Technology is moving at a rip-roaring rate with advances being made every minute, accelerating and simplifying processes, however, not everyone is keeping up. Whether you’re still managing your Oracle, SQL Server, or NoSQL databases on premise, or making do with skill gaps in your IT department, the time has come to take a long, hard look at how you’re managing your databases.

So it’s time for some tough love. It’s time to get serious about the cloud for databases. Not just getting them there, but being smart about which ones you migrate and how you’re managing them once you’ve made the move to the cloud.

Move to the Cloud, Yesterday

First things first, if your Oracle, SQL Server, and NoSQL databases aren’t in the cloud yet, you’re not alone, but your posse of on-premise databases is shrinking daily. According to RightScale’s 2017 State of the Cloud Survey, 95% of companies are using the cloud in some fashion.

Of course, there are exceptions to this rule. Companies with enormous amounts of data to manage or compliance/security restrictions (i.e. government agencies) prefer a hybrid cloud strategy because of limitations to what they can do in the cloud. But if you’re a small to mid-size business still relying on on-premise database solutions, your moment to move to the cloud has arrived.

This simple shift will not only free up time for your team but also likely provide significant cost savings that will have an impact on your bottom line. There is no need to get stressed about making the shift. Cloud technology is growing and improving at unbelievable rates, leveling the playing field for businesses of all shapes and sizes. And with the right technology partner, moving to the cloud can be simple.

Bridge the Skill Set Gap in Your IT Department

We know and you know that your IT hires are great, talented, strategic hires, but nine times out of ten, they likely weren’t brought on for managing tactical or routine tasks in your databases. But in lieu of having an appropriate resource to do so, in many cases this duty falls to the team member who “makes the most sense,” but doesn’t necessarily have the correct skill set.

Fact is, few IT departments have the full skill set to cover required routine maintenance of existing systems (like databases), but also all the constantly evolving technologies. It’s a Herculean task to stay on top of the speed of the cloud. And, it becomes downright impossible for an IT team member who’s also splitting time attempting to drive more strategic projects, while perhaps also being in charge of routine database administration. Unless you have the resources to have an in-house DBA, you’re likely falling behind or at the very least not using your database to its greatest potential.

With the rate of change in the cloud and the skills it requires, it’s time for businesses to reevaluate how they’re managing these tools. While outsourcing was once a four letter word, many businesses are doing just that with the management of their databases and other enterprise applications. A managed service provider can provide all of the focused expertise of an in-house DBA to manage your cloud database operations at a fraction of the cost. It just makes sense.

Bottom line is this: If you haven’t moved your databases to the cloud, you’re behind the times. Don’t beat yourself up, you’re certainly not alone, but now is the time to get moving on your move to the cloud.

We’d love to learn more about how we can help your business meet your goals in the cloud. Schedule your complimentary 15-minute consultation today. And get off on the right foot with your DBA services with some tough questions in this free guide: