Azure and AWS vs. Your Own Cloud Server: When and How to Switch

Over the past year, the percentage of organizations using a private cloud server grew from 63 to 77%. The vast majority of cloud users (71%) are now using a combination of public cloud services like Azure or Amazon Web Services (AWS) and private cloud. If you're already using Azure or AWS, you may be considering a move to your own cloud server. In this blog, you'll learn about whether you're a good candidate for switching, as well as best practices for making the change.

Are You a Good Candidate for Your Own Cloud Server?

If you're considering your own cloud server, you're most likely interested in private or dedicated infrastructure. Having your own cloud server may be referred to as "private cloud," which is defined as closed-end, dedicated infrastructure that can satisfy high security and regulatory requirements.

In contrast, dedicated cloud means dedicated, non-shared resources provisioned in a public cloud infrastructure. If you're using AWS or Azure, you're currently operating under a "public cloud" model where your assets are stored on shared resources in a multi-tenant environment.

Pros of Dedicated Cloud

While needs and motivations for investing in dedicated cloud may vary slightly, many organizations who make the switch are motivated by security, control, or compliance requirements. You may need to consider dedicated cloud as an alternative to public cloud services if:

• You need higher security and privacy,
• Your IT team requires more control,
• You're subject to regulatory requirements around data storage,
• You require higher uptime (data availability),
• You need smarter resource management, or if

• You want the potential for hybrid deployments.

Cons of Dedicated Cloud

It's also wise to consider potential trade-offs before making the switch. There are some specific advantages associated with AWS, Azure, and other flavors of public cloud. In general, dedicated cloud solutions are usually more complex and requires more planning, administration, and technical know-how when compared with traditional on-premises setups. All this typically translates to a higher cost of ownership.

However, the following largely depends on your current agreement and contracts.

• Depending on your current contract and the provider you select, you may note that higher recurring costs are a primary disadvantage of making the switch.

• In addition, depending on your agreement with your current provider, you could face financial penalties for terminating your agreement.

How to Switch from Public Cloud to Dedicated Cloud

1. Create a Strategy

Will you go fully dedicated or opt for hybrid? Hybrid cloud is the most common approach to virtualization. In many cases, choosing a hybrid approach to private and public cloud allows organizations to experience the best of both worlds. You're able to maximize a limited budget and prioritize the workloads that require private cloud.

Your workload and data can play a defining role in a custom-designed hybrid solution. Your data may need to be placed in a dedicated cloud server if:

• Compliance requirements dictate it,
• The workload has high-performance needs,
• It's a homegrown application, and

• Demand is predictable.

Data that is not sensitive or subject to compliance or that lacks predictability in demand may qualify to remain in a public cloud.

For more insight into how all three options stack up, we recommend Public vs. Private vs. Hybrid Cloud: Which is Best?

2. Interview Providers

Selecting the right cloud provider can significantly ease your migration process and mitigate a need to change providers again quickly in the future. Factors to consider in selecting the right cloud provider to fit your needs can include:

• Hybrid Cloud Offerings - If you're going with a hybrid approach, considering centralizing your public and dedicated cloud offerings with a single business provider.
• Unified Business Communications - A provider who offers complimentary services can offer long-term cost savings potential, convenience, and easier troubleshooting.
• Reliability - Inquire about service-level-agreements (SLAs) and a potential providers' reliability guarantees.
• Redundancy - Investigate redundant power, cooling, and data services. In addition, geographic redundancy for cloud backups is crucial.
• Security - Important types of security include both technical safeguards and physical (building) security.
• Compliance - If you are subject to HIPAA, SOX, or other measures, your provider should offer an appropriately compliant environment and be forthcoming with their Final Report on Compliance (FROC) results.
• Technical Support - Ideally, a prospective provider should offer multiple channels for technical support 24/7/365.

• Scalability - As your organization grows, your need for dedicated or public infrastructure shouldn't outpace your provider's offerings.

3. Create a Migration Plan

Ultimately, the biggest factor in creating a migration plan for shifting some or all of your workload and data from AWS or Azure to your own cloud server should be your needs. Ideally, the right provider will work closely with your IT team to determine how the following factors affect your plan:

• Budget,
• Data availability needs,
• Scheduling, and

• Timelines.

Some organizations may opt for a slow approach to going hybrid based on a tight budget. Others may wish for a "big bang" implementation, which takes place during hours when data and workload demand is minimal. The right cloud provider will not only assist in planning your migration plan, but will have the flexibility to accommodate your needs and preferences.

When it's Time to Go Dedicated (or Hybrid)

Atlantech Online provides both Windows and Unix-based dedicated hosting. Client benefits include redundant site hosting to ensure high data availability as well as high-level security measures. Best of all, Atlantech offers a pay-as-you-need pricing model and just-in-time delivery options. To contact Atlantech, click here.