Cloud-First:
7 tips for the optimal cloud stack
Nowadays, “cloud first” is one of, if not the leading IT strategy that is being adopted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through to large corporations. The key to the success of this strategy lies in the regular evaluation and adaptation of your own technology stack. This process is crucial for dealing with the various challenges. In this blog post, we present seven tips for the optimal cloud stack.
1. remove duplicate functions and software silos
New application here, old database there – software proliferation is a common problem in companies and organizations. Be it applications with overlapping functions or those that are not strategically integrated: this is what makes the cloud stack susceptible to errors or, in the worst case, even downtimes. A regular review of your own cloud stack helps you to retain only those applications that support your strategic goals and deliver a real return on investment. Regular checks, e.g. for new implementations, updates or scaling, ensure that the efficiency of IT environments can be increased. IT decision-makers should therefore regularly carry out a “digital spring clean” to remove duplicate functions and software silos.
2. ensure easy maintenance and configuration
Maintaining on-premise systems can be very time-consuming and costly. These systems not only require regular physical maintenance, but also ongoing software updates and security patches, which are often manual and time-consuming. Cloud-based applications, on the other hand, offer standardized maintenance, integrated warning and security solutions as well as flexible configuration and integration options. This contributes to higher performance, security and availability and enables IT managers to react quickly to changing business conditions.
A cloud stack offers standardized maintenance routines and automated updates through its SaaS or IaaS models. Modern cloud services enable flexible configuration and seamless integration with other systems and APIs “ex works”, which increases the agility and scalability of the IT infrastructure. Cloud-based solutions also make it easier to adapt quickly to changing business conditions and market circumstances.
Features such as automatic scaling,load balancing and disaster recovery can be flexibly adapted, especially in the e-commerce sector, i.e. when an online store needs to grow quickly. A cloud-first approach therefore not only helps with maintenance and configuration, but also with making the IT infrastructure more efficient and responsive, which ultimately leads to an optimization of operational processes and a reduction in total cost of ownership.
3. use collaboration tools from the cloud
The importance of cloud-based collaboration tools has risen sharply and become indispensable for organizing collaboration across distances. Collaboration tools offer far more than just video conferencing functions; they include a wide range of functions for collaborative working, document management and project planning. Their integration into the cloud infrastructure enables features such as file sharing, real-time collaboration, cloud storage and advanced security options. They are highly scalable, adapt to the needs of growing teams and integrate seamlessly with other cloud services such as CRM systems and ERP software.
This in turn enables process automation and improved data analysis (tip: gridscale whitepaper on the cloud mindset in SMEs). Modern functions such as AI-supported meeting summaries and translation services support global collaboration, while adherence to data protection standards such as the GDPR facilitates compliance management. These cloud collaboration tools will continue to be a central component of the IT stack in the future, as they play a key role in supporting hybrid working models and promoting a digitally networked working culture, thereby significantly increasing productivity and employee satisfaction in companies. In short: collaboration tools simply belong in every professional cloud stack.
4. secure user experience from any location
For example, when medium-sized companies grow and open new locations or branches, the IT landscape must also be expanded. New application rollouts – as well as working from home – usually require new access for employees to work-related tools and systems. Depending on the sector, additional safety measures may then be necessary. Cloud-based IAM (Identity and Access Management) solutions offer IT administrators secure and simple authentication, making it easier to work at different locations and for remote workers.
Modern cloud-based IAM solutions integrate advanced security features such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), single sign-on (SSO) and adaptive authentication to control access to company resources at all times. By centrally managing user identities and access rights, they enable a seamless user experience and simplify access management while minimizing the risk of security breaches. These systems also support adherence to data protection and compliance requirements as stipulated by the GDPR (including for small companies).
5. prioritize the systems to be migrated
When migrating to the cloud or from one cloud to another, it is essential to set strategic priorities. Not all systems are equally suitable for a cloud environment. When planning a migration, the IT department should carry out a detailed analysis to decide which systems should or must be moved first based on daily operational requirements, the complexity of the migration and integration with downstream business systems.
Important points here are availability and performance requirements, compliance and security standards as well as compatibility with (other) cloud architectures. Critical business systems should always be prioritized. Legacy systems that require more extensive adaptations should be evaluated separately (tip: check necessary integrations). A step-by-step migration plan that incorporates best practices such as the lift-and-shift model for simple migrations or re-architecting for more complex applications can minimize the risk of failure and ensure continuous operability. The use of cloud management tools and DevOps methods is recommended here in order to optimize the migration process and create an efficient, scalable and secure cloud stack.
6. use know-how for the implementation of Cloud-First
Switching to a cloud-first strategy and checking your own cloud stack requires extensive specialist knowledge. Companies can decide to carry out a migration, cloud setup or cloud expansion themselves or call in external consultants and cloud experts. A few providers cloudify existing IT in the blink of an eye.
The gridscale Enterprise Cloud is a turnkey and fully operated self-service cloud that makes you cloud-ready in just a few hours. Such innovative platform solutions with a broad range of functions and applications (such as managed Kubernetes, S3 object storage or a cloud firewall) and flexible integration options support IT decision-makers in reassessing their technology portfolio and implementing a cloud-first strategy.
7. integration of edge computing into the cloud stack
The integration of edge computing into the cloud strategy enables companies to process data close to the data source in real time. Edge computing enables more efficient data processing and storage by combining devices and sensors with cloud-based AI and ML algorithms(gridscale blog post on edge AI). This increases responsiveness to market changes and operational efficiency. At the same time, the shift of data processing to the edge of the network poses new challenges for the cloud stack.
The physical and cyber security of edge devices, including secure data transmission and robust authentication mechanisms, is crucial here and must be mapped in the IT landscape. Technologies such as TLS encryption, VPNs, biometric procedures and multi-factor authentication (MFA) are essential to ensure data integrity and prevent unauthorized access. By incorporating edge computing into the cloud-first approach, companies can benefit from the advantages of both technologies – the scalability and flexibility of the cloud and the speed and efficiency of edge computing. This results in a comprehensive and powerful IT stack that effectively supports modern business requirements.