A Practical Conversation around the cost of migration
Let’s face it: the buzz around cloud migration isn’t slowing down, especially here in the UK.

But if you’re a decision-maker, you know the conversation can’t stop at “it’ll save us money.”
Stakeholders want a business case that digs deeper-one that looks at hidden costs, the realities of modernising applications, and the long-term value the cloud can bring. So, how do you build a case that actually gets buy-in and sets your migration up for real success? Let’s walk through the essentials together, in plain English.

Why Are We Doing This? (aka Exec summary)
It all starts with the big picture and what is your end goal. What’s driving your move to the cloud? Maybe it’s about agility, scalability, or future-proofing your business, not just shaving a few pounds off the IT budget.
Make sure your summary clearly spells out the strategic benefits you expect-think faster innovation, easier scaling, or improved resilience, then you work back from that.

Know Where You Stand. Before you can map out where you want to go, you need a clear understanding of your current IT landscape. This also needs to be a true reflection on the situation; nuts and bolts. We have seen it all too often when there is a clear disconnect between the reality of what is in the computer rooms and what they think in the board room.

What hardware do you own? What are your maintenance headaches? How much are you really spending to keep the lights on? On-premises setups often come with hefty upfront costs-servers, licenses, maintenance contracts, and even electricity bills that are easy to overlook.

Getting a handle on these numbers is step one.
What Are We Trying to Achieve?
This is where you set your sights. Is your goal to support remote work, enable rapid growth, or boost security? Cloud migration should align with your broader business objectives, not just IT goals. As the foundation of building a business case, make your intentions clear so everyone’s pulling in the same direction.

Look Beyond the Obvious!
Here’s where you get into the nitty-gritty. Cloud often looks cheaper on paper because you avoid those big upfront hardware costs and pay only for what you use. But don’t forget to factor in:
Migration costs (moving data and applications isn’t always free)
Ongoing subscription fees

• Parallel running, where you may need to retain on-prem while you build confidence
• Potential need for new skills or staff training
• Security and compliance requirements

Compare these with your current on-premises costs, including hidden expenses like maintenance, upgrades, and downtime.
Remember, cloud providers spread operational costs across many customers, which can make advanced services such as security and uptime more affordable than going it alone.

Opportunity Knocks
Moving to the cloud is the perfect time to rethink how your applications built and run. Are there legacy systems that could be updated or replaced? Modernising now can unlock new efficiencies and capabilities, making your investment go further in the long run.

Plan for Bumps in the Road
No migration is risk-free. Identify the key risks-data loss, downtime, compliance hiccups-and have a plan to tackle them. The cloud can actually reduce some risks (like hardware failure), but introduces new ones (like shared responsibility for security).

Get Everyone on Board
Cloud migration isn’t just an IT project. It touches every part of the business. Make sure you’re communicating with all stakeholders-finance, operations, compliance, and end users-so you get the buy-in and support you need for a smooth transition.
A common challenge is the nay sayers of cloud who will go to extreme lengths to create FUD (Fear Uncertainty and Doubt).
That’s not saying cloud is the answer as there are times when its not; but let facts and figures come to that conclusion rather than emotions.

Think Beyond Year One
Finally, show the lasting benefits. Cloud isn’t just about saving money today-it’s about positioning your business for future growth, agility, and innovation. Articulate the expected return on investment, not just in pounds, but in improved capabilities and competitive advantage.

In Conclusion
A solid business case for cloud migration is more than a spreadsheet exercise.
It’s a strategic plan that weighs costs, risks, and the opportunities for modernisation and growth to achieve your business goals.
By taking a holistic, data-driven approach, businesses can ensure their migration delivers real, lasting value-and sets them up for whatever comes next.
If you’re thinking about making the move, start with these steps and you’ll be well on your way to building a business case that actually sticks.

Ready to take the next step in your cloud journey?

If you’re exploring cloud migration or want to make sense of the costs involved, we’re here to help. Get in touch for a no-obligation conversation and see how we can bring clarity and confidence to your decision-making.