Chukwuka Onwubolu on blitzscaling startups to success with cloud migration — Lessons, cues and clues

by Grace Akinosun March 25, 2023

In today’s digital landscape, cloud computing is the unseen powerhouse driving many online interactions. SMEs and startups are moving applications and data from their on-premises servers to the servers of public cloud providers, or between different cloud environments to scale their operations efficiently and cost-effectively.

Instead of managing physical infrastructure, they can focus on their core services and benefit from the flexibility and scalability that cloud platforms offer. To shed light on the intricacies and lessons of cloud migration, we engaged Chukwuka Onwubolu one sunny afternoon. As the CEO and Founder of Chon Cloud Tech, a leader in cloud migration services, Onwubolu expounded on navigating the challenges and reaping the benefits of moving to the cloud.

smepeaks: Chukwuka, thank you for joining us Cloud computing has indeed transformed the business landscape. Can you give us a bit of history about how this all started?

Chukwuka Onwubolu: The major shift began in the 2000s with the launch of Amazon Web Services (AWS) in 2006, Microsoft Azure in 2008, and Google Cloud infrastructure in 2008. These platforms made high-powered computing resources accessible to businesses of all sizes, breaking down the barriers posed by traditional IT infrastructure. This democratisation empowered technology-enabled businesses and startups to innovate and grow without the massive upfront costs previously required.

smepeaks: What are some common challenges startups face when migrating to the cloud?

Onwubolu: There are several key challenges. Data security and compliance are major concerns. Startups must ensure that sensitive information is protected, which requires a robust risk management framework. Upfront pricing can also be daunting; while cloud services are cost-effective in the long run, the initial expenses and the pay-as-you-go model can create financial uncertainty. Additionally, many startups face a skills gap—they may lack the expertise to manage cloud environments effectively. Finally, compatibility issues, especially with legacy systems, can cause performance degradation after migration.

smepeaks: Please share some specific lessons learned from your experience with cloud migration projects?

Chukwuka Onwubolu: Sure. One critical lesson is the necessity of thorough and detailed planning. This involves setting clear objectives, timelines, resource requirements, and risk assessments. Another important lesson is the need for clear communication and collaboration among all parties involved—IT teams, business stakeholders, and cloud service providers. Security must also be a top priority from the outset, with regular audits and updates. Lastly, post-migration monitoring is vital to identify and address performance issues, optimise resources, and ensure scalability.

smepeaks: How can businesses manage the financial challenges associated with cloud migration?

Onwubolu: Businesses should utilise elastic computing services to scale resources based on their needs, which helps manage costs and efficiency. It’s also crucial to conduct a thorough cost analysis and planning before migration to avoid unexpected expenses. Automating processes using available tools can also reduce costs and enhance efficiency.

Also read: Cloud services have transformed businesses, but there’s a downside to every cloud

smepeaks: You mentioned the importance of adopting DevOps practices. Can you elaborate on that?

Chukwuka Onwubolu: Embracing DevOps methodologies is key to improving collaboration between development and operations teams. This approach fosters a culture of shared responsibility and open communication, which accelerates deployments and enhances the reliability of cloud infrastructure. It ensures that the cloud environment delivers consistent performance and remains resilient amidst changes.

smepeaks: Can you provide some examples of companies that have successfully navigated cloud migration?

Chukwuka Onwubolu: Absolutely. Netflix, for example, moved to AWS to scale its streaming services globally. They implemented robust security measures and continuous monitoring to maintain performance and protect user data. Capital One also migrated to AWS and has since focused heavily on enhancing their security posture, conducting regular audits, and compliance checks to prevent breaches.

Challenges in Transitioning to the Cloud

smepeaks: Let’s dive deeper into some of the challenges you mentioned earlier. Can you elaborate on the specific issues related to data security and compliance during cloud migration?

Chukwuka Onwubolu: Certainly. Data security and compliance are at the forefront of any cloud migration project. When migrating to the cloud, startups must ensure that their data is protected against unauthorised access and breaches. This involves implementing strong encryption methods, setting up secure access controls, and regularly auditing security protocols. Compliance is equally critical, especially for startups dealing with sensitive information like healthcare or financial data. They must adhere to regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS, which mandate specific security and privacy measures.

smepeaks: Upfront pricing is another major concern. How can startups manage the financial aspects effectively?

Chukwuka Onwubolu: The initial costs associated with cloud migration can indeed be challenging. Startups need to conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis to understand the long-term savings versus the upfront investment. Utilising the pay-as-you-go model can help manage costs by allowing startups to pay only for the resources they use. Additionally, taking advantage of cloud provider discounts and incentives for startups can significantly reduce costs. Planning and budgeting are essential to avoid unexpected expenses and ensure migration aligns with the startup’s financial strategy.

smepeaks: You mentioned a skills gap in managing cloud environments. How can startups address this issue?

Chukwuka Onwubolu: The skills gap is a significant challenge for many startups. To address this, startups should invest in training and development for their IT staff. This can include obtaining certifications from cloud providers, attending workshops, and leveraging online courses. Additionally, startups can consider hiring experienced cloud professionals or consulting with third-party experts to guide the migration process. Building a knowledgeable team is crucial for effectively managing and optimizing cloud environments.

smepeaks: Compatibility issues, especially with legacy systems can hinder cloud migration. What strategies can startups employ to overcome these challenges?

Chukwuka Onwubolu: Legacy systems often present compatibility issues during cloud migration. Startups should conduct a comprehensive assessment of their existing infrastructure to identify potential problems. This includes evaluating which applications are suitable for the cloud and which may need to remain on-premises. In some cases, re-architecting or refactoring applications may be necessary to ensure compatibility and optimal performance in the cloud. Employing hybrid cloud solutions, where some services remain on-premises while others move to the cloud, can also be an effective strategy.

Lessons Learned and Best Practices

smepeaks: You’ve highlighted some key lessons learned from your cloud migration projects. Let’s delve deeper into these. What does in-depth planning involve?

Chukwuka Onwubolu: Thorough planning is essential for successful cloud migration. This involves setting clear objectives for what the migration aims to achieve, such as improved scalability, cost savings, or enhanced security. A well-defined timeline with milestones helps keep the project on track. Identifying all necessary resources, from personnel to technological tools, ensures that nothing is overlooked. Risk assessment is also critical—anticipating potential challenges and developing strategies to mitigate them can prevent disruptions. A phased approach to migration, starting with less critical applications, allows for adjustments and learning before moving to more vital systems.

smepeaks: Communication and collaboration seem vital. How do you ensure these elements are effectively managed?

Chukwuka Onwubolu: Effective communication and collaboration are indeed crucial. Regular meetings and updates ensure that everyone involved, from IT teams to business stakeholders, is on the same page. Clear documentation of processes, goals, and changes helps maintain transparency. Utilizing collaborative tools, such as project management software, can streamline communication and track progress. It’s also important to foster a culture of openness where team members feel comfortable sharing concerns and suggestions. This collaborative environment not only aids in the migration process but also strengthens the team’s ability to handle future projects.

smepeaks: Security is a top priority in cloud migration. What specific measures should startups implement?

Chukwuka Onwubolu: Security should be integrated into every phase of the cloud migration. Startups should implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) to secure access to cloud services. Encryption of data both at rest and in transit is crucial to protect sensitive information. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments help identify and address potential risks. It’s also important to stay updated with the latest security patches and updates from cloud providers. Educating employees about security best practices and potential threats, such as phishing, is another key aspect of a robust security strategy.

smepeaks: You emphasised the importance of post-migration monitoring. What does this entail?

Chukwuka Onwubolu: Post-migration monitoring involves continuously overseeing the cloud environment to ensure everything operates smoothly. This includes tracking performance metrics, such as response times and resource utilisation, to identify and resolve bottlenecks. Regularly reviewing security logs and alerts help detect and respond to potential threats. Startups should also monitor costs to stay within budget and optimise resource usage. Continuous improvement based on monitoring insights ensures that the cloud infrastructure remains efficient, scalable, and secure.

Practical advice for startups

smepeaks: Based on your experience, what practical advice would you give startups and SMEs beginning their cloud migration journey?

Chukwuka Onwubolu: My advice would be to start small and scale gradually. Begin with non-critical applications to gain experience and confidence before migrating core systems. Leverage automation tools to streamline processes and reduce manual errors. Adopt DevOps practices to enhance collaboration and accelerate deployments. Ensure that security is a priority from day one, with regular audits and updates.

Lastly, continuously monitor your cloud environment and be prepared to make adjustments based on performance and cost data. By following these best practices, startups can successfully navigate the complexities of cloud migration and harness its full potential for growth and innovation.

smepeaks:Thank you, Chukwuka. This has been incredibly insightful.

Chukwuka Onwubolu: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure sharing these insights.

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