10-Point Checklist for Moving to the Cloud

This guide presents a 10-point checklist for organizations planning to transition to cloud computing. It begins by emphasizing the importance of establishing clear goals and objectives for the cloud migration project. The guide outlines the necessity of assessing third-party software vendor support and the cloud readiness of critical business applications. A performance analysis of current on-premises infrastructure is recommended to evaluate available cloud options based on project performance and cost. The document details various cloud deployment models, including public, private, hybrid, and hosted, highlighting their respective benefits and considerations. It also stresses the significance of understanding service level agreements (SLAs), recovery time objectives (RTO), and recovery point objectives (RPO) to ensure business continuity. Additionally, the guide advises on reviewing ERP licensing models and ensuring operating system compatibility with IBM’s support lifecycle. Finally, it underscores the need for a defined exit strategy and adherence to regulatory compliance to safeguard data and operations during the transition.