Key takeaways
- Cloud migration is the process of moving servers, data, applications and email from on-site hardware to cloud platforms such as Microsoft Azure, AWS, Google Cloud or Microsoft 365.
- Successful migrations start with a full inventory of your systems, data and dependencies.
- Choose a strategy for each workload, for example rehost, replatform, refactor, repurchase, retain or retire.
- Configure security, identity and backups before you move any data, not afterwards.
- Test thoroughly, migrate in stages, keep a rollback plan, then optimise costs once you are live.
A cloud migration checklist is a step-by-step plan that helps a business move its servers, data, applications and email to the cloud safely, with minimal downtime and no nasty surprises. Moving to platforms such as Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud or Microsoft 365 can make your business more flexible, resilient and secure, but only if the move is planned properly.
Use the 12 steps below as a practical checklist, whether you are moving a single file server or your entire IT estate.
Common cloud migration strategies
Not every system should be moved in the same way. Cloud providers commonly describe a set of migration strategies, often called the “Rs”:
- Rehost (lift and shift): move a system to cloud servers largely as it is. Fast, but may not take full advantage of the cloud.
- Replatform: make small changes, such as moving a database to a managed database service.
- Refactor: redesign an application to be cloud-native. Most effort, most long-term benefit.
- Repurchase: replace an old system with a software-as-a-service (SaaS) product, such as moving from an on-site email server to Microsoft 365.
- Retain: keep a system where it is for now, for technical or cost reasons.
- Retire: switch off systems that are no longer needed.
The 12-step cloud migration checklist
1. Define your goals
Be clear about why you are migrating: lower costs, remote working, resilience, security, scalability or replacing ageing hardware. Your goals shape every later decision.
2. Build a complete inventory
List every server, application, database, file share, user account and integration. Include who uses each system and how critical it is to the business.
3. Map dependencies
Identify which systems rely on each other. Moving one application without the database or service it depends on is one of the most common causes of migration problems.
4. Classify your data
Understand what data you hold, how sensitive it is and any legal or contractual requirements, such as UK GDPR or where data must be stored.
5. Choose the platform and strategy
Select the right cloud platform for your needs and assign a migration strategy to each workload. Many businesses already using Microsoft 365 find Azure a natural fit, but it depends on your software and skills.
6. Estimate costs
Compare the expected monthly cloud cost with your current hardware, licensing, power and support costs. Include migration effort and any temporary overlap where both environments run at once.
Planning a cloud migration?
Ignite System plans and delivers secure, staged cloud migrations with testing and rollback built in.
7. Set up identity and security first
Before moving any data, configure user accounts, multi-factor authentication, access permissions, encryption, logging and alerting. Security is far easier to build in from the start than to add later.
8. Design backup and disaster recovery
Cloud platforms are resilient, but they do not automatically protect you from accidental deletion, ransomware or misconfiguration. Plan backups and test restores before go-live.
9. Run a pilot
Migrate a low-risk workload or a small group of users first. Use what you learn to refine the plan.
10. Test thoroughly
Check functionality, performance, integrations, permissions and user experience. Involve real users in testing wherever possible.
11. Migrate in stages with a rollback plan
Schedule cut-overs outside busy periods, communicate clearly with staff, and agree in advance what would trigger a rollback and how it would work.
12. Optimise after go-live
Monitor performance and costs, right-size resources, remove anything unused and decommission old hardware securely, including wiping or destroying disks.
Common cloud migration mistakes to avoid
- Skipping the inventory and discovering forgotten systems halfway through.
- Leaving security and multi-factor authentication until after the move.
- Assuming the cloud provider backs up your data for you.
- Moving everything at once instead of in planned stages.
- Not training staff on new ways of working.
- Forgetting to monitor and optimise costs after go-live.
How long does a cloud migration take?
It depends on the size and complexity of your environment. Moving email and files for a small team can be quick, while migrating multiple servers and custom applications takes longer. The planning stages, steps 1 to 8, often take as much time as the migration itself, and they are what make the move smooth.
Once you are in the cloud, keeping it secure is just as important. See our guide to essential cybersecurity protections for small businesses.
Frequently asked questions
The first step is to define your goals and build a complete inventory of your current systems, data, users and dependencies. This tells you what needs to move, in what order and how.
With good planning, downtime can be kept to a minimum. Staged migrations, cut-overs outside working hours and a tested rollback plan reduce disruption.
Major cloud platforms provide strong security, but you are responsible for configuring it correctly. Multi-factor authentication, access controls, encryption, monitoring and independent backups are essential.
Yes. Cloud services are designed to be highly available, but they do not protect you from accidental deletion, ransomware or misconfiguration. Independent, tested backups are still essential.
Need help with your migration? Book a free consultation with Ignite System.
