Planning a data platform cloud migration

The global COVID-19 pandemic serves as a catalyst to many infrastructure upgrades and a continuous shift to cloud, data platforms are one of key areas of consideration for a shift to the cloud. Many organisations adopt a cloud first strategy however forget it is not only a technology discussion, but a more comprehensive discussion related to people, skills, process and the overall fit in the overall technical landscape.

Based on DEC’s experience we recommend using the following method for implementing a successful data platform, and take the following points into consideration: 

• Prioritise services that are needed for the business and represent the best ROI
• Platform agility is key for incremental development and sustainability 
• Process and people are paramount to a successful adoption and utilisation of data

Assess the technical landscape and prioritise those services with the highest value to the business. Define a migration path for the existing estate as well as setting up new areas and components, the recommended development and implementation approach is incremental. This will reduce complexity and ensure that learnings are built up, skillsets expanded, and the overall risk reduced.

After doing the technical assessment, it is crucial to assess the team’s skillset and identify where upskilling is needed. An important part of the migration to cloud journey is understanding and ensuring that team members continuously develop and evolve to the allow for benefit realisation and efficacy. One of the biggest challenges when implementing a cloud architecture is related to the shift in roles and newly required skills, therefore it is imperative to take stock of the skills regularly as well as the team's concerns and provide the needed coaching and training.