Insights from BBD
Cloud computing has emerged as a transformative technology for the public sector, enabling organisations to enhance efficiency, scalability and cost effectiveness.
However, certain misconceptions continue to hinder cloud adoption in this sector – so it’s time we debunk some of these myths! As an international software solutions company working in the public sector in multiple regions, BBD has some alternative views for you to consider.
Myth #1: Moving to the cloud requires a massive transformation
Contrary to popular belief, moving to the cloud does not require a massive, all-or-nothing transformation. A survey conducted by Flexera revealed that 58% of organisations adopt a hybrid cloud strategy, leveraging both on-premises and cloud infrastructure, allowing for a phased migration approach. Further data from Gartner shows that by 2024, 75% of organisations will have deployed a hybrid cloud model, indicating a growing trend of gradual cloud adoption rather than a massive transformation.
Liesl Bebb-McKay, BBD Europe business development director, says, “At BBD, we understand that each organisation’s cloud journey is unique, and a phased approach can be highly effective. By prioritising workloads and applications, organisations can gradually migrate to the cloud while minimising disruption and ensuring a smooth transition. This allows for flexibility in managing resources, timelines, and budgets, and also builds skills in the cloud domain.”
Myth #2: Legacy systems make cloud migration impossible and very expensive
Although legacy systems often raise concerns about their compatibility with cloud environments, a study by Deloitte found that 77% of organisations have at least one application or a portion of their infrastructure in the cloud, indicating successful integration of legacy systems.
BBD believes that legacy systems should not be perceived as insurmountable obstacles. With proper planning and a well-defined strategy, legacy systems can be effectively modernised and integrated with cloud platforms. By leveraging technologies such as containerisation, microservices and application programming interfaces (APIs), public sector organisations can either gradually migrate their legacy applications to the cloud, achieving improved performance, scalability, and cost-efficiency, or create modern infrastructural solutions to work around legacy impacts.
Myth #3: Public sector organisations can move to the cloud with in-house resources
While having in-house resources can be valuable, it is important to recognise that cloud migration often requires specialised skills and expertise. Not all organisations have the necessary in-house capabilities to execute a seamless cloud migration, especially since different expert skills are required at each phase of a cloud journey. Partnering with a trusted cloud service provider or engaging with the right experts can significantly alleviate the burden and ensure a successful transition at a much more rapid pace. Bebb-McKay says, “Having vast experience with migrations of all different shapes and sizes, as well as being certified as an AWS Migration partner, BBD’s expert team can provide the guidance, support and knowledge transfer to empower public sector organisations throughout the migration process and ensure that the skills match the phase of the cloud transformation.”
And the data backs this up: a study by 451 Research revealed that organisations leveraging external cloud migration services experienced 2.3 times faster cloud adoption rates compared to those relying solely on internal resources.
Myth #4: Outsourcing is super risky
Although aspects of cloud migration can indeed introduce certain risks if not approached carefully, a survey by Harvard Business Review Analytic Services showed that 80% of organisations believe partnering with external experts and service providers enhances their ability to manage cloud-related risks effectively.
It is essential to distinguish between strategic partnerships and indiscriminate outsourcing. By partnering with reputable cloud service providers like BBD, public sector organisations can tap into expertise, industry best practices, and cutting-edge technologies and strategies. Collaborative partnerships ensure that security, compliance and governance requirements are addressed while mitigating risks and promoting successful cloud adoption in the public sector. Werner de Jager, BBD managed cloud services executive, says, “We are fortunate to have exposure to client migrations in a variety of industries and stages of their journeys. Although no two migrations are the same, the strategies and technologies used tend to be repeatable. Through our continuous in-house R&D and from actual migrations, we have built a hardened migration artillery that allows us to identify and respond to challenges at a rapid pace which would be impossible without experience.”
Myth #5: Moving to the cloud is cheap
“While cloud adoption can lead to significant cost savings over time, it is crucial to dispel the notion that moving to the cloud is inherently cheap. The costs associated with cloud migration include initial investments in infrastructure, training and data migration,” says Bebb-McKay. Additionally, organisations must consider ongoing operational expenses, such as subscription fees, maintenance and data transfer costs. However, when properly planned and executed, the cloud offers long-term cost optimisation opportunities, scalability benefits, and enhanced operational efficiency. De Jager reiterates, “The inherent benefits of the cloud often aren’t in numbers. The operational benefits often far outweigh cost for businesses who migrate, but cost savings can be achieved when leveraging cloud-native technologies and different commercial models. Migration partners also have access to funding to alleviate the initial migration costs. Organisations who move for cost are often disappointed in the cloud and migrate away; whereas, organisations who move for operation benefits and factor in the intangible costs have a much higher overall satisfaction.”
BBD hopes that by debunking these myths they’ve helped move you closer toward unlocking the true potential of cloud migration in the public sector. By adopting a tailored approach, addressing legacy system challenges, seeking external expertise, managing risks effectively, and considering the full spectrum of costs, public sector organisations can confidently embark on their cloud migration journey. The cloud promises improved agility, enhanced collaboration, and cost optimisation, enabling the public sector to better serve customers and achieve their digital transformation goals.
Is your business looking to unlock the transformative power of cloud migration in the public sector? Don’t let myths and misconceptions hold you back. Fill out this form for a free 30-minute consultation with one of BBD’s cloud experts. Together, we can address legacy system challenges, manage risks effectively, and optimise costs while achieving your business’s digital transformation goals to embrace the cloud and revolutionise the way you serve citizens.
Learn more about BBD’s cloud services here.
