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Cloud migration and data portability guarantee – what you need to know
 
Transferring company data to the cloud is one of the key technological challenges businesses face today. While the cloud offers numerous benefits – from cost savings to flexibility and security – migration requires proper preparation. One crucial aspect of this process is data portability, which ensures the ability to switch cloud providers in the future. What steps should be taken to ensure a successful migration that complies with regulations?
 
 
Why does cloud migration require proper preparation?
 
Businesses increasingly choose to move their resources to the cloud because it provides greater scalability, cost reduction, and enhanced data security. However, cloud migration is not just a technological issue – it also requires compliance with specific legal and regulatory standards.
 
One of the most critical elements of this process is ensuring the ability to transfer data later – whether due to the need to change providers or revert to an on-premises infrastructure. This issue is addressed by the SWIPO Code of Conduct, which defines the principles for transferring data between cloud service providers.
 
Inventorying resources before migration
 
Before a company decides to move its data to the cloud, it is essential to conduct a thorough inventory of resources. This means identifying which systems and data need to be migrated, such as:
  • accounting systems
  • ERP (enterprise resource planning)
  • CRM (customer relationship management)
  • email services

    Each of these systems may have different requirements regarding security, regulatory compliance, and technical migration feasibility.
 
Risk analysis of cloud migration and data processing
 
Cloud migration brings many benefits, but it also comes with risks. That’s why it’s important to conduct an analysis of potential threats, such as:
 
  • Loss of access to data (e.g., due to a cloud provider outage)
  • System compatibility issues after migration
  • Legal and regulatory restrictions on data storage in the cloud
It’s also worth considering an exit strategy—what happens if the company decides to move data to another provider or return to an on-premises infrastructure?
Choosing a cloud provider – what to consider?

Before partnering with a cloud service provider, it's essential to carefully analyze their offer and ensure it aligns with the company's requirements. Key aspects to consider include:
  • Security and certifications – e.g., ISO 27001, GDPR compliance
  • Cost model – pricing flexibility and no hidden fees
  • Ease of data transfer – compliance with SWIPO principles
  • Resource availability and SLA (Service Level Agreement)
Businesses should also assess regulatory compliance, especially in industries such as finance, healthcare, or energy.

Key contract terms with a cloud provider

When signing a contract with a cloud provider, it's important to pay attention to clauses regarding:
 
  • Data portability and conditions for switching providers
  • Service redundancy and backup systems
  • Personal data protection in compliance with GDPR
  • Quality standards, such as SLA
  • Possibility of conducting a compliance audit
  • Ensuring that the contract includes proper safeguards can prevent issues when exiting the cloud service in the future. 
So, is cloud migration a good solution?

Cloud migration is a major change that can bring numerous benefits to a company, such as lower costs, greater flexibility, and enhanced security. However, proper preparation is key, especially when it comes to data portability and regulatory compliance.
 
With a well-planned process and the right cloud provider, the cloud can become a stable and secure environment for business systems and data.
 
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