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Cloud Adoption Framework
What is the Cloud Adoption Framework?
The Cloud Adoption Framework (CAF) is a collection of best practices, documentation, implementation tips, and tools that are designed to expedite the process of adopting cloud technology.
When businesses are trying to determine their cloud readiness, how it might benefit their organization, and what best practices they should employ to make the most of cloud computing, a cloud adoption framework serves as a valuable resource to formulate a well-defined strategy.
Why is the Cloud Adoption Framework Important?
A cloud adoption framework is important because it serves as a guiding compass, helping organizations navigate the complexities of the cloud landscape and reap the full benefits of cloud technology. Using a CAF can help organizations decide how, and in what capacity, to add cloud computing to their systems. The plan should be treated as a living document that updates as cloud computing trends change, making it perpetually useful if it is kept current.
What Are the Six Stages or Perspectives of the Cloud Adoption Framework?
Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS) offer comprehensive, vendor-specific cloud adoption frameworks, each consisting of six essential components. These components serve as the foundational building blocks for successful cloud adoption and transformation, encompassing various aspects from strategy and governance to architecture and operations.
The stages and perspectives within each framework provide a structured approach for organizations to navigate their cloud journey efficiently, ensuring that key considerations related to cost management, security, compliance, and scalability are addressed throughout the cloud adoption process.
Microsoft Azure
Azure’s cloud adoption framework serves as a roadmap for organizations embarking on their cloud journey, offering invaluable guidance for the technical aspects of preparation. This framework is structured around six distinct stages, each designed to facilitate a step-by-step progression toward cloud readiness and successful adoption. The six stages of the framework are:
- Strategy: Creating motives, identifying expected outcomes, and developing business justification.
- Plan: Complete readiness assessments and defining scopes.
- Ready: Set up cloud environment, compliance, and security.
- Adopt: Implementation and cloud migration, as well as application modernization.
- Govern: Management of governance and compliance.
- Manage: Establishing and launching operational procedures, cost management, and performance optimization.
AWS
Rather than focusing on technical aspects, the AWS cloud adoption framework focuses on aligning cloud strategies with overarching business objectives, budgetary considerations, and value realization. The following six perspectives serve as essential focal points, guiding organizations through a holistic and goal-oriented cloud adoption process:
- Business: Places a strong emphasis on the alignment of cloud adoption with key business objectives, budget management, and the realization of value.
- People: Focuses on the transformation of roles, organizational structure, and how to help the organization’s culture adapt throughout the cloud adoption journey.
- Governance: Addresses how to manage compliance, risk mitigation, and the allocation of resources.
- Platform: Examines architecture, infrastructure, and the configuration of the cloud environment.
- Security: Concentrates on identity management, data protection, and compliance measures.
- Operations: Addresses automation, cloud monitoring, and incident response.
The Benefits of a Cloud Adoption Framework
Organizations that embrace a CAF, whether it’s from AWS or Azure, can gain a better understanding of the benefits that cloud computing will bring to their business. By following either framework, businesses can gain a comprehensive understanding of the technical, operational, and business aspects of cloud adoption. This enables them to align their cloud strategies with their unique goals and budgetary considerations while ensuring compliance, security, and optimal resource allocation. Additionally, they emerge from the process with a more refined blueprint for successfully migrating to the cloud and ongoing management, fostering agility, scalability, and efficiency in their operations.
How TierPoint Can Help With Cloud Adoption
Feeling ready for the cloud? Looking for more help with building a cloud adoption strategy? At TierPoint, our team adheres to AWS and Azure’s CAFs throughout the cloud migration process. Contact us to learn about our cloud readiness assessment service if you’re looking to get the most out of the cloud.
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