You're upgrading to a cloud-based architecture. How can you seamlessly integrate your existing data systems?

It is extremely important to assess which systems to move to the cloud. Not everything needs to be on the cloud, and not everything should stay on-premises. Evaluate the cost implications of moving each entity to the cloud. Consider how the system’s demand might grow. Cloud platforms offer flexible scalability, which can be beneficial for high overload systems. Consider how easily each system can integrate with other systems and workflows. Some legacy systems might face compatibility issues when moved to the cloud. Ensure that the cloud solution complies with industry regulations and legal requirements. Data residency and privacy laws might affect your decision.

It's important to document your requirements and map them to their cloud counterpart. If there are gaps those should be documented and you should have a plan how how you will address.

When selecting cloud services, the real cost isn't the resources themselves but rather the reluctance to go the extra mile in configuring the other available services. So once must re-evaluate the migration need: is it vital to transition every system, or can you leverage hybrid solutions? or any other options are out there.

Designing a hybrid system is key for a smooth transition to the cloud. This means creating a bridge between your current setup and the new cloud environment. You identify which parts of your data infrastructure are best suited for the cloud, and which ones should remain on-premises. Then, you design interfaces and data pipelines to allow these systems to communicate seamlessly, ensuring a gradual and controlled migration without disrupting your operations.

There are (at least) two key elements that can take down a large cloud migration in addition to the above. 1. Security. Work with your infosec team from the beginning of the project and keep them engaged throughout the process. There will be many questions and the more timely you can answer, the better ability you will stay on schedule. 2. Network Performance. There are different ways to move data in and out of clouds. It's important to test performance through different network patterns and connectors. As an architect we often think of data, but networking routing can also keep your project from progressing. Have a plan for how you will test network speeds and configuration.

Start by conducting a thorough assessment of your current infrastructure to understand data flow, dependencies, and performance bottlenecks. Utilise hybrid cloud solutions to create a bridge between on-premises and cloud environments, ensuring minimal disruption during the transition. Implement robust data migration strategies, including data replication and transformation tools, to maintain data integrity and consistency. Leverage APIs and data connectors to facilitate smooth data exchange, and prioritise security measures to protect sensitive information throughout the process.