Organizations often migrate from Atlassian Data Center to Cloud solely based on technical needs. While Atlassian Cloud does offer more flexibility than a server environment, it’s best not to view cloud migration as a simple “lift and shift.” This mindset that a migration should be taking all of the same data and moving it over limits the full potential of cloud adoption. Instead, businesses should see migration as an opportunity to optimize workflows, retool processes, and enhance collaboration. Let’s explore how businesses can utilize an Atlassian Cloud migration to achieve greater efficiency, cost savings, and productivity gains.
Steps of an Atlassian Cloud Migration
With cloud migrations averaging as a nine-month process, organizations must plan meticulously before diving into a migration. Here are the steps Atlassian recommends taking:
1. Set Your Vision
- Define the goals of migration beyond just moving data.
- Identify key business objectives that Atlassian Cloud can enhance.
- Establish communication strategies to inform stakeholders about benefits.
2. Define Success Metrics
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- Identify what success looks like in terms of productivity, efficiency, and cost.
- Establish KPIs and which improvements you plan to track post-migration.
3. Prepare for Migration
- Clean up and declutter your data to ensure a streamlined transition.
- Identify critical apps and integrations that must be migrated.
- Develop a phased rollout strategy for departments and teams.
4. Test and Validate
- Run test migrations to ensure a seamless transition.
- Conduct user-acceptance testing to verify functionality and usability.
- Fine-tune settings before full deployment.
5. Educate and Train
- Develop a comprehensive training program to onboard teams.
- Address common barriers like resistance to change and lack of executive sponsorship.
- Provide ongoing support and documentation for users.
6. Launch and Optimize
- Roll out the migration in phases or all at once based on your strategy.
- Monitor adoption rates and gather user feedback.
- Continuously improve and introduce new features to maximize ROI.
Now, with more features and integrations to choose from, build a roadmap for the future.
Types of Rollouts
The type of rollout determines how and when the cloud migration will impact each department of your business. For example, a phased rollout migrates a few departments at a time. This is the most common type of migration as organizations can learn from the successes and issues of the first few departments to make the next few smoother. It is important to determine which departments your organization wants to migrate first. If a few departments frequently work together, it may be best to roll them out at the same time so they are all using the same set of tools. On the other hand, organizations can opt for a “big bang rollout” in which the entire organization migrates at once. These need even more preparation than a phased rollout due to the limited ability to make adjustments during the migration process. Watch this on-demand SPK webinar to learn more about types of rollouts.
Resolving Issues with an Atlassian Cloud Migration
When making large changes like this, it can be difficult to get all team members on the same page. One of the best motivators for a change like this is promising to resolve a current issue. Before migrating, identify what issues your team members currently face and how the migration may be able to solve them. For example, if some team members struggle with the maintenance of Data Center upgrades, promise them a Cloud environment that will never ask for them to manage upgrades again.
Benefits of Migration
In addition to solving common issues, Atlassian Cloud results in these main benefits:
Cost Savings
Atlassian Cloud eliminates the need for on-prem infrastructure maintenance. Additionally, it reduces IT overhead and administrative costs. Furthermore, it offers scalable pricing to fit business needs.
Increased Productivity
Atlassian Cloud streamlines workflows with cloud-native automation. It also enables seamless integration across Atlassian products and third-party tools. This helps provides accessibility from anywhere, improving remote collaboration.
Improved Efficiency
Moving to Atlassian Cloud standardizes processes across teams. The cloud also enhances security and compliance with built-in cloud governance. Its high availability and disaster recovery options reduce downtime that would otherwise occur with Data Center or Server.
How Migration Transforms Businesses
Improved efficiency and costs aren’t the only changes that come from Atlassian Cloud. When organizations use a cloud migration as a transformation opportunity, they can achieve the following adaptations to their workflow:
Future-Proofing IT Investments
- Atlassian Cloud continuously evolves with regular updates and new features.
- Eliminates the need for costly on-prem upgrades and maintenance.
Aligning IT with Business Strategy
- IT objectives can be better integrated with overall business goals.
- Enables cross-functional teams to collaborate effectively using cloud-based tools.
Enhancing Agility and Innovation
- Teams can iterate faster with real-time collaboration tools.
- Cloud automation reduces manual work and allows employees to focus on value-driven tasks.
Boosting Employee Experience
- Intuitive interfaces and enhanced integrations reduce friction in daily workflows.
- Employees have access to self-service resources, reducing reliance on IT support.
Strengthening Security and Compliance
- Cloud-based identity and access management improve security.
- Compliance frameworks such as SOC2, GDPR, and ISO 27001 are built-in.
Ready to Transform Your Business with Atlassian Cloud?
Atlassian Cloud migration is not just about moving data but transforming the way your business operates. By approaching migration with a clear vision, well-defined success metrics, and a strategic implementation plan, companies can unlock the full potential of cloud-based tools. Instead of limiting their capabilities, businesses should embrace the advanced features that come with Atlassian Cloud, ensuring they’re getting the most out of their investment. If you are ready to start your Atlassian Cloud migration journey, contact our experts today to discover how we can help.
