For small and medium enterprises (SMEs), cloud migration can bring agility, scalability, and cost savings — but only if it’s done with the right planning. A rushed migration often causes downtime, security gaps, or cost overruns. Here’s a practical checklist to ensure your journey to the cloud is smooth and successful.

1. Assess Your Current Infrastructure

Start by listing all your applications, databases, and servers. Identify which ones are cloud-ready and which need modernization.

• Check dependencies between systems.

• Note compliance or data security constraints.

• Evaluate current costs and performance.

2. Define Your Migration Strategy

Choose the right approach for each workload:

• Rehost (Lift & Shift): Move as-is for quick wins.

• Replatform: Make minimal changes to optimize.

• Refactor: Redesign to leverage cloud-native features.

3. Choose the Right Cloud Provider

Evaluate AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud based on:

• Regional presence and compliance.

• Pricing structure and support model.

• Existing ecosystem compatibility.

4. Plan Data Migration and Backup

Back up everything before moving. Decide on migration tools like AWS DMS or Azure Migrate. Always test recovery points.

5. Set Up Monitoring and Cost Controls

Post-migration, monitor your workloads for performance, availability, and costs. Use dashboards and alerts to detect anomalies.

loud migration isn’t just a technical shift — it’s a business strategy. With careful planning and expert guidance, SMEs can reduce costs, boost agility, and future-proof their operations.

Need help migrating securely? Contact Wiselink Global’s Cloud Team for a free readiness check.