A well-crafted cloud enablement strategy is the foundation of any successful cloud migration. Without a clear roadmap, organizations risk cost overruns, security gaps, and missed opportunities for efficiency and innovation. Whether you’re just beginning your journey to the cloud or fine-tuning your existing environment, having the right strategy is beneficial. In this blog post, we break down four essential elements every business needs to develop a strong cloud enablement strategy—from understanding your needs to choosing the right partner.
1. Understand Your Business Needs and Readiness
Before you implement a cloud enablement strategy, start by assessing how the cloud will benefit your organization and identifying potential challenges. For example, what problems are you trying to solve? What efficiencies are you hoping to gain?
Developing a cloud readiness assessment—either internally or with the help of a cloud service provider—will help you get a clear idea of what to expect and where to start. This step ensures that your strategy is aligned with both your technical and business priorities.
2. Define the Right Cloud Architecture
Once you’ve completed your readiness assessment, you can begin designing the architecture for your cloud environment. A comprehensive cloud enablement strategy should consider all layers of infrastructure, including:
- Front-End Platforms: Where your customers interact with your business
- Back-End Platforms: Where your data and applications live and your staff works
- Cloud-Based Delivery: Managed services (software, development, infrastructure) you access through a partner
- Networks: The connections between all the moving parts
Remember, it’s essential to have a clear idea of your requirements and goals for each component before you move on to the next step. Without clear requirements, your cloud enablement strategy may result in a patchwork solution. A tailored cloud design ensures efficiency and meets your specific needs.
3. Select the Right Cloud Environment
One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to cloud infrastructure. There are different types of cloud environments to explore. You’ll need to choose the model that best supports your goals:
- Public Cloud (owned and operated by a third-party cloud provider and used by multiple tenants)
Pros: Cost-effective, scalable, minimal maintenance
Cons: Shared resources, less customization
- Private Cloud (owned and controlled solely by the organization using it)
Pros: High security, full control, customizable
Cons: Higher cost, more complex to manage
- Hybrid Cloud (a combination of both public and private cloud solutions)
Pros: Flexible, scalable, secure
Cons: Complex implementation and management
Your cloud enablement strategy should clearly define which model works best for your organization, or whether a hybrid approach is the right fit.
4. Choose the Right Cloud Enablement Partner
Cloud architecture is both an art and a science. Perhaps the most important decision you’ll make is choosing a trusted partner to help implement your cloud strategy. Look for a provider that does more than sell services—one that collaborates, consults, and co-creates a roadmap with you.
Use this checklist to evaluate potential partners:
- Expertise: Look for a partner that can point to specific certifications or industry standards it upholds rather than just offering broad descriptions of skills and knowledge.
- Transparency: A good cloud services partner will offer transparency into their practices and provide details on how they’ll maintain standards and skill levels.
- Partnerships: Examine who your potential cloud enablement partner has relationships with and who they’ll rely on to provide the services you need.
- Comprehensive Services: Does the partner you’re considering provide all the services you’ll need? What guarantees do they offer, and what happens if they fail to meet them?
- Reliability: Look at their performance over the last year and compare it to their SLA. Do they provide what they promise?
- Recommendations: Talk to other clients who’ve partnered with potential providers on their cloud enablement strategies. Read reviews, especially from organizations with needs similar to yours.
Need Help Building Your Cloud Enablement Strategy?
At AISN, we bridge the gaps between business problems and cloud solutions. We’ll take the time to get to know your business and help you navigate the complexities of cloud adoption, manage risk, and create a comprehensive cloud enablement strategy. We’re here to answer all of your questions.
Let’s build your future in the cloud—together. Contact us today.