The utilization of cloud computing services allows real-time data distribution and storage within customizable web-based infrastructures, designed according to the operational needs of a customer. The benefits of cloud solutions include: minimal investments in physical hardware and IT infrastructure, customized server scaling to meet operational demands, and the convenience of consolidating data and applications under a standard online architecture. With the growing prevalence of customizable cloud solutions, the challenge of developing a defensible cost estimate for legacy data migration becomes increasingly complex. Organizations must now consider a variety of cost factors before selecting a cloud service model, including the adoption of “Cloud First” vs. “Cloud Smart” migration strategies, the viability of multi-cloud deployment models to diversify workloads, and the incorporation of edge computing architectures for reduced network latency.

The purpose of this presentation is to identify and describe various cloud migration efforts and challenges among Federal Government organizations as they attempt to migrate legacy data and applications to the cloud. Analysis of these efforts and challenges serve to establish important cost estimating requirements: the quantification of data to be migrated, identification of security parameters/vulnerabilities, and evaluation of legacy application compatibility. Understanding these fundamental requirements in relation to associated capability gaps can enhance organizational agility, leading to the development of effective cloud migration strategies that satisfy operational objectives.