Secure and Efficient Cloud Migration – Minimize Risks, Standardize Processes

Join our webcast to discover strategies for secure and efficient cloud migration. Learn how to proactively mitigate risk and standardize processes for seamless cloud integration. We’ll share best practices for identifying and mitigating migration risks and ensuring a smooth transition for your integration systems. Gain actionable insights to make your migration a success.

Transitioning integration systems from on-premises to the cloud is complex, but achievable with careful planning and strategy. Success depends on minimizing risk, standardizing processes, and leveraging advanced technologies.

In this blog, we’ll outline actionable steps and best practices to ensure a smooth and efficient migration of your integration processes to the cloud.

The growing importance of integration services

Modern businesses rely heavily on integration services that extend beyond traditional EDI/B2B technologies to include EAI, MFT, and API integration (modern B2B). Operational SLA requirements such as high availability and short processing times are just as important as meeting comprehensive security standards and ensuring business continuity in the event of a disaster. Service architecture requirements must take into account complex scenarios with multiple integration systems and multi-cloud approaches, as well as traditional operation in a centralized system landscape.

Key factors for a successful cloud migration

When migrating an integration platform to the cloud, consider the following points to incorporate the complex requirements for integration services:

• High availability for real-time data processing
• Scalable architecture for growing data volumes
• Global service coverage for 24/7 worldwide operation
• Business continuity with disaster recovery strategies

In addition, the following aspects must also be considered during a cloud migration:

• Development or expansion of your own integration know-how (mappings, processes)
• Increased efficiency through outsourcing additional components (partner integration)
• Comprehensive analysis of current technologies and testing for cloud compatibility

Modern platforms such as the SEEBURGER Business Integration Suite lead the way in providing secure, flexible and scalable solutions for multiple integration scenarios and technologies. Companies can flexibly adapt the platform to their own needs and respond to new requirements and business developments at any time with additional service add-ons.

The following two options represent best practices and provide insight into the various considerations.

Option 1: Migrate to a SEEBURGER Cloud Service

To move from an on-premises operation to a SEEBURGER iPaaS or SEEBURGER Fully Managed Cloud Service in a SEEBURGER or AWS datacenter, the following requirements must be considered or met:

• An up-to-date system (BIS 6.7 with the latest service pack)
• Consideration whether partner connections should be migrated to the SEEBURGER Communication Service (advantage: possible certificate management by SEEBURGER)
• An analysis and possible adaptation of processes, e.g. for customer-specific developments
• Verification of the backend connection
• Verification of all system connections with regard to the file systems, databases and legacy systems used
• Verification of all BIS connections in terms of encryption and legacy protocols used

This ensures that only secure connections are used in the future. This also applies to the operation of databases, which can be moved to the cloud for significant cost effectiveness. Developing a policy for component replacement will also increase the efficiency of the migration.

Option 2: Migrate to your own hyperscaler cloud

If you want to migrate the integration platform to a proprietary hyperscaler cloud such as AWS or Azure, consider the following:

• Development of a complete platform including monitoring
• Selection and integration of an appropriate database
• Implementing release management, including regression testing, outside of the hyperscaler services
• Implementation of a sound security concept
• Implementation of a backup and recovery strategy
• Migration of existing licenses taking into account the change of host names; if necessary, extension of licenses for parallel operation
• Check all other software such as databases for license validity

Into the cloud with SEEBURGER

In addition to the considerations regarding the two options just described, SEEBURGER has developed the following four-step approach to cloud migration projects based on over 30 years of consulting and project experience. This approach is briefly outlined below:

Step 1: Detailed system analysis

A successful migration begins with a thorough analysis of the current system landscape, including solutions and their versions, existing partner connections, and a review of processes, mappings, and customizations.

The next step is to assess the requirements for cloud migration:

• Update the BIS systems and solutions
• Identify processes that need to be adapted to cloud standards
• Impact on external connections that will run through the cloud in the future

Step 2: Standardization & harmonization

After the analysis, the focus is on cleaning up and standardizing the data and processes. This step includes:

• Establish consistent naming conventions: Define and implement clear standards to ensure consistency and readability.
• Clean up duplicate and outdated data: Eliminate redundant or outdated information to improve data quality and system efficiency.
• Define cooperation obligations: Clarify responsibilities among all parties to ensure smooth collaboration.

Step 3: Consolidation & data transfer

The third stage focuses on moving the consolidated data and processes to the cloud:

• Efficient migration of master data and business processes using SEEBURGER tools.
• Establish and implement communication links with connected partners to ensure seamless data exchange.
• Coordinating the necessary adjustments: Close coordination and communication with partners to ensure that their systems can be seamlessly integrated into the new cloud environment.

Step 4: Tests & documentation

Extensive testing and careful documentation are required to ensure the smooth operation of the migrated systems:

• Perform unit testing: Test individual components for functionality and integrity.
• Support end-to-end testing and UAT: Ensure that all processes run smoothly in the cloud environment and that end-user requirements are met.
• Detailed documentation of ERP interfaces: Describe the structure, content, and interactions of the affected interfaces to provide a clear reference for future customization and maintenance.

This structured approach ensures a secure, efficient, and future-proof migration of your integration systems to the cloud.

Figure 1: Four steps to cloud migration

Backup strategies for added security

A critical aspect of any successful cloud migration is a well-thought-out backup strategy. This not only protects sensitive data, but also ensures business continuity in the event of unexpected disruptions. Depending on your unique business needs and risks, different backup approaches may make sense. The following table presents three common strategies and provides an overview of their specific benefits and challenges.

Figure 2: Four backup strategies in comparison

SEEBURGER as a reliable partner for successful migration projects

A secure and successful cloud migration requires more than just technical adaptations. With the right strategy, a partner like SEEBURGER and a clear focus on risk and process, your organization can successfully move to the cloud and unlock new potential. Start now – and take your business to the cloud!

Source: https://blog.seeburger.com/secure-and-efficient-cloud-migration-minimize-risks-standardize-processes/