Unlocking A Successful Cloud Migration for Professional Services Firms

Bryce Wolf, the Director of Strategic Growth at Unit4, explains how professional services firms can prepare for successful cloud migration. This article originally appeared in Insight Jam, an enterprise IT community that enables human conversation on AI.

The foundation of any professional services firm is collaboration, where team members and project managers are working from around the world to complete projects. Their inputs, ideas, and systems must integrate seamlessly and in real-time to meet client expectations. This requires cloud technology that provides each member of a team access to the same data and applications from any location in the world at any time.

However, according to a 2023 PAC report, 79 percent of professional services firms still rely heavily on legacy systems. This figure has increased from 71 percent the previous year, showing that professional services firms are not adopting the necessary technology to drive innovation or give them a competitive edge. With over 910,000 professional services firms in the U.S., most of which are small businesses, these firms will only continue to fall behind if they do not modernize their technology infrastructure.

What Firms Need to Know for a Successful Cloud Migration 

Migrating to the cloud may not be as simple as pressing a button, but it can be made easier if professional services firms consider the tips below before starting the process.

Data Integrity 

Data is crucial to cloud migration because it forms the foundation upon which all digital operations and services are built. It is the backbone of all firms. Ensuring that critical information is securely migrated without loss or corruption is essential for all current, past, and future projects, so firms need to have internal protocols in place to safeguard this sensitive data.

Moreover, operating in the cloud enables advanced data analytics, real-time processing, and collaboration, making data a strategic asset for innovation and decision-making. But without properly managing this data, cloud migration efforts can fail, leading to security risks, performance issues and missed opportunities for digital transformation.

Change Management 

Switching to cloud-based systems is a significant change for employees who are accustomed to working with traditional software. Without proper training and support, employees may struggle to adapt and fail to maximize all the benefits of cloud technology. A strong change management strategy that includes employee training and resources regarding new technology is needed to ensure a smooth transition for all members of a team. Keeping the door open for clear communication is key to setting teams up for success, and this change management process should be enacted before cloud migration begins so employees are not overwhelmed once the new technology is implemented.

In fact, firms that invest in effective change management during cloud transitions see faster and more successful adoption of new technologies. Without it, employees may fail to understand the new processes and revert to their old ones, wasting the true value of cloud technology.

Compliance Standards 

The importance of considering compliance standards when transitioning to the cloud cannot be overstated. These standards ensure that all professional services firms meet legal, regulatory, and industry-specific requirements. Adhering to these standards helps these firms protect sensitive information, such as personal data or financial records, while also mitigating risks like data breaches, privacy violations, and legal penalties.

During the cloud migration process, data might cross various geographic regions, each with its own set of regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA), making it essential to follow compliance guidelines. Properly aligning with these standards ahead of the transition also fosters trust with clients and stakeholders, ensuring that their data is handled responsibly and securely in the cloud environment. Non-compliance can result in costly fines, reputational damage, and even operational setbacks.

Scalability

It’s important to remember that what may suit a firm’s processes now can become obsolete in today’s rapidly changing environment. So, when looking at what cloud technology a firm will need, avoid purchasing a platform that is over-engineered, complicated to install and maintain, and would better suit a larger enterprise. This will result in a platform that is excessive and costly in the long run and likely to overwhelm users with too many unnecessary features—to the point where they become disillusioned with the solution.

Professional services firms should instead focus their sights on a scalable solution that is capable of growing with their small business. It should allow employees to develop and extend processes as they see fit while also eliminating the processes that the firm may outgrow. By choosing a cloud solution that is the right fit for not only their specific industry but also a small to mid-size enterprise, these firms will unlock a new level of adaptability and resilience.

It’s Time To Start

Cloud migration is essential for professional services firms looking to maintain their competitive edge. However, the move to the cloud must be carefully planned, with a focus on maintaining data integrity, effective change management, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and purchasing a cloud solution focused on scalability instead of all the bells and whistles. By keeping these key tips in mind while embarking on a transition to the cloud, professional services firms can reap the benefits of cloud technology, including better collaboration, cost savings, and increased innovation.