Overcoming cloud barriers

Why is outdated technology an obstacle, and what steps should you consider to move away from it?

The multiple benefits of digital transformation (DX) and cloud migration are obvious to all. But many organizations are being held back from the breakthrough results they want by legacy technologies that still underpin their operations behind the scenes. The challenge of accelerating DX and cloud initiatives has not been made any easier by two pandemic-marked years. The widening gap between a new generation of digital capabilities and legacy systems is preventing real progress.

In this blog article, we explore some of the ways in which legacy-dependent organizations are overcoming the limitations of their existing technology and benefiting from a move to a digital, cloud-based future. There is no doubt that organizations want and are planning for such a future. Independent analyst firm IDC shows in its Worldwide Future of Connectedness 2022 Predictions that midsize and large organizations are looking to move 50% of their network-focused IT staff from managing legacy connectivity to driving more strategic business outcomes and faster technology innovation.

A technology that is classified as “outdated” does not necessarily have to be ancient. It’s really about any technology that is sufficiently outdated to hinder next-generation developments, that doesn’t allow for easy integration of new features, or that slows down day-to-day operations due to features that were built in at the design stage. This could be infrastructure, devices, applications or even just processes. If organizations want to take full advantage of digital transformation, these relics should be replaced with smarter, more secure cloud alternatives. But moving a company away from the past is easier said than done, for a number of reasons.

So what is the answer?

While there is no off-the-shelf solution, many businesses looking to leave the past behind have found that moving key workflows and applications from on-premise to the cloud, for example to a cloud phone system, is a useful first step in their journey. Moving to the cloud has great advantages over maintaining expensive and outdated hardware and software on-premise and can be a useful remedy to some of the barriers mentioned above.

As CIOs know, moving day-to-day operations to the cloud can save money and improve productivity. Keeping physical hardware and networks on-premises can significantly increase capital and operating costs for IT and network services expenses. Unlike legacy systems, modernized cloud systems facilitate scalability and flexibility. On top of that, all hardware and software upgrades are handled by the cloud service provider. Moving data and applications to the cloud relieves the IT budget and promotes more effective collaboration. It improves risk management and supports the continuity of business operations.

Why does the cloud migration process need special attention? We must not forget that the process of cloud migration can be complicated and expensive if it is not done correctly or in a way that adequately supports business requirements. The underlying network foundation must be reliable, secure and, where possible, flexible to adapt to the changing demands of data and application movement. A comprehensive and holistic approach is required to decide, for example, which applications and services should be moved to the cloud first.

If a comprehensive restart, in which all old technologies are disposed of and a year zero begins, seems too drastic, then it may make sense to at least carry out a gradual cloud migration of the old technology.

What can happen? In the worst-case scenario, a company’s outdated technology could act as a barrier to its cloud strategy. Retaining even a portion of legacy systems can divert budget and energy away from new opportunities. Rather than abandoning the outdated altogether, it may be better to cloudify where possible. But modernizing older functions and processes by moving them to the cloud can limit flexibility and scalability, and running older applications in the cloud can also lead to security issues and shortfalls in in-house capabilities. Outsourcing the problem could be the solution, but only if the outsourcing provider has the knowledge and capacity to support your legacy estate.

Take the first steps away from dependence on outdated technology

If you want to find a way out of dependency on legacy systems and achieve real progress in digital transformation, you need to take the appropriate steps.

Cloud and networked partnerships to get you where you need to be

If you’re planning a large-scale DX or cloud migration that affects all or part of your technology ecosystem, partnerships are the key to success. The right partner will ensure you’re on the cutting edge of technology and put your organization on the path to achieving its cloud goals. A partnership allows you to push the boundaries and make your business the best it can be.

Connectivity is the foundation for any migration effort. Your cloud performance is only as strong as your network. That’s why you need a network that changes everything, one that gives you reliable high performance, scalability, control and security. Traditional networks can’t keep up with the demands of the cloud as it’s deployed today.

Older networks are not only unsuitable for the complex requirements of companies using multiple public clouds, but they are also often slow to set up when speed is of the essence. Delays in cloud projects can be costly. When you need to respond quickly, traditional provisioning times that can take up to 90 days can let you down. The right approach to connectivity can make or break your cloud transformation. For all these reasons, make sure your chosen cloud partner is up to date with today’s network services. We offer connections to all major cloud service providers. Our award-winning customer service and scalable, flexible connectivity to the cloud mean you can scale your cloud requirements as needed, cost-effectively. We also offer enhanced security, improved resilience and full visibility, making us the perfect partner to have by your side on your transformation journey.