My top tips for successfully executing an enterprise-wide Cloud program 1/2

Written by Ash Shah

These top tips, based on my experience and lessons learned, are my personal view of how to successfully implement an enterprise-wide Cloud program.

Over the last year, I’ve been leading AXA’s Move to the Cloud program which is driven by a hybrid Cloud strategy that encompasses both public and private Clouds and relies on all the major vendors — AWS, IBM, Azure, Redhat and Google Cloud. AXA has invested several hundred million euros in this multi-year program. We’re migrating 30K+ servers and over 7000 applications that span 60+ countries.

1. First and most importantly, by default, migrating to the Cloud will not necessarily generate cost savings. In some cases, it can be a more expensive option than on premise servers. This may come as a surprise to many. While it’s certainly possible to reduce run costs with the Cloud it requires the successful set up of a FinOps operation to manage and monitor your public Cloud usage. In my opinion, cost savings should not be the only or main driver behind a migration to the Cloud, rather, added bonus if achieved.
2. Second, undertaking a lift and shift approach to the Cloud (that is, taking technology and servers you have ‘as is’ and simply putting them on a Cloud infrastructure), may be necessary if you have an immovable deadline (for example, the end of data centre lease or hardware support contract) but doing this as a core activity of your Cloud program is essentially ‘kicking the can down the road’ as these systems will require upgrading at some point in the future. Lifting and shifting also limits an enterprise’s ability to fully harness the power of the Cloud and the many available native services which leverage new technologies such as image recognition and artificial intelligence.
3. Third, running a Cloud program is complex. It utilises bleed-edge technologies that rely on skilled resources that are in high demand. So, it’s hard for an enterprise to have all the skills in house necessary for success. It becomes critical then that an enterprise teams up with the right partners — who can provide complementary or missing skills — and builds strong relationships with the Cloud providers to ensure they’re interested in and support the program. See my video for more information.
4. Fourth, a Cloud program is not a sprint that can be easily performed in a short period of time (unless you do a lift and shift — see point 2). It’s a marathon that can take years to successfully complete. Why? Because it’s not simply a question of migrating servers. It necessitates upskilling your organisation, introducing DevOps and agile working methodologies and new target operating models for the service delivery organisation and application teams. Constant change management, stakeholder engagement and team motivation are needed to keep the journey going.
5. Fifth, Cloud is the hype of today’s technology world, as were data and security in the last few years and CRM before that. The difference I see with Cloud is that, it’s likely to be here for the long haul as it has become part of the core fabric of the IT service delivery capability and will change the way your developers operate. It will become the new norm of IT rather than just a program. As security has become standard, I expect Cloud will too.
6. Sixth, when enterprise Cloud programs are executed, you end up in a position of hybrid Cloud in which some processes and data reside in legacy data centres (or a private Cloud), with links to processes and data residing in the public Cloud. This is complex to manage and control. Take time to reflect and decide. It’s possible that not everything is Cloud-ready or suitable for migration. The right sequencing is critical to minimise this complexity.
7. Finally, a common tip for any large program and one you’ve probably heard before — management buy-in and commitment is key. The AXA program is fortunate to have two strong stakeholders who have a keen interest and understanding of the topic Astrid Strange — Group COO and Marc Blottiere — Group CIO. This opens doors, fosters change within an enterprise and helps keep everyone focused.

I hope these tips can help you better execute your Cloud journey. See below for an interview I gave recently to Business Chief Magazine March 2019 with further details of AXA’s Move to the Cloud journey.