In our previous post, Multiple Paths to Cloud: Migrating Legacy Applications, we explored options that allow you to develop, deploy, and manage new applications on cloud but still continue using your existing data center. Next, we’ll provide guidance on planning and preparing your organization for successful cloud adoption.
Part 1 highlights the importance of creating a transformation roadmap. This strategic element serves as the North Star for your cloud adoption objectives, which will guide your organization to achieve its desired business outcomes.
Getting Started with Application Modernization
While there are multiple paths to cloud adoption, it may be difficult to choose a starting point. We’ve helped numerous clients identify the right emerging technologies for your applications and address the barriers presented by legacy systems. This will require operational changes in your IT organization, including cloud migration, cloud infrastructure transformation, and database migration, to name a few.
“By 2023, enterprise spending on cloud services and infrastructure will be more than $500 billion. Adopting the cloud is no longer primarily about economics and agility – it is becoming enterprises’ most critical and dependable source of sustained technology innovation.” (IDC)
Gain insight into similar companies’ business goals for application modernization. Take this quick survey to see how you compare.
Develop a Transformation Roadmap
A transformation roadmap is essential for achieving cloud adoption goals and getting your company from point A to point B. These roadmaps address a number of areas such as digital business strategy, technical architecture, and IT staff and process maturity.
For cloud adoption, a transformation roadmap typically includes:
- Your organization’s goals and barriers
- Journey maps for your customer experience
- Assessment and inventory of your technology
- Gap analysis and recommendations
- IT goals (e.g., cloud first, agile, DevOps)
- Technology options and reference architecture
- Application portfolio rationalization and migration options (e.g., build versus buy)
- Budgets, benefits, and timelines
- Change and communication plans
- Program governance (e.g., organization, roles and responsibilities, dashboard KPIs, accountability)
- Digital products and marketplace offerings
- Program execution in the context of goals (e.g., agility, innovation, DevOps)
The finished roadmap should show an evolution of your application landscape as your organization transitions from current state (legacy) to future state (modernized). The roadmap should also highlight business and technical outcomes along the way.
Additionally, the future state should consider long-term technical trends and feasibility as well as business considerations for digital product offerings and revenue streams. You must execute a cloud adoption strategy within the context of budgets and timelines, preferably with business value delivered along the way.
To learn more, you can download our entire guide here or below.
