by Ryan Sanecki

Migrating from Physical Server to Cloud Server: A Strategic Move 

Sep 11, 2025 9:45:00 AM IBM Power, Data Center

As technology evolves, many organizations consider migrating their infrastructure to the cloud as a futureproofing strategy. Cloud computing offers numerous benefits, including scalability, flexibility, and reduced maintenance overhead. It is an increasingly attractive option for businesses looking to move beyond their physical Power9 servers as they approach the end of life. To help you decide if moving to the cloud is right for you, we would like to share some guidance on why you might want to move to the cloud.   

Why Make the Move to the Cloud?   

  • Eliminate Hardware Management: The most immediate benefit of moving your Power9 workloads to the cloud is shedding the burden of managing physical hardware. Eliminating hardware means no more capital expenditures for new servers, no more worrying about hardware maintenance, cooling, or electricity costs, and no need to procure and replace parts. Your cloud provider takes on the responsibility of the underlying infrastructure, allowing your IT team to focus on strategic initiatives rather than hardware upkeep.  
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  • Access to Latest Technology Without Upfront Investment: By migrating from on-premises Power9 servers to a cloud-based solution like IBM Power Virtual Server, businesses can immediately leverage the power of the IBM Power10 platform without the significant upfront investment in new servers. Cloud providers offer a range of configurations, enabling organizations to choose the most suitable performance levels for their workloads and only pay for the resources they actually use. This pay-as-you-go model transforms capital expenditures (CapEx) into predictable operating expenses (OpEx).  
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  • Enhanced Scalability and Flexibility: Cloud environments help aid in scalability. Need more processing power for a seasonal peak or a new project? Cloud resources can be scaled up or down on demand, providing an agile ability to respond quickly to changing business needs. This flexibility starkly contrasts with the often lengthy and costly process of upgrading or acquiring new physical servers.  
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  • Improved Security and Resilience: Cloud providers, especially those offering enterprise-grade solutions like IBM Power Virtual Server, invest heavily in robust security measures and redundant infrastructure. Moving to the cloud translates to advanced security features like encryption, multi-factor authentication, and a secure, reliable, and resilient data center environment where everything is fully redundant. Improved security and resilience significantly reduce the risk of downtime if you experience a disaster, and many cloud providers offer high availability and disaster recovery as a service.  
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  • Simplified Operations and Modernization: Once migrated to the cloud, tasks like installing PTFs, security patches, and OS upgrades are often handled by your cloud provider, on your schedule. Modernization streamlines IT operations. Furthermore, cloud platforms provide opportunities for application modernization, allowing you to integrate with other cloud services, leverage open-source solutions, and adopt modern development practices (DevOps, CI/CD) without the constraints of an on-premises environment.  
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  • Consistent Hybrid Cloud Experience: For organizations looking to maintain some on-premises infrastructure while expanding into the cloud, IBM Power Virtual Server offers a consistent hybrid cloud experience. A hybrid cloud experience means your workloads can run on the same trusted Power architecture in your data center or the public cloud, ensuring compatibility and reducing complexity.   

Migrating your IBM Power9 environment to the cloud is more than just a technological shift; it's a strategic decision that can futureproof your business by providing access to the latest technologies, improving operational efficiency, enhancing security, and fostering agility in an ever-evolving digital landscape.   

Is cloud the right move for your business?   

That decision isn't always straightforward—and that's where Racksquared comes in. Our experienced team can help you evaluate your current environment, weigh the pros and cons of cloud migration, and determine the best path forward. We'll guide you through a seamless transition if the cloud makes sense. If it doesn't work, we'll help you strengthen your existing infrastructure and prepare for what's next. Either way, Racksquared is here to help you confidently keep your business moving forward.  

 

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Ryan Sanecki

Written by Ryan Sanecki

Ryan is a visionary marketing leader with over a decade of experience in digital strategy and performance marketing. Based in Columbus, Ohio, he has a proven track record of driving enterprise-wide transformation and achieving multi-million dollar growth across various channels.
His expertise spans brand management, data analytics, cross-functional leadership, and campaign optimization. Ryan has received industry recognition, including Cannes Lions, ADDY, and Shorty Awards for his work in digital storytelling and data-driven innovation. He has also been honored as a Brand Innovators 40 Under 40.

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