Cloud migration is no longer a question of if but when. Yet for many businesses, the journey can feel less like a smooth flight and more like a turbulent ride. The promise of agility, scalability, and cost savings is real, but so are the pitfalls that can derail progress.
The truth is, success in cloud migration isn’t about perfection on the first try; it’s about anticipating challenges, building a strategy, and learning as you go. Across industries, from healthcare providers in Columbus to manufacturers across the Midwest, recurring patterns emerge that nearly every organization encounters. Understanding these common obstacles enables you to approach your migration with confidence and foresight.
1. Underestimating Data Gravity and Complexity
Data gravity, the tendency for large datasets to “pull” applications and services toward them, is often overlooked. The larger and more interdependent the data, the harder it becomes to move. A lift-and-shift mindset rarely works.
How to avoid this:
- Inventory your data: Audit what’s critical, interdependent, and inactive.
- Use a phased approach: Start small, refine, and expand.
- Consider hybrid options: Some data may be better left on-premises while applications move to the cloud.
- 2.The Trap of Unexpected Costs
Cloud’s pay-as-you-go model is attractive, but without proper governance, costs can spiral. Underutilized resources, overprovisioned instances, and data egress fees are frequent surprises.
How to avoid this:
- Leverage cost management tools: Monitor usage and set alerts.
- Right-size resources: Scale up only as needed.
- Plan for egress fees: Budget realistically for data movement.
- 3. Getting Stuck in Vendor Lock-in
Relying too heavily on a single provider may simplify things today but can reduce flexibility and negotiating power tomorrow.
How to avoid this:
- Adopt open standards: Favor portable, vendor-neutral technologies.
- Design for multi-cloud/hybrid: Keep applications adaptable.
- Develop an exit strategy early: Flexibility starts with planning.
4. Going It Alone: The Self-Service Struggle
A do-it-yourself migration may seem efficient, but cloud platforms aren’t plug-and-play. Misconfigurations, security gaps, or stretched IT teams can create bigger issues down the line.
How to avoid this:
- Recognize team limits: Migration can be a full-time project.
- Seek expertise when needed: External partners or consultants can accelerate success and reduce risk.
Looking Ahead
Cloud migration is a high-stakes endeavor but doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The organizations that thrive anticipate challenges, adapt quickly, and treat migration as an ongoing journey rather than a one-time event.
Columbus and the broader Midwest are uniquely positioned in this evolution. With access to reliable infrastructure, a growing tech workforce, and geographic advantages that reduce latency and risk, the region has become a hub for forward-looking companies planning their next move to the cloud.
As the cloud continues to evolve, the real differentiator won’t just be who moves — but who moves strategically
Ready to get started? Contact Racksquared today and turn a complex migration into a clear, confident journey to the cloud.
