When companies embark on their cloud journey, many think of it primarily as a task of shifting workloads from on-premises infrastructure to the cloud. For many organizations, this often results in a tactical approach to migration, where workloads are moved one at a time without a broader, long-term vision. This step-by-step, or “lift and shift” strategy, may seem pragmatic at the moment, but it overlooks a more holistic and strategic approach to cloud optimization.
Without a comprehensive plan, what starts as careful scheduling can quickly turn into reactive problem-solving. A successful cloud strategy extends beyond a migration timeline, addressing critical aspects such as service management, cost optimization, and leveraging the full potential of the cloud ecosystem.
The Pitfall of Single-Workload Migrations
One of the common pitfalls in AWS migrations is focusing solely on individual workloads. Teams often move one application or service at a time, creating silos where different departments manage their workloads independently. This piecemeal approach can lead to inefficiencies, redundant services, and unexpected costs as time goes on.
Instead of a workload-at-a-time migration, an effective cloud strategy should prioritize long-term scalability and optimization. Organizations can create a roadmap that fosters growth and operational efficiency by aligning on key goals from the outset—such as identifying which workloads benefit from a cloud-native architecture or managed services.
SaaS Solutions and the AWS Marketplace
An early decision in the cloud journey is whether to move certain SaaS solutions to the AWS Marketplace. By doing so, organizations can take advantage of pre-configured SaaS applications that simplify procurement, improve integration with existing AWS services, and potentially lower licensing costs. Centralizing services through AWS also streamlines the procurement process and consolidates billing, eliminating the complexity of managing multiple vendor contracts.
For organizations already committed to AWS, utilizing the AWS Marketplace offers deeper integration with cloud services, boosting operational efficiency and security. Additionally, purchases made through the Marketplace can contribute to an organization’s AWS spend, helping it reach key thresholds for benefits like Private Pricing Agreements (PPA).
When to Negotiate a Private Pricing Agreement (PPA)
Recognizing the right time to negotiate a Private Pricing Agreement (PPA) is crucial for organizations with significant AWS usage. These agreements allow for custom terms and discounts based on the organization’s projected cloud consumption. However, determining the right moment to initiate these discussions is vital.
Proactive planning is essential rather than waiting for AWS costs to reach a specific threshold. A well-defined cloud strategy allows organizations to forecast AWS usage and identify when to negotiate favorable terms. The focus should be optimizing cloud spending throughout the journey, not just reaching the PPA threshold.
The Role of FinOps in Cloud Strategy
A critical yet often overlooked element of any cloud strategy is financial operations (FinOps). FinOps ensures accountability in cloud spending, helping organizations manage their variable costs effectively and maximize the value derived from the cloud.
FinOps should be embedded in the cloud strategy from day one. The goal isn’t simply to hit a spend level for a PPA but to ensure costs are optimized throughout the cloud journey. By monitoring usage, rightsizing resources, and eliminating waste, FinOps helps organizations avoid unnecessary expenses while maintaining flexibility. Starting with a strong FinOps practice ensures cost efficiency at every stage of the cloud transformation.
Moving Beyond Migration: Achieving Long-Term Cloud Success
A robust cloud strategy extends far beyond a simple migration schedule. It requires strategic planning for SaaS procurement through the AWS Marketplace, proactive negotiations for Private Pricing Agreements, and incorporating FinOps from the start to manage costs effectively. Organizations can optimize their cloud investments and ensure smooth transitions by embracing a comprehensive, long-term view.
A holistic approach to cloud strategy unlocks greater efficiency, scalability, and financial control, empowering businesses to fully realize the benefits of cloud transformation.
Ready to build a cloud strategy that goes beyond migration? Contact InterVision to explore how our cloud services can help your organization achieve its full potential.
