The cloud is undoubtedly one of the most talked-about technologies today and for good reason. Migrating your business’s critical functions, such as your unified communications (UC) systems, to the cloud can improve your company’s agility, efficiency, security, and resiliency. Migration, however, does come with its share of risks which you can minimize with careful and comprehensive planning. Here are tips to follow when migrating your UC systems to the cloud.
Opt for a gradual transition
Migrating UC to the cloud doesn’t have to be accomplished in one big move; it can be done gradually. You can move UC for departments that will benefit from it. On the other hand, those with no pressing need for a cloud-based UC, such as a company’s call center, can keep using on-premises systems. This way, users can ease their way into the new system without experiencing network disruptions, which may lead to hampered productivity.
Secure sufficient bandwidth
Issues with speed and performance will inevitably arise, so make sure to cover all the bases before migration. That means securing a reliable internet service provider (ISP), checking the stability of your internal network, and having a plan B. This is a critical point to ponder if you have operations in locations where unstable or slow networks could pose serious problems. Determine the level of bandwidth your entire business needs, and get it from an ISP that can deliver.
Test, test, test
Transitioning UC to the cloud may appear seamless, but there may be a few unexpected kinks that need ironing out long after the migration is declared a success. To soften potentially costly and time-consuming impacts, test the systems throughout the duration of the migration. Whether you’re trying out voice, data, or video, conduct tests, set benchmarks for performance, and predict future usage patterns.
Go live and act on identified problem points
After going live with your cloud UC, consider the overall user experience and availability of support for devices, applications, and other components. Are persistent connectivity issues going to cause trouble during conference calls? This and other issues may prove detrimental in the long run so keep them in mind when deciding whether to keep, enhance, or discontinue a cloud-based UC. Your new UC should reduce headaches, not exacerbate them.
Constantly monitor performance and quality
Don’t be surprised if you encounter a few issues even after extensive testing. Migrating to the cloud requires planning and a sustainable strategy, whether your organization is dependent on instant messaging, voice conferencing, or video calling. There’s also a good chance that you will be working with several vendors, so always demand the best service.
Having your UC moved to the cloud may seem like a daunting task. But with our cloud technology and VoIP know-how, we’ll make sure it’s an easy process. Contact us today for advice.
