What are Cost Considerations in Large-Scale Cloud Migrations?

Are you planning cloud migration and factoring in the cost considerations? There are several variables that determine the cost of migrating users, data, and metadata across cloud platforms.

We have listed these variables in this article to help you understand all the cost considerations and plan the budget accordingly.

We also recommend reading our cost-benefit analysis guide to set the right ROI expectations from the migration project.

Cost Consideration 1: The Number of Users to Migrate

The number of users and licenses you need to migrate directly determines the migration cost. When you are in the migration planning stages, find out the total number of users in your company’s current cloud platform.

Depending on the user account status, such as active and inactive, make several key decisions, such as:

• The decision to move or not move inactive users
• The decision to move or not move accounts of ex-employees

TIP: To optimize the number of users to migrate, it is best to archive inactive and less important user accounts.

Cost Consideration 2: The Size of Files and Folders to Migrate

Another important cost consideration in large-scale cloud migrations is the size of files and folders to migrate. The larger the size, the more resources are required, and hence more cost is involved.

Before considering all the files and folders to migrate, we recommend checking duplicates. It’s best to identify all the duplicate files and folders and delete them to keep the cloud migration cost in check.

Cost Consideration 3: The Types of Metadata to Migrate

The type and number of metadata to migrate is a big factor that determines the cloud migration cost. When planning the scope of work, make careful decisions for metadata migration.

Choose to migrate only the types of metadata that are critical to user collaboration and operational efficiency. And when migrating file versions to Microsoft 365 drives like OneDrive and SharePoint, be mindful of the duplication of each version.

Read our file version migration guide to learn more about this.

Cost Consideration 4: The Types and Number of Instances to Use

Instances are a major cost factor in cloud migrations of all sizes, especially large-scale migrations. More instances required for the migration translate to higher costs. This is especially true if you have several types of migration needs, such as:

• Content migration (files and folders migration)
• Email migration (mailboxes, attachments, calendar, events)
• Chat migration (channels, admins, members, direct messages, attachments)
• Tenant migration (entire tenants)

Cost Consideration 5: The Type of Tool Customization (If Needed)

Although not a common consideration, customization of the migration tool is another cost driver. In many cases, businesses need customization of the migration tool’s specific feature. And since the customization required development work, it incurs additional charges.

But customization is a cost consideration that can be avoided. At CloudFuze, although we are open to accommodate customization requests, we can help you find cost-effective workarounds to help you avoid additional costs.

Migrate Across Clouds Cost-Efficiently with CloudFuze

We can help you prepare an optimized scope of work that helps you keep the migration cost in check. With our advanced migration solutions, you can move to your destination with optimal security and complete success.

Share your migration requirements for a free quote!

If you are migrating to Microsoft 365 and are looking for ways to do it at reduced costs, we can help you with Microsoft ECIF funding.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the main cost factors to consider when migrating enterprise workloads to the cloud?

The size of the workload, the instances to use, the type of migration service required (self-service or managed service), etc., are some of the main cost factors to consider when migrating enterprise workloads from on-prem storage to the cloud or from one cloud to another.

2. What cloud migration packages include cost optimization consulting?

By opting for CloudFuze’s cloud migration with managed service, businesses and their IT teams can get expert-led assistance in many areas, such as planning and preparing, cost optimization, reporting, validation, and more.

3. What service providers offer bundled cloud migration and cost management solutions?

CloudFuze offers a bundled cloud migration service that includes support for migration scoping, user mapping and batch creation, pricing optimization, validation, post-migration integration and cutover.