Replacing ageing servers, backing up to an external drive, being unable to reach files from home: many Belgian SMEs still run IT the old way. A well-planned cloud migration changes that. Instead of buying hardware, you rent servers, storage and software over the internet and pay for what you use. This guide covers the concrete benefits, the pitfalls and the steps for a smooth move.
What cloud migration actually means
Cloud migration means moving your applications, files and tools from machines you own to resources hosted in a provider's data centres. Hosted services come in three main models:
- IaaS (infrastructure): virtual servers and storage, for example on Microsoft Azure or AWS.
- PaaS (platform): a ready-made environment to host your applications and websites without managing the operating system.
- SaaS (software): tools you use straight in the browser, such as Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, a CRM or accounting software.
Most SMEs already combine several of these models, often without realising it. Hosting models also differ: a shared public infrastructure, a private environment reserved for your company, or a hybrid approach that keeps some systems on site. For most SMEs, the public option is enough. A hybrid set-up mainly makes sense for a production machine or legacy software that is hard to move.
The benefits for your business
More predictable costs
No more large investments in physical servers that need replacing at regular intervals. With a subscription, you pay for what you consume and turn capital expenditure into a monthly operating cost. As a result, cash flow improves and your IT budget becomes easier to read.
Capacity that follows your activity
A spike in orders before the holidays, or a marketing campaign? Resources scale up in a few clicks, then back down afterwards. You therefore no longer need to oversize your infrastructure “just in case”.
Your tools, available anywhere
Your teams reach their files and applications at the office, at home or at a customer's site. Moreover, real-time collaboration on a shared document replaces endless email attachments.
Professional-grade security
Major providers such as Microsoft, Amazon and Google devote considerable resources to the physical and software security of their data centres. After a cloud migration, your data therefore benefits from a level of protection that few SMEs could reach on their own.
Stronger backups and continuity
Hosted services include automatic backups and redundancy across several sites. If a breakdown, theft or fire hits your premises, you restore your data instead of losing everything.
Pitfalls to check before you move
- GDPR and data location: favour hosting within the European Union and sign a data processing agreement with the provider.
- Shared responsibility: the provider protects the infrastructure, but you remain responsible for accounts, passwords and access rights. Turn on multi-factor authentication everywhere.
- Cost control: forgotten resources keep costing money, so set up budget alerts from day one.
- Exit strategy: check how you can retrieve your data in a standard format if you change supplier.
- Internet connection: plan for a reliable line, ideally with a backup connection, because your tools depend on it.
Five questions to ask your provider
- In which country are the data centres that will hold our information?
- What availability commitment does the contract include, and what compensation applies after an outage?
- How often do backups run, and how do you test restores?
- Does support answer in French or Dutch, and how quickly?
- How do we get our data back if we end the contract?
Cloud migration in six key steps
- Audit what you have: servers, software, data and actual usage.
- Choose the provider and models: SaaS for office tools, IaaS or PaaS for business applications.
- Plan the move: order of services, maintenance windows and a rollback plan.
- Move step by step: start with a low-risk service such as email or file sharing.
- Train your teams: new tools, security habits and access management.
- Optimise continuously: right-size resources and remove what you no longer use.
Your cloud migration with Espero-Soft
Cloud migration is now affordable and profitable for companies of every size, provided you prepare the transition well. Espero-Soft supports you from the initial audit to ongoing optimisation, with a team based in Brussels. Explore our digital transformation services for SMEs or request an audit of your infrastructure.
