Cloud migration is the process of moving systems, applications and data from on-premises infrastructure, physical servers a business owns and maintains itself, to cloud-hosted platforms such as Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365 or cloud-based ERP systems like Business Central. It removes the cost and risk of maintaining physical hardware while typically improving accessibility, scalability and built-in resilience.
How cloud migration works
Cloud migration typically starts with assessing existing systems and data to determine the right migration approach for each, whether that means moving an application as-is, replacing it with a cloud-native equivalent, or retiring it altogether. Data is then migrated, systems are configured and tested in the cloud environment, and a cutover is planned to minimise business disruption. Many migrations take a phased approach, prioritising lower-risk or higher-value systems first rather than moving everything simultaneously.
Cloud migration in practice for UK businesses
- A business migrates from an on-premises email server to Exchange Online within Microsoft 365, removing the cost and risk of maintaining physical mail server infrastructure.
- A company replaces an ageing on-premises ERP system with cloud-based Business Central, gaining automatic updates and remote accessibility.
- A business migrates file storage from local servers to SharePoint and OneDrive, improving accessibility for hybrid working staff.
- A company hosts a custom application on Microsoft Azure rather than maintaining its own server, reducing infrastructure management overhead.
How Advantage manages cloud migration
Advantage plans and delivers cloud migration projects for UK SMEs, covering Microsoft 365, Business Central and Azure infrastructure, with careful attention to data integrity and minimising business disruption during cutover. Find out more about our infrastructure and Azure services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between cloud migration and digital transformation?
Cloud migration specifically refers to moving systems, applications and data from on-premises infrastructure to cloud-hosted alternatives. Digital transformation is broader, potentially including cloud migration as one component alongside process change, automation and other technology-driven business change.
Is cloud migration always a single, one-off project?
Not necessarily. While some businesses migrate everything at once, many take a phased approach, moving systems to the cloud incrementally over time based on priority, risk and readiness, rather than a single big-bang cutover.
What are the main risks to manage during cloud migration?
Common risks include data loss or corruption during migration, unexpected downtime affecting business operations, and underestimating the change management needed for staff to adopt new ways of working. A well-planned migration addresses each of these through careful planning, testing and communication.
