8-Step Approach to Securing a Major Cloud Transformation

Cloud transformation has become a cornerstone of innovation and operational efficiency for organizations of all sizes. By migrating their operations, data, and applications to the cloud, businesses can unlock numerous benefits, including enhanced scalability, cost efficiency, and improved collaboration.

The shift to cloud-based infrastructure allows companies to be more agile, adapt quickly to market changes, and take advantage of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and big data analytics. In essence, cloud transformation is no longer just a strategic choice—it is a fundamental requirement for staying competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

However, while the advantages of cloud transformation are significant, the journey is not without its challenges. Organizations face a variety of risks and obstacles that can derail their transformation efforts, ranging from technical complexities to cultural resistance. Migrating to the cloud involves rethinking legacy systems, retraining employees, and ensuring robust security measures are in place to protect sensitive data. Additionally, the process often requires a substantial investment of time and resources, making it essential for organizations to approach cloud transformation with a clear plan and strategy.

One of the most pressing concerns in cloud transformation is security. The move to cloud-based platforms can expose businesses to new vulnerabilities, including data breaches, misconfigurations, and compliance risks. Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated, and organizations must ensure that their cloud environments are fortified against these threats. Failure to prioritize security can lead to significant financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties. Thus, a well-thought-out, security-focused approach is critical to navigating the cloud transformation journey successfully.

Another key challenge is the complexity of the migration process itself. Organizations often have to contend with a sprawling IT infrastructure, outdated legacy systems, and interdependent applications, all of which make the transition to the cloud more difficult. Without a comprehensive understanding of their existing architecture, businesses risk disruptions, inefficiencies, and increased costs.

Furthermore, choosing the right cloud model—be it public, private, or hybrid—and selecting a reliable cloud provider can be daunting tasks, given the vast array of options available in the market.

Cultural and organizational change is another hurdle in cloud transformation. Employees may resist adopting new technologies, particularly if they lack the necessary training or perceive the changes as a threat to their roles. Effective change management is essential to ensure that all stakeholders are aligned with the transformation goals and understand the benefits of the move to the cloud. Leadership must foster a culture of collaboration and innovation to overcome resistance and drive success.

In addition, organizations must be mindful of the financial implications of cloud transformation. While the cloud promises cost savings in the long run, the initial investment can be substantial, especially if the migration is poorly planned or executed. Unanticipated costs, such as data egress fees, license renewals, or the need for specialized expertise, can quickly add up, straining budgets and delaying the realization of ROI.

To mitigate these risks, businesses must adopt a phased approach, prioritize workloads, and continuously monitor their cloud environments to optimize costs.

Despite these challenges, the rewards of cloud transformation far outweigh the risks when approached strategically. By embracing the cloud, organizations can drive innovation, improve customer experiences, and gain a competitive edge in their respective industries. However, achieving a successful transformation requires a structured, methodical approach that addresses both technical and non-technical aspects of the journey.

To help organizations navigate this complex process, we’ll explore an 8-step approach to secure a major cloud transformation. This framework provides a roadmap for success, enabling businesses to unlock the full potential of the cloud while minimizing risks and maximizing returns.

Step 1: Define Clear Objectives

The first step in securing a major cloud transformation is to define clear objectives that align with the organization’s overarching business strategy. Without well-defined goals, cloud migration can become a costly, time-consuming endeavor with uncertain outcomes. A clear understanding of why the transformation is needed and what it aims to achieve provides a roadmap for decision-making, ensuring the project stays focused, aligned with business priorities, and ultimately successful.

Aligning cloud transformation goals with the business strategy involves identifying the specific ways in which the cloud can support and enhance the organization’s mission, vision, and long-term objectives. For example, a company focused on improving customer experiences might prioritize cloud capabilities that enhance data analytics and personalization.

Similarly, an organization seeking to improve operational efficiency might leverage the cloud to automate processes, reduce costs, and increase scalability. By tying cloud transformation initiatives directly to business outcomes, organizations can ensure that their investment delivers tangible value.

Key questions to address during this step include:

1. Why is the transformation necessary?
   Understanding the primary drivers of cloud transformation is critical. Is the organization seeking to reduce costs, improve agility, scale operations, enhance security, or enable remote work? Clearly identifying the motivation behind the transition helps set the stage for focused decision-making.
2. What does success look like?
   Defining what success means for the cloud transformation is equally important. Success metrics might include specific KPIs such as cost savings, reduced downtime, improved application performance, faster deployment cycles, or enhanced customer satisfaction. By establishing measurable goals, organizations can track their progress and make data-driven decisions throughout the transformation journey.
3. What are the key priorities?
   Organizations often have competing demands and limited resources, so it’s essential to prioritize cloud transformation objectives. Which business units or processes will benefit most from the cloud? Which workloads should be migrated first? Having a clear set of priorities ensures resources are allocated effectively and critical goals are achieved.
4. How will the transformation impact stakeholders?
   Cloud transformation affects multiple stakeholders, including employees, customers, and partners. Understanding their needs and expectations is critical to aligning objectives with stakeholder interests. For instance, employees may require training to adapt to new tools, while customers may expect improved service reliability and faster response times.

Defining clear objectives also involves building a shared vision among all stakeholders. Leadership must clearly communicate the purpose and expected benefits of the transformation to secure buy-in from employees and other key players. When everyone understands the goals and their role in achieving them, the organization is better positioned to overcome resistance and drive collaboration.

Another critical aspect of defining objectives is conducting a readiness assessment. Before embarking on a cloud transformation, organizations need to evaluate their current capabilities and gaps. For instance, do they have the right talent, tools, and processes in place to manage cloud environments? Identifying gaps early on allows organizations to address them proactively, whether through training, hiring, or adopting new technologies.

Finally, it’s essential to establish a governance framework to guide the cloud transformation. This includes defining roles and responsibilities, setting policies for decision-making, and establishing mechanisms for monitoring progress. For example, appointing a cloud transformation leader or steering committee can help ensure accountability and maintain focus on the organization’s objectives.

When objectives are clearly defined and aligned with business strategy, organizations can approach cloud transformation with confidence and purpose. This clarity serves as a foundation for the remaining steps, providing a roadmap that ensures the transformation delivers the desired outcomes. By knowing why the transformation is needed, what success looks like, and how to prioritize efforts, organizations can maximize the benefits of cloud adoption while minimizing risks and inefficiencies.

Step 2: Assess Current Infrastructure

A critical step in any cloud transformation journey is assessing the organization’s current infrastructure. This process provides a clear understanding of the existing IT landscape, allowing organizations to identify potential challenges, streamline migration efforts, and align their infrastructure with the goals of the transformation.

Skipping or rushing this step can lead to unforeseen issues during migration, resulting in delays, cost overruns, or operational disruptions. A thorough assessment ensures that the transformation is built on a solid foundation.

Conducting an audit of existing IT systems and architecture is the first step in this assessment. This audit should encompass hardware, software, networks, storage systems, applications, and databases. The goal is to document what the organization currently has, how these systems interact, and their respective roles in daily operations. A complete inventory is essential for identifying which assets are suitable for migration, which need to be updated or replaced, and which can be retired.

One key focus during the audit is identifying legacy systems. Many organizations operate on outdated technologies that may not be compatible with cloud environments. Legacy systems can present significant challenges, such as difficulty in integrating with modern platforms, lack of scalability, and increased security risks. Deciding whether to rehost, refactor, or replace these systems is a crucial part of the cloud transformation strategy.

Understanding dependencies and interconnections between systems is another critical element of the assessment. Many applications rely on other systems to function, creating a web of interdependencies that must be carefully managed during migration. For example, a customer relationship management (CRM) system may rely on data from a central database, while analytics tools depend on multiple input sources. Mapping out these dependencies helps avoid disruptions during the migration process and ensures that critical systems remain operational.

During the infrastructure assessment, organizations must also evaluate their workloads to determine how they will behave in a cloud environment. Not all workloads are equally suited for the cloud. Some, such as static websites, are easy to migrate, while others, like high-performance computing applications, may require specialized solutions. Assessing workloads involves analyzing factors such as:

1. Performance requirements: Applications with high computational demands may need specific cloud configurations or infrastructure as a service (IaaS) solutions.
2. Data sensitivity: Workloads that handle sensitive data must be assessed for compliance and security requirements.
3. Scalability needs: Workloads with fluctuating demand, such as e-commerce platforms during peak seasons, may benefit most from the scalability of the cloud.
4. Technical feasibility: Certain workloads may require significant refactoring or modernization to function effectively in the cloud.

Identifying potential roadblocks is another key aspect of assessing the current infrastructure. These roadblocks may include outdated hardware, bandwidth limitations, or insufficient expertise within the organization. Addressing these challenges proactively ensures a smoother migration process. For example, organizations may need to upgrade their network infrastructure to support increased data transfer rates or invest in training programs to upskill their IT teams.

In addition to the technical assessment, organizations should evaluate their current processes and governance frameworks. Cloud transformation often requires changes to workflows, security protocols, and compliance practices. For instance, traditional IT operations might need to shift to a DevOps model to take full advantage of cloud automation and agility. Understanding these process-level requirements during the assessment phase helps avoid bottlenecks later.

Tools and technologies can streamline the infrastructure assessment process. Automated discovery tools, such as application performance monitoring (APM) software or cloud migration platforms, can provide detailed insights into system configurations, usage patterns, and dependencies. These tools reduce manual effort and help organizations make informed decisions about which assets to migrate, modernize, or retire.

Lastly, conducting a cost analysis of the current infrastructure is an important step. This analysis helps organizations understand the total cost of ownership (TCO) of their existing systems, which can then be compared to projected cloud costs. By identifying expensive or underutilized assets, businesses can make data-driven decisions about optimizing their IT spending through cloud transformation.

The assessment process culminates in the creation of a comprehensive infrastructure report. This document serves as a roadmap for the migration, detailing the current state of the organization’s IT landscape, highlighting areas for improvement, and providing recommendations for a successful transition. For instance, the report might suggest rehosting a particular application, refactoring a legacy system, or retiring a set of outdated servers.

By thoroughly assessing their current infrastructure, organizations can ensure a smooth and efficient cloud transformation. This step provides the insights needed to make strategic decisions, minimize risks, and allocate resources effectively. It sets the stage for subsequent steps, ensuring that the migration is well-planned and aligned with the organization’s overall goals. With a clear understanding of their starting point, businesses are better equipped to navigate the complexities of cloud adoption and achieve lasting success.

Step 3: Build a Comprehensive Security Strategy

Security is one of the most critical aspects of any cloud transformation. As organizations migrate their data, applications, and processes to the cloud, they expose themselves to new security risks, including data breaches, misconfigurations, and compliance challenges. A robust security strategy is essential to protect sensitive information, maintain trust with stakeholders, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Building this strategy requires a proactive, multi-layered approach that addresses both technical and organizational aspects of security.

Establishing a security-first approach is foundational to a successful cloud transformation. This means that security considerations must be integrated into every phase of the migration, from planning to execution and beyond. Organizations must move away from treating security as an afterthought and instead embed it into the core of their transformation strategy. This mindset not only reduces vulnerabilities but also fosters a culture of accountability and vigilance across teams.

One of the first steps in building a security strategy is conducting a risk assessment. This involves identifying potential threats, vulnerabilities, and risks associated with cloud migration. For example, storing sensitive customer data in the cloud introduces risks related to unauthorized access or data loss. By understanding these risks upfront, organizations can implement targeted measures to mitigate them. A comprehensive risk assessment should also evaluate the potential impact of a security breach, helping prioritize resources for the most critical areas.

Addressing compliance, governance, and risk management is another crucial aspect of the strategy. Different industries are subject to various regulatory frameworks, such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI DSS, which dictate how data must be handled and protected.

Migrating to the cloud does not absolve organizations of these obligations; instead, it requires them to ensure that their cloud environments meet the necessary standards. This may involve working closely with cloud providers to understand their compliance certifications and ensuring that shared responsibility models are clearly defined.

Governance frameworks are essential for maintaining control over cloud environments. These frameworks define policies and processes for managing access, monitoring activity, and enforcing security standards. For example, role-based access control (RBAC) can limit access to sensitive resources based on an employee’s role, reducing the risk of insider threats. Similarly, organizations can establish data classification policies to determine which types of data can be stored in the cloud and under what conditions.

A key component of any security strategy is the adoption of best practices and technologies to protect cloud environments. These include:

1. Zero Trust Architecture:
   Zero trust operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” It requires continuous authentication and verification for all users, devices, and applications accessing the network. This approach minimizes the risk of unauthorized access, even if a malicious actor gains entry to the system.
2. Encryption:
   Encrypting data both in transit and at rest is a fundamental practice for protecting sensitive information. Organizations should ensure that robust encryption protocols, such as AES-256, are in place and that encryption keys are managed securely.
3. Identity and Access Management (IAM):
   IAM solutions enable organizations to control and monitor access to cloud resources. Features such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), single sign-on (SSO), and identity federation enhance security by ensuring that only authorized users can access critical systems.
4. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM):
   SIEM tools provide real-time visibility into cloud environments by collecting and analyzing security events. These tools can detect anomalies, flag potential threats, and enable rapid incident response.
5. Regular Security Audits and Penetration Testing:
   Periodic audits and testing help identify vulnerabilities in cloud configurations and applications. Penetration testing simulates cyberattacks to assess the effectiveness of existing security measures and uncover weaknesses.

Training and awareness programs are also vital components of a comprehensive security strategy. Employees are often the weakest link in an organization’s security posture, making it essential to educate them about best practices, such as recognizing phishing attempts and safeguarding sensitive information. Training programs should be ongoing and tailored to the specific needs of the organization, ensuring that all employees understand their role in maintaining security.

Organizations must also establish robust incident response and recovery plans. Despite the best preventive measures, security incidents can still occur. A well-defined incident response plan ensures that the organization can quickly detect, contain, and mitigate the impact of a breach. Recovery plans, on the other hand, focus on restoring operations and minimizing downtime after an incident. These plans should be tested regularly to ensure they are effective and up to date.

Collaboration with cloud providers is another important aspect of building a security strategy. Cloud providers often offer built-in security features and services, such as encryption, firewalls, and access controls, which organizations can leverage to enhance their security posture. However, the shared responsibility model means that organizations must also take ownership of certain aspects of security, such as configuring cloud resources correctly and managing user access. Clear communication and collaboration with providers can help ensure that all security responsibilities are understood and addressed.

Lastly, organizations should adopt a mindset of continuous improvement when it comes to cloud security. The threat landscape is constantly evolving, and new vulnerabilities are discovered regularly. Regularly updating security measures, staying informed about emerging threats, and adopting new technologies can help organizations stay ahead of attackers and maintain a strong security posture over time.

In summary, building a comprehensive security strategy is a critical step in ensuring a successful cloud transformation. By adopting a security-first approach, addressing compliance and governance, and leveraging best practices and technologies, organizations can protect their cloud environments from threats and minimize risks. A strong security foundation not only safeguards sensitive data but also instills confidence among stakeholders, enabling the organization to fully realize the benefits of cloud adoption.

Step 4: Choose the Right Cloud Model and Provider

Choosing the right cloud model and provider is one of the most critical decisions an organization will make during its cloud transformation. The cloud model defines the structure of the organization’s cloud environment, while the cloud provider determines the services, support, and infrastructure that will power the transformation.

The decisions made at this stage have a lasting impact on the scalability, flexibility, security, and cost-effectiveness of the organization’s cloud architecture. Therefore, it’s essential to evaluate the available options thoroughly to ensure the chosen model and provider align with the organization’s strategic goals and requirements.

Evaluating Public, Private, and Hybrid Cloud Models

The first step in choosing the right cloud model is understanding the differences between the three primary cloud deployment models: public, private, and hybrid. Each model has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the organization’s needs, workloads, and security requirements.

1. Public Cloud:
   In a public cloud model, the cloud infrastructure is owned and operated by a third-party provider, and the services are delivered over the internet. Examples of public cloud providers include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Public clouds are highly scalable and cost-effective, offering on-demand access to computing resources without the need for significant upfront investment in hardware. They are ideal for organizations with dynamic workloads that need to scale quickly or for companies that want to reduce their capital expenditures.
   
   However, while public clouds offer cost efficiency and scalability, they may not meet the security and compliance requirements of organizations handling sensitive data. For industries such as healthcare or finance, where strict data governance and compliance regulations apply, the public cloud might not be the best option unless the organization can leverage additional security features and controls provided by the cloud provider.
2. Private Cloud:
   A private cloud refers to a cloud environment dedicated solely to one organization. It can be hosted on-premises or by a third-party provider, and the infrastructure is not shared with other customers. Private clouds offer more control over security, data governance, and performance, making them suitable for organizations with stringent compliance or security requirements. Private clouds also provide greater customization options to meet specific business needs.
   
   However, private clouds can be more expensive than public clouds because they require dedicated infrastructure, hardware, and maintenance. The organization is also responsible for managing and securing the private cloud, which may require specialized skills and resources. Private clouds are typically used by enterprises with specific compliance needs or those that deal with sensitive information, such as healthcare, financial services, and government entities.
3. Hybrid Cloud:
   A hybrid cloud model combines elements of both public and private clouds, allowing organizations to use a mix of on-premises, private, and third-party, public cloud services. This model offers the flexibility to move workloads between environments based on cost, performance, or security requirements. A hybrid cloud is particularly beneficial for organizations that need to balance sensitive workloads that require the security of a private cloud with the scalability and cost-efficiency of a public cloud.
   
   For instance, an organization might run mission-critical applications in a private cloud while using a public cloud to host less-sensitive data or seasonal workloads. The hybrid model also enables organizations to ensure business continuity, as workloads can be shifted between clouds in the event of an outage or disaster. However, hybrid clouds can be complex to manage and require strong integration between different cloud environments to ensure seamless operations.

Criteria for Selecting a Cloud Provider

Once the organization has determined the appropriate cloud model, the next step is selecting the right cloud provider. The choice of provider will impact every aspect of the organization’s cloud environment, from security and performance to cost and support. There are several key factors to consider when evaluating cloud providers:

1. Scalability:
   One of the main benefits of the cloud is the ability to scale resources up or down based on demand. Organizations should assess whether a cloud provider can scale to meet their current and future needs. This includes the ability to handle growing data volumes, traffic spikes, and increasing computational power. Providers that offer elastic compute resources and automatic scaling can help ensure that the organization’s infrastructure can grow seamlessly without the need for significant manual intervention.
2. Reliability and Uptime:
   Cloud services must be highly reliable to avoid downtime that can impact operations, customer experience, and revenue. When choosing a provider, organizations should review the provider’s Service Level Agreement (SLA) and examine their uptime history. Most leading cloud providers offer SLAs with uptime guarantees of 99.9% or higher. Additionally, the provider’s disaster recovery and backup capabilities should be assessed to ensure business continuity in case of an outage.
3. Security and Compliance:
   Security is a top priority when selecting a cloud provider. Organizations should ensure that the provider’s security measures align with the organization’s needs, including encryption, identity and access management (IAM), and threat detection. In addition, providers should adhere to relevant industry standards and compliance regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS) to meet legal and regulatory requirements. Providers with certifications such as ISO 27001, SOC 2, and GDPR compliance can offer additional reassurance regarding their security and governance practices.
4. Cost-Effectiveness:
   Cost is often a key driver in choosing a cloud provider. The pricing model of each provider can vary, with some offering pay-as-you-go pricing and others using reserved or spot pricing. Organizations should assess their expected usage patterns and determine which pricing structure will be most cost-effective for their needs. Additionally, organizations should consider hidden costs, such as egress fees, licensing costs, and support fees, which may not be immediately apparent. Estimating the total cost of ownership (TCO) for the cloud infrastructure will help organizations make informed financial decisions.
5. Performance and Latency:
   The performance of cloud services can vary depending on the provider and the region in which the resources are hosted. Organizations should evaluate the provider’s infrastructure for performance, including compute capacity, storage options, and network capabilities. Providers with data centers in regions close to the organization’s target audience can help reduce latency and improve application performance.
6. Support and Customer Service:
   Access to high-quality support is essential when using cloud services, especially during the migration process or when issues arise post-deployment. Organizations should assess the level of customer support provided by the cloud provider, including availability (24/7 support is often essential), response times, and the provider’s support infrastructure (e.g., online chat, ticketing system, dedicated account manager).

Importance of Vendor Assessments and SLAs

Vendor assessments and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) are crucial tools for ensuring that the chosen provider can meet the organization’s expectations and requirements. Vendor assessments involve evaluating the cloud provider’s capabilities, security posture, and financial stability. It is also important to assess the provider’s long-term viability, as switching providers mid-transformation can be costly and time-consuming.

SLAs outline the agreed-upon terms between the organization and the cloud provider, including uptime guarantees, support response times, and performance metrics. These agreements help ensure that both parties are aligned in terms of expectations and provide a basis for recourse if the provider fails to meet the agreed-upon standards. It’s important for organizations to thoroughly review SLAs to ensure they align with their own business needs and risk tolerance.

In conclusion, choosing the right cloud model and provider is a foundational step in the cloud transformation journey. By carefully evaluating public, private, and hybrid cloud models, organizations can determine the best environment for their workloads. Additionally, by considering factors such as scalability, reliability, security, cost-effectiveness, and support, organizations can select a cloud provider that aligns with their business objectives and provides a solid foundation for a successful transformation.

Step 5: Develop a Migration Roadmap

Developing a comprehensive migration roadmap is essential for a successful cloud transformation. This step involves creating a detailed, strategic plan that outlines how the organization will transition its workloads, applications, and data to the cloud.

A well-defined roadmap ensures that the migration process is structured, organized, and aligned with the organization’s business goals. It provides clarity on timelines, priorities, and dependencies, and helps identify potential challenges before they arise. A migration roadmap minimizes disruptions to daily operations and maximizes the chances of a seamless transition to the cloud.

Creating a Step-by-Step Migration Plan

The migration plan should break down the entire transformation process into manageable phases, each with its specific goals, timelines, and deliverables. A step-by-step approach provides a clear path forward and helps stakeholders understand what needs to be accomplished at each stage. Key components of a migration plan include:

1. Initial Planning and Scoping:
   This phase focuses on defining the scope of the migration, identifying the systems and workloads that will be moved to the cloud, and establishing a timeline for each phase. It involves setting the objectives of the migration, including cost savings, improved performance, or enhanced scalability. During this phase, it is important to assess whether any workloads need to be refactored or rearchitected before migration.
2. Workload Assessment and Prioritization:
   Not all workloads are suitable for immediate migration to the cloud. Some may require significant modification or even replacement, while others can be easily moved with minimal changes. It’s important to assess and prioritize workloads based on factors such as their complexity, criticality to business operations, and readiness for cloud migration. This stage helps determine the sequence in which workloads will be migrated. High-priority or less-complex workloads can be moved first, allowing the organization to realize quick wins.
3. Choosing Migration Strategies:
   Depending on the type of workloads, different migration strategies may be employed. Common migration strategies include:
   • Rehosting (Lift and Shift): This strategy involves moving workloads to the cloud with minimal modification. It is typically the quickest and simplest approach but may not take full advantage of cloud-native features.
   • Refactoring (Rebuild): This approach involves reengineering applications to be more cloud-optimized, often making use of cloud-native features. This can provide long-term benefits but is more time-consuming.
   • Replatforming (Lift, Tinker, and Shift): This strategy involves making some changes to the application to leverage cloud infrastructure but without a complete rebuild. This can be a good middle ground between rehosting and refactoring.
   • Retiring: Some systems may no longer be needed after migration, particularly legacy systems that are no longer aligned with business needs.
   • Retaining: Certain workloads may need to remain on-premises, especially if they are not suitable for the cloud or have specific regulatory requirements.
4. Establishing Migration Teams and Roles:
   Successful cloud migration requires collaboration across various departments within the organization. This phase includes assembling dedicated teams for different aspects of the migration, such as cloud architects, IT operations, security experts, and business stakeholders. Assigning clear roles and responsibilities helps ensure that everyone is aligned on their tasks and objectives.

Setting Realistic Timelines and Milestones

Developing realistic timelines and milestones is a critical component of the migration roadmap. Each phase of the migration should be assigned specific milestones that reflect key achievements or decision points. This allows the organization to measure progress and ensure the migration stays on track.

When setting timelines, it is important to consider factors such as the complexity of the workloads being migrated, the resources available, and the potential risks involved. Rushed migrations can lead to mistakes, misconfigurations, and downtime, so timelines should be realistic and account for contingencies. Workload dependencies should also be considered when developing the timeline. For example, if one application relies on data from another system, the second application should be migrated first to avoid delays.

Milestones should include both technical and business-related goals. For example, technical milestones could include completing the migration of a particular application or setting up the cloud infrastructure for a new service, while business milestones could focus on achieving cost savings or improving operational efficiency post-migration.

Addressing Dependencies and Prioritizing Workloads for Migration

One of the most challenging aspects of cloud migration is managing dependencies between various systems and applications. Many organizations operate in highly interconnected environments, where one system relies on the data or services provided by another. These interdependencies can create challenges when migrating workloads to the cloud.

Identifying and mapping out dependencies early in the process is crucial. A dependency mapping exercise helps organizations visualize the relationships between different applications, databases, and services, ensuring that workloads are migrated in the correct order. This reduces the risk of downtime or errors during the migration process and helps prioritize workloads based on their criticality.

Once dependencies are understood, organizations can prioritize workloads for migration based on several factors, such as:

• Business Criticality: Workloads that are essential to daily operations should be prioritized to ensure minimal disruption.
• Complexity: Simpler workloads may be migrated first, providing an opportunity to test the migration process with fewer risks.
• Cost Efficiency: Migrating less critical workloads first can help organizations test the migration process while keeping costs low.
• Cloud Readiness: Some applications may need to be refactored or re-architected before migrating to the cloud. These should be identified early and addressed as part of the migration strategy.

Ensuring Data Integrity and Minimizing Downtime

Data integrity and minimal downtime are major concerns during the migration process. Organizations must ensure that all data is accurately migrated to the cloud without loss or corruption. This can be achieved through thorough testing, data validation, and backup procedures. It’s important to maintain a backup of critical data before migration begins, so that recovery is possible in the event of unforeseen issues.

Minimizing downtime is equally important, especially for mission-critical applications. A carefully planned migration that includes staged migrations, downtime windows, and robust failover plans can help minimize disruption to business operations. Additionally, real-time monitoring tools should be used to track the migration’s progress and ensure that any issues are quickly identified and resolved.

Testing and Validation

Once the migration roadmap has been executed and workloads have been moved to the cloud, it’s essential to conduct extensive testing to ensure that all systems are functioning as expected. This includes functional testing, performance testing, and security testing to ensure that applications are not only running correctly but also optimized for the cloud environment. Validation ensures that the organization’s cloud environment is stable and that all services meet the necessary performance and security standards.

Ongoing Optimization and Feedback Loop

The migration roadmap should also include provisions for optimization and ongoing improvement. After migrating workloads to the cloud, organizations should continuously monitor performance, security, and cost-efficiency to identify areas for improvement. This feedback loop allows the organization to refine its cloud infrastructure over time, ensuring that the full potential of the cloud is realized.

In conclusion, developing a migration roadmap is essential for ensuring a successful cloud transformation. A clear, step-by-step migration plan provides structure and organization to the process, while setting realistic timelines, addressing dependencies, and prioritizing workloads minimizes risks and ensures business continuity. By taking a strategic, measured approach to migration, organizations can achieve a smooth transition to the cloud that meets their business objectives and supports long-term growth and success.

Step 6: Implement Change Management

Successfully migrating to the cloud is not just about technology—it’s also about people. The human element of cloud transformation is often the most challenging and the most impactful. Without proper change management, the technical aspects of the migration may succeed, but the organization might fail to realize the full benefits of cloud adoption.

Change management ensures that the transformation is embraced by employees, aligned with organizational culture, and effectively implemented to minimize resistance and maximize adoption.

Preparing Teams for the Transformation

Cloud transformation requires a significant shift in how teams work and collaborate. It changes everything from day-to-day operations to long-term strategic goals. As such, preparing teams for the transformation is essential. This preparation involves clear communication, leadership alignment, and emotional support to help employees embrace the upcoming changes.

The first step in preparing teams is communication. Employees need to understand why the cloud transformation is happening, what it will mean for them, and how it will benefit the organization. A clear, transparent communication plan is essential to addressing concerns, setting expectations, and outlining the vision for the future. Leaders should explain the reasons behind the migration, whether it’s to improve efficiency, reduce costs, foster innovation, or enhance scalability. This transparency can help alleviate fears and build excitement for the changes.

It’s also important to foster a change-positive mindset throughout the organization. Employees should be encouraged to see the migration not as a disruption but as an opportunity for growth, both individually and for the organization. Change champions—employees who are excited about the cloud transformation—can help reinforce this message and influence their peers to adopt a more open and adaptable approach to the change.

Communication Strategies to Ensure Stakeholder Buy-In

Gaining stakeholder buy-in is a critical component of any change management strategy. Stakeholders at every level of the organization need to be involved, informed, and supportive of the transformation to ensure it is successful. From the C-suite executives to department managers and front-line employees, everyone should feel part of the process.

The most effective communication strategies for gaining stakeholder buy-in include:

1. Tailored Messaging:
   Different stakeholders have different interests and concerns. For example, executives may be focused on the financial benefits of cloud adoption, while IT teams may be more concerned with the technical challenges and security implications. Tailoring messaging to address the specific needs and concerns of each stakeholder group is crucial for obtaining their support.
2. Engagement and Involvement:
   Involve stakeholders early in the process by seeking their input and feedback. Create forums where employees can ask questions, voice concerns, and contribute ideas. Engaging with stakeholders from the beginning helps ensure that they feel valued and included in the transformation process, leading to a stronger sense of ownership.
3. Setting Clear Expectations and Benefits:
   It’s important to set clear expectations about what the cloud transformation will entail and how it will affect employees. Explaining the specific benefits—such as improved collaboration, easier access to data, and more efficient workflows—can help motivate employees to embrace the change.
4. Leadership Alignment:
   Successful change management begins with leadership. If leaders are not aligned on the goals and vision of the transformation, it will be difficult to motivate the rest of the organization. Senior leaders must be vocal advocates for the transformation, publicly endorsing the cloud adoption and demonstrating their commitment through actions, such as dedicating resources or championing the change.

Training and Upskilling Employees to Manage Cloud Environments

Training is one of the most important aspects of cloud transformation, as employees need to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage cloud environments. Depending on the nature of the cloud transformation, this may involve upskilling existing employees or hiring new talent with cloud expertise.

Training programs should be designed to meet the needs of various employee groups. For example:

• Technical Teams: IT staff and system administrators will require specialized training on cloud infrastructure, architecture, and security practices. They need to become familiar with cloud-specific tools, platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), and best practices for cloud management.
• Non-Technical Employees: Even employees without technical backgrounds will need training on how to use cloud-based tools effectively. This could involve teaching staff how to use collaboration software, access cloud storage, or use cloud-powered analytics tools.
• Leadership and Managers: Leadership teams must also be educated on how cloud transformation will affect their departments and how they can manage teams within a cloud-based environment. They may also need to learn about new ways to measure productivity, manage budgets, and evaluate performance in a cloud-first organization.

A successful training program is not a one-time event but an ongoing effort. Continuous learning is a key part of maintaining a cloud-ready workforce, as cloud technologies evolve rapidly. This means organizations should invest in cloud certifications, training platforms, and workshops to keep teams up-to-date with the latest trends and tools.

Building a Support System

As employees adjust to new technologies and processes, it’s essential to provide continuous support throughout the transformation process. This support can take several forms, including:

1. Help Desks and IT Support:
   Establishing a dedicated help desk or support team for cloud-related queries can make a big difference in the migration process. Having a go-to resource for troubleshooting technical issues can reduce frustrations and improve overall employee satisfaction with the change.
2. Peer-to-Peer Support:
   Encouraging collaboration among employees can also help with the transition. Peer-to-peer support programs, where more experienced employees help their colleagues, can provide on-the-job learning opportunities and help address specific challenges employees might face.
3. Change Advocates:
   Change advocates or “cloud champions” can also serve as a valuable resource. These individuals are employees who embrace the transformation and are enthusiastic about helping others. They can act as role models and provide hands-on guidance to their peers.
4. Feedback Loops:
   Ongoing feedback is critical for ensuring the change process is on track. Organizations should regularly collect feedback from employees to understand how they are adjusting to the new cloud-based environment. This feedback can help identify gaps in training, areas of resistance, or improvements that need to be made.

Managing Resistance and Fostering Engagement

Resistance to change is natural, especially when employees are faced with new technologies or work processes that disrupt their established routines. Managing this resistance is a critical aspect of change management. Resistance may come in many forms, such as skepticism about the benefits of the cloud, fear of job displacement, or anxiety about learning new tools.

To manage resistance, it’s important to:

• Address concerns transparently: Address any fears employees have about the change openly and honestly. Whether the concern is about job security, job roles, or the complexity of new systems, clear communication can alleviate these worries.
• Highlight the positive impacts: Focus on the benefits of cloud transformation, such as greater flexibility, better collaboration, improved work-life balance, or reduced administrative tasks. When employees see how the change will positively impact them, they are more likely to embrace it.
• Celebrate early wins: As the migration progresses and early successes are achieved, celebrate these wins publicly. Recognizing milestones reinforces the idea that the transformation is succeeding and helps maintain momentum.

In conclusion, implementing change management is an integral step in ensuring the success of a cloud transformation. By preparing teams for the transformation, aligning leadership, providing comprehensive training, and offering ongoing support, organizations can effectively manage the human side of the migration. The goal is to foster an environment where employees feel confident, engaged, and motivated to use the cloud technologies that will drive the organization forward.

Step 7: Monitor and Optimize

Once the cloud migration is complete, the work doesn’t end there. Monitoring and optimizing the new cloud environment are critical to ensuring the organization’s investment delivers sustained value over time. The cloud provides dynamic capabilities that can be fine-tuned to adapt to evolving business needs, but achieving the best results requires continuous oversight.

By establishing robust monitoring mechanisms, optimizing performance, and managing costs, organizations can ensure their cloud infrastructure is not only secure and functional but also efficient, scalable, and future-proof.

Establishing Robust Monitoring and Incident Response Mechanisms

Monitoring is essential to ensure the cloud infrastructure operates as expected. Cloud environments are dynamic, and without continuous monitoring, organizations risk facing performance issues, security vulnerabilities, or even data loss. Monitoring provides insights into system health, user activities, and application performance, helping detect issues before they become critical.

Key elements of monitoring include:

1. Performance Monitoring:
   Performance monitoring focuses on ensuring that cloud resources are utilized effectively and applications perform at optimal levels. Tools such as cloud-native monitoring services (like Amazon CloudWatch, Azure Monitor, or Google Cloud Operations) can help track metrics such as CPU usage, memory consumption, and response times. By setting performance benchmarks and thresholds, organizations can detect bottlenecks or slowdowns and address them proactively.
2. Availability and Uptime Monitoring:
   Cloud services typically offer high availability, but it is important to monitor system uptime to ensure that services remain operational and accessible. Availability monitoring ensures that any downtime, even brief, is identified quickly, enabling organizations to mitigate potential disruptions. Downtime can directly impact business operations and customer satisfaction, so a fast response to outages is vital.
3. Security and Compliance Monitoring:
   Cloud security is an ongoing concern. Security monitoring tools help detect unusual activities, such as unauthorized access, data breaches, or misconfigured security settings. Utilizing services that continuously scan for vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with industry standards or regulations (such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS) is crucial. Automated alerts can be configured to notify administrators about security incidents in real time, allowing for quick incident response.
4. Cost Monitoring:
   One of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of cloud monitoring is cost. The pay-as-you-go nature of the cloud can lead to unexpected expenses if resources are over-provisioned or mismanaged. Monitoring tools that track cloud spending and usage can help organizations keep their budgets under control. By analyzing cost data, organizations can identify underused resources, adjust storage and compute capacities, and ensure they are only paying for what they actually use.
5. Incident Response Plans:
   Cloud environments are susceptible to incidents, ranging from security breaches to performance failures. An effective incident response plan ensures that the organization can quickly recover from any issue that arises. This plan should include detailed procedures for identifying, assessing, and responding to incidents, with designated teams responsible for each phase of the process. Having a robust response framework in place helps minimize downtime and data loss during crises.

By monitoring these key areas and reacting swiftly to incidents, organizations can maintain a secure, reliable, and efficient cloud environment.

Continuous Performance Tuning and Cost Management

Cloud environments offer the flexibility to scale up or down based on demand. To maximize this advantage, continuous performance tuning and cost management are essential. This ensures that cloud resources are being used in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible.

1. Performance Tuning:
   Performance tuning involves adjusting resources, applications, and workloads to enhance speed, efficiency, and reliability. This can include optimizing the allocation of compute resources, using caching to speed up application performance, or fine-tuning the configuration of cloud services to reduce latency. Many cloud providers offer auto-scaling features that allow the infrastructure to automatically adjust to meet demand. However, organizations should regularly evaluate whether the scaling settings are aligned with their business needs and make adjustments as necessary.
2. Resource Optimization:
   A critical aspect of performance tuning is resource optimization. Cloud environments offer a wide variety of services and configurations, and selecting the best option for each workload can significantly impact performance. For example, using serverless computing for lightweight, event-driven tasks or choosing spot instances for non-critical workloads can reduce costs and improve efficiency. Organizations should continually assess their workloads to determine if the resources in use are the most cost-effective and high-performing choices.
3. Cost Optimization:
   Optimizing cloud costs is an ongoing task, as it directly impacts the organization’s bottom line. Organizations should regularly review their cloud usage to identify areas where resources are underused or over-provisioned. Overprovisioned resources, such as extra virtual machines or unused storage, can lead to unnecessary expenses. Tools like AWS Cost Explorer or Azure Cost Management can help visualize cost trends, allowing organizations to make informed decisions on where to optimize spending.Cost-saving strategies include:
   • Rightsizing: Continuously adjusting the size of virtual machines and storage based on actual usage to avoid paying for more capacity than necessary.
   • Spot Instances and Reserved Instances: For non-critical workloads, spot instances (temporary, lower-cost resources) can provide substantial savings. On the other hand, reserved instances (long-term contracts) offer discounted rates for predictable workloads.
   • Automation and Scheduling: Automating the shutdown of unused resources (like development environments or non-production workloads) during off-hours can prevent unnecessary charges.
4. Scaling and Load Balancing:
   One of the primary benefits of the cloud is its ability to scale with business growth. However, poorly optimized scaling can lead to either performance issues or over-spending. Efficient load balancing ensures that traffic is evenly distributed across resources to prevent server overloads and improve response times. Regularly evaluating and adjusting load balancing strategies based on real-time demand is essential to maintaining optimal performance and cost efficiency.

Importance of Scalability and Future-Proofing the Infrastructure

Scalability is one of the core advantages of cloud computing, and it should be prioritized as part of ongoing optimization efforts. A cloud infrastructure that can scale with the organization’s growth—whether in terms of users, data, or applications—ensures that the company can remain agile and competitive. However, scalability isn’t just about expanding capacity; it’s about optimizing the way resources are scaled.

1. Elasticity:
   Cloud services are elastic, meaning they can automatically scale up or down based on demand. However, organizations should regularly review their scaling policies to ensure they are aligned with actual usage patterns. This might involve fine-tuning auto-scaling rules, adjusting limits for specific workloads, or even implementing hybrid cloud architectures to balance on-premises and cloud resources.
2. Cloud-Native Optimization:
   Future-proofing the cloud infrastructure means leveraging cloud-native technologies such as containerization and microservices. Containers allow applications to be packaged and run consistently across different environments, while microservices enable organizations to break down applications into smaller, more manageable components. These technologies are inherently scalable, so organizations that embrace them are better positioned to grow efficiently without major reconfigurations.
3. Adopting Emerging Technologies:
   Cloud technologies are evolving rapidly, with new features and services being introduced regularly. Future-proofing involves keeping an eye on emerging trends such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and edge computing, which can provide additional scalability, automation, and performance optimization opportunities. By integrating these technologies as they mature, organizations can stay ahead of the curve and make their cloud environments even more powerful.
4. Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity:
   Cloud environments offer significant advantages in terms of disaster recovery and business continuity. By utilizing cloud-based backup and replication services, organizations can ensure that critical data is stored redundantly and can be quickly restored in the event of a failure. Ongoing optimization includes periodically testing disaster recovery procedures to ensure that they work effectively and that recovery times are minimized.

In conclusion, effective monitoring and optimization are essential to realizing the full benefits of cloud transformation. By establishing robust monitoring systems, continuously tuning performance, managing costs, and ensuring scalability, organizations can create a cloud environment that not only meets their current needs but is also adaptable to future growth and challenges. The cloud offers unparalleled flexibility, but it requires ongoing effort to ensure that the infrastructure remains secure, efficient, and cost-effective.

Step 8: Review and Iterate

The completion of a cloud migration is a significant milestone for any organization, but it should not mark the end of the journey. To truly leverage the cloud’s full potential, organizations must continuously review their cloud environment and iterate on their strategies to ensure long-term optimization.

This step involves reflecting on the migration process, evaluating the performance and success of the cloud environment, and making necessary adjustments based on feedback, new requirements, and emerging technologies. By regularly reviewing and iterating, organizations can refine their cloud infrastructure to meet evolving business needs and maintain competitiveness.

Conducting Post-Migration Reviews to Assess Success

Once the cloud migration is complete, the first priority is to evaluate how well the migration met the organization’s original objectives. The post-migration review should be a structured and comprehensive process that assesses the cloud environment’s alignment with the business’s goals. This review should focus on key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics that were set before and during the migration.

Key areas to assess include:

1. Business Impact:
   Did the cloud migration achieve the intended business outcomes, such as increased efficiency, cost savings, faster time-to-market, or improved scalability? This can be measured by comparing pre- and post-migration performance and analyzing whether the cloud infrastructure is supporting strategic goals effectively.
2. Technical Performance:
   Are the applications and workloads running as expected in the cloud environment? Performance metrics such as uptime, response time, resource utilization, and speed should be compared with expectations and industry benchmarks. Any gaps or areas of underperformance should be identified and addressed.
3. Cost Efficiency:
   One of the main reasons organizations migrate to the cloud is to optimize costs. After the migration, it is important to assess whether the cloud environment is indeed cost-effective. The post-migration review should compare actual cloud expenses to the forecasted cost savings and ensure that the organization is taking advantage of cost optimization strategies, such as rightsizing, reserving instances, or using spot instances.
4. Security and Compliance:
   The security posture of the cloud environment should be reviewed to ensure that it meets the organization’s requirements and complies with any relevant regulations. This involves checking whether security protocols are being followed, ensuring proper data encryption, assessing incident response mechanisms, and verifying that audit logs are in place. Compliance audits can also be conducted to confirm adherence to standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS.
5. User Adoption and Satisfaction:
   While technical success is important, the ultimate measure of a cloud transformation is how well it serves the end users—employees, customers, and other stakeholders. User feedback and satisfaction should be collected to gauge how well the cloud environment supports day-to-day activities. Are employees finding it easier to collaborate? Are customer-facing applications more responsive and reliable? High levels of user adoption indicate that the cloud environment is aligned with the needs of its users.

Gathering Feedback from Stakeholders and Users

After completing the post-migration review, it’s crucial to gather feedback from both internal stakeholders and end users to identify areas for improvement. Feedback collection should be structured to ensure that the insights gathered are actionable and meaningful. Engaging with stakeholders at all levels of the organization provides a comprehensive understanding of how the cloud transformation has impacted different teams and business functions.

Feedback mechanisms could include:

• Surveys and Questionnaires:
  Surveys are an effective way to collect quantitative and qualitative feedback from employees and users. Tailored questions can assess how well specific cloud applications or services are performing, how users feel about the cloud migration, and what challenges they have encountered since the move.
• Focus Groups:
  Focus groups can be organized with representatives from various departments to dive deeper into the feedback. These discussions can provide valuable insights into specific pain points, areas for improvement, and suggestions for enhancing the cloud environment.
• One-on-One Interviews:
  Conducting interviews with key stakeholders, including department heads, project managers, and IT staff, allows for a more detailed and personal understanding of the transformation’s impact. This feedback can reveal the specific challenges faced during the migration, as well as identify any lingering concerns or requests for additional functionality.
• User Analytics:
  If available, user data from cloud-based tools and applications can also provide valuable insights. Metrics such as user engagement, feature usage, and support tickets can help identify whether users are taking full advantage of the new cloud tools and where improvements might be needed.

This feedback is essential for making data-driven decisions on how to adjust and optimize the cloud infrastructure.

Making Iterative Improvements for Long-Term Optimization

The cloud is a dynamic environment, and it requires continuous optimization to meet both changing business needs and technological advancements. Post-migration reviews provide the data necessary to drive iterative improvements, ensuring that the cloud environment evolves with the organization’s growth and remains effective in the long term.

Key strategies for making iterative improvements include:

1. Refining Cloud Resource Allocation:
   Based on performance and cost analysis, cloud resources should be continuously refined. This may involve rebalancing workloads, optimizing storage, or adjusting compute capacities. Regularly revisiting resource allocation helps avoid over-provisioning and reduces costs.
2. Adopting New Cloud Features and Technologies:
   Cloud providers frequently introduce new features and services, and staying updated with these innovations can provide new opportunities for improvement. For example, adopting machine learning tools, AI-based automation, or improved data analytics capabilities can enhance business operations. Iterative improvements may involve integrating these new features as they become available, ensuring the organization remains at the cutting edge.
3. Enhancing Security Measures:
   As the cloud environment evolves, new security challenges may emerge. Iterative improvements should include continuously assessing the security framework and implementing additional protections, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), encryption upgrades, or vulnerability patches. A proactive approach to security ensures that the organization stays ahead of potential threats.
4. Optimizing User Experience:
   Based on feedback from users, iterative improvements can focus on enhancing the user experience. This could involve streamlining workflows, simplifying user interfaces, or improving access to data and applications. A cloud environment that is intuitive and easy to use will encourage higher adoption rates and greater employee satisfaction.
5. Testing Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Plans:
   A critical component of iterative improvement is ensuring that the organization’s disaster recovery and business continuity plans are tested and optimized. Regularly reviewing and running simulations will help ensure that the organization is prepared for unexpected events, minimizing downtime and data loss in case of emergencies.
6. Updating Training and Documentation:
   As the cloud environment evolves, it is essential to keep training programs and user documentation up to date. Employees should be provided with the latest resources and guidance on using new features or processes. Ensuring that training is continuous and aligned with the cloud’s evolution will help maximize the value of the cloud environment.

Fostering a Culture of Continuous Improvement

Lastly, organizations should foster a culture of continuous improvement. Cloud transformation is not a one-time project but an ongoing journey. By embracing a mindset of constant iteration and adaptation, organizations can continuously evolve their cloud environment to meet the changing demands of the business and its users.

This mindset should be embedded across all levels of the organization—from leadership to technical teams to end-users. Encouraging teams to constantly seek ways to optimize performance, reduce costs, and enhance the user experience will lead to sustained improvements over time. By keeping the cloud infrastructure agile and responsive to change, organizations can future-proof their IT environment and maintain a competitive edge in the market.

This final step of reviewing and iterating is essential for ensuring that cloud transformation is not just a one-time success, but a continuous process that delivers value over the long term. By assessing success, gathering feedback, and making iterative improvements, organizations can optimize their cloud infrastructure, adapt to emerging trends, and maintain an agile and resilient IT environment. This ongoing effort ensures that the cloud remains a key enabler of business growth, efficiency, and innovation.

Conclusion

Many organizations mistakenly believe that a cloud transformation is just about moving data and applications to the cloud; however, it’s a comprehensive process that requires careful planning, security-focused strategies, and continuous optimization. The approach outlined in this article provides a proven framework for achieving a successful and sustainable cloud transformation.

By defining clear objectives, assessing infrastructure, and prioritizing security at every step, organizations can navigate the complexities of the cloud with confidence. The benefits of such a transformation are vast, ranging from improved operational efficiency to greater scalability and cost savings. However, these outcomes are only realized when organizations adopt a structured approach that aligns business goals with cloud strategies.

Beyond the migration, the journey is ongoing—ensuring that the cloud environment continues to evolve and meet changing needs is paramount. Embracing security as a core component throughout the process protects the organization from the growing number of cyber threats and compliance risks. With this security-first approach, organizations not only safeguard their data but also build trust with customers and stakeholders.

To stay ahead, companies must continuously monitor their cloud environment, optimize resources, and refine their strategies based on feedback. The next step is to begin defining your organization’s cloud objectives and conducting a thorough audit of existing infrastructure. Once you’ve laid this foundation, the real work of building and securing your cloud environment will unfold, ultimately driving innovation and success for the long term.