choices from the platform you select to how your migration unfolds.

Choose the cloud solution for your needs

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to the cloud. Here are the three primary models, each offering unique benefits:

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS): SaaS delivers fully functional applications over the internet; think Google Workspace or Microsoft 365. It’s ideal for small businesses that want plug-and-play enterprise software without the overhead of managing servers or updates.
Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS): With IaaS, you rent computing power (e.g., servers, storage, networking) on demand. Platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Microsoft Azure fall into this category. It’s a great fit if you have custom applications or need more control without investing in physical hardware.
Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS): PaaS offers a development environment in the cloud. It’s especially valuable for businesses that build or customize their own apps. It handles everything behind the scenes, including OS, middleware, and databases, so your developers can focus purely on coding.

Establish a cloud migration strategy

The way you move your systems depends on how your current setup works, what your team needs, and how far you’re ready to go. Here are five tailored approaches small businesses can use:

Rehost (“lift and shift”): Rehosting shifts your existing apps and workloads directly into the cloud, without altering how they’re programmed and built. It’s fast and cost-effective, ideal for straightforward workloads.
Refactor: Refactoring involves tweaking the structure of your apps so they run more smoothly in the cloud. You’re not rebuilding from scratch, but you’re making smart updates that help your software use cloud tools more efficiently. It’s a good fit when you want better performance without a full redesign.
Revise: This partially rewrites or expands the capabilities of your existing applications to take better advantage of cloud-native features. Revising works well for modernizing outdated programs and if you want to tap into more advanced capabilities.
Rebuild: If your current software is outdated, clunky, or holding your business back, starting over might be the best move. Rebuilding means developing entirely new apps using cloud-first tools and services, giving you full control and future flexibility.
Replace: Sometimes, the smartest route is to stop using a custom or legacy system altogether and switch to a modern, off-the-shelf cloud product. It’s faster to deploy, easier to manage, and often more secure.

Develop a roadmap and timeline

Every migration needs a well-structured timeline. Break down your project into phases: discovery, planning, execution, and review. Assign ownership to specific teams or individuals to keep things moving. If you’re migrating several tools or systems, prioritize which ones move first based on business impact. You should also schedule the most disruptive changes for weekends or off-peak hours to minimize downtime.

Set up network infrastructure for cloud solutions

A stable, high-performing network is essential for a successful cloud migration. Start by evaluating your current internet speed, reliability, and bandwidth. Upgrading to a high-speed fiber connection or setting up a dedicated link for cloud services can significantly reduce lag and connection issues. You should also set up quality of service rules on your network to prioritize traffic for critical applications and services.

Migrate data

Moving your data to the cloud isn’t just a matter of dragging and dropping files. Start by reviewing what you actually need, then clean up old or duplicate files, archive what’s no longer active, and organize what’s staying.

To protect against any surprises, it’s essential to create a full backup before initiating the transfer. Once you’re ready to begin, you can move your databases, files, and apps directly into the cloud environment. Most cloud platforms have built-in migration tools that make this process smooth and effortless. It’s best to migrate data in small batches to catch issues early and verify that everything is intact and accessible in the new environment.

Configuration and security

Securing your data and systems once they’re in the cloud is crucial. Make sure to set user roles and access levels to keep sensitive information visible only to those who need it. Next, turn on encryption both in transit and at rest to protect your data behind the scenes. You should also enable multifactor authentication to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

Testing and validation

Test every component: applications, integrations, databases, and user access. Validate that everything works as expected before flipping the switch completely. It’s better to uncover issues in a controlled environment than in front of customers or staff.

Training and change management

Introducing new tools can cause confusion if your team isn’t prepared. Offer hands-on training sessions, FAQs, and support resources. People often resist new technologies when they’re unclear on how to use them. Communicate early and often, and listen to team feedback to make the transition smoother.

Cloud migration doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right strategy, your small business can tap into enterprise-grade power without the enterprise-level price tag. If you’re ready to start your journey to the cloud, contact us today. We’ll simplify the process and help you find the best solutions for your business.