Articles
The journey from cloud adoption to cloud repatriation marks a significant evolution in how organizations manage their IT infrastructure. This transition is driven by various factors, including cost management, performance optimization, and compliance requirements. Value-Added Resellers (VARs) in India are uniquely positioned to capitalize on this trend by developing expertise in leading cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, offering tailored solutions to meet the diverse needs of their clients.
Cloud repatriation-as-a-service (RaaS) is a specialized service offered by cloud service providers (CSPs) or managed service providers (MSPs) to assist organizations in migrating data and workloads from the public cloud back to on-premises or alternative cloud environments. This service encompasses various tasks such as assessing workloads for repatriation suitability, planning and executing migration strategies, optimizing infrastructure and applications for the target environment, and providing ongoing management and support.
The need for cloud repatriation-as-a-service arises from several factors in the IT industry. Organizations may initially migrate to the public cloud for perceived cost savings, but they may later realize that their cloud expenses have become unsustainable. Cloud repatriation allows them to optimize costs by moving certain workloads back on-premises or to alternative cloud providers. Some workloads may experience performance issues in the public cloud due to factors such as latency or data transfer costs.
Repatriation enables organizations to improve performance by relocating these workloads to environments where they can achieve better responsiveness and efficiency. Regulatory requirements or security concerns may prompt organizations to repatriate sensitive data or critical workloads back on-premises to maintain greater control and compliance with data protection regulations. Cloud repatriation provides organizations with flexibility and freedom from vendor lock-in. By repatriating workloads, organizations can diversify their cloud strategy, reduce dependency on specific cloud providers, and maintain control over their IT infrastructure.
Cloud repatriation-as-a-service represents a strategic opportunity for Indian VARs to capitalize on evolving trends in the IT industry, meet customer demands, and drive business growth. VARs recognize that many customers are reconsidering their cloud strategies and may require assistance in repatriating workloads. Offering RaaS allows VARs to meet this demand and provide valuable services to their clients. By offering specialized services for cloud repatriation, VARs can differentiate themselves in the market and add value to their portfolio. RaaS positions VARs as trusted advisors who understand the complexities of cloud migrations and repatriations and can provide expert guidance to their clients.
Cloud repatriation-as-a-service presents new revenue opportunities for VARs, allowing them to expand their service offerings and generate additional income streams. By assisting customers with cloud repatriation, VARs can strengthen their relationships and build trust with clients. By providing valuable services that address critical business needs, VARs can become indispensable partners in their clients' cloud journey.
The shift from cloud adoption to repatriation presents both challenges and opportunities for VARs in India. Let’s discover it from the trend settlers in this sector.
Technical initiatives are intended to increase organization's productivity
Dinesh DhanapathiCEO
Symmetrix Computer Systems Pvt. Ltd.
Any technological initiatives are for improving the efficiency of the organisation, competitiveness in the market and cost-effectiveness. The business dynamics may change or the required results may not be achieved, where the organization needs to take certain corrective actions accordingly. It is very important for the organisation and the IT team to validate the objectives based on which the decision was taken and whether it is being met or not.
Still the cloud solutions are not accepted by many of the organisations, mainly due to low-confidence about the data security. Cost is another aspect, where the customers compare the recurring cost vs one time cost for local storage. Mainly in the SMB segment the prevailing trend is to use the services that come free. Hence the data security is compromised.
I strongly feel that the corporates are already in either their private cloud or in hybrid mode. The SMB segment already started moving to one of the major players like Google, Microsoft etc., as their offerings are best suited for this segment, as they offer Apps, Storage and Email under a single roof. Depending on what ERP they use, they will either use the Cloud or hybrid mode. In the coming years they will be using the basic computing devices where it will link them to the VMs to carry out their work, which is more effective and reliable to run the business.
Still the cloud solutions are not accepted by many of the organisations, mainly due to low-confidence about the data security. Cost is another aspect, where the customers compare the recurring cost vs one time cost for local storage. Mainly in the SMB segment the prevailing trend is to use the services that come free. Hence the data security is compromised.
I strongly feel that the corporates are already in either their private cloud or in hybrid mode. The SMB segment already started moving to one of the major players like Google, Microsoft etc., as their offerings are best suited for this segment, as they offer Apps, Storage and Email under a single roof. Depending on what ERP they use, they will either use the Cloud or hybrid mode. In the coming years they will be using the basic computing devices where it will link them to the VMs to carry out their work, which is more effective and reliable to run the business.
Holistic Cloud Journey Support method aids clients throughout their whole cloud journey
Suresh RamaniCEO & Cloud Computing Evangelist
TechGyan
Cloud migrations and repatriations are important for organizations to be competitive and agile. Cloud migrations let organizations use cloud computing to save costs, improve performance, and innovate faster. But cloud migrations are not always the best option, and sometimes organizations need to move some data or workloads back to on-premises or hybrid environments, for legal, technical, or economic reasons. This is called repatriation, and it can help organizations fine-tune their cloud strategy and avoid problems or waste. Repatriation can also help organizations use new technologies or opportunities in on-premises or edge computing, such as IoT, AI, or 5G. So, I think cloud migrations and repatriations are both useful for organizations to get the best results for their data and workloads in different environments.
Customers are increasingly concerned about:
◆ Unexpected Cloud Costs: The initial cost savings of the cloud might not always be sustainable, leading to repatriation for better cost control.
◆ Compliance Issues: Regulatory requirements in some industries may necessitate on-premises data storage for certain workloads.
◆ Security Concerns: While cloud security is robust, some companies may prefer the perceived control of on-premises data storage.
"Repatriation as a Service" offers a valuable solution for businesses considering repatriation and creates a new revenue stream for cloud providers. By assisting with repatriation, cloud providers can solidify their position as trusted advisors, fostering long-term customer relationships. Holistic Cloud Journey Support approach demonstrates a commitment to supporting customers throughout their entire cloud journey, not just during the initial adoption phase.
Customers are increasingly concerned about:
◆ Unexpected Cloud Costs: The initial cost savings of the cloud might not always be sustainable, leading to repatriation for better cost control.
◆ Compliance Issues: Regulatory requirements in some industries may necessitate on-premises data storage for certain workloads.
◆ Security Concerns: While cloud security is robust, some companies may prefer the perceived control of on-premises data storage.
"Repatriation as a Service" offers a valuable solution for businesses considering repatriation and creates a new revenue stream for cloud providers. By assisting with repatriation, cloud providers can solidify their position as trusted advisors, fostering long-term customer relationships. Holistic Cloud Journey Support approach demonstrates a commitment to supporting customers throughout their entire cloud journey, not just during the initial adoption phase.
Cloud migrations can boost disaster recovery capabilities, encourage innovation, and promote agility
Umesh ShahDirector
Orient Technologies Limited
Cloud migrations and repatriations are crucial in today's dynamic business environment. They offer strategic flexibility, allowing organizations to scale resources according to demand, optimize operational costs, and enhance performance. Migrations to the cloud can increase agility, foster innovation, and improve disaster recovery capabilities. Conversely, cloud repatriation returning workloads from the cloud to on-premise, this can be vital for relooking cost management , performance optimization, and regulatory compliance.
Customers discussing or planning to repatriate data from the public cloud are primarily focused on concerns related to cost, performance, and data sovereignty. Many find that as their data grows, the costs associated with cloud storage and computing can unexpectedly skyrocket. Performance issues, such as latency and the need for faster data access, also drive the decision, especially for data-intensive applications. Additionally, legal and regulatory requirements necessitate greater control over data, prompting companies to bring data back on-premises.
VARs must adapt by offering scalable solutions that cater to the growing demand for data analytics, artificial intelligence, and IoT technologies. They should focus on strengthening cybersecurity offerings in response to increasing cyber threats. Additionally, building expertise in cloud-native architectures will be crucial. As market trends evolve, VARs need to stay agile, continuously updating their skills and offerings to align with global standards and emerging technological trends, ensuring they remain competitive and relevant.
The idea of "Repatriation as a Service" (RaaS) is indeed an innovative and strategic approach for cloud providers. Offering RaaS can position cloud providers as comprehensive, full-spectrum IT partners rather than mere vendors.
Customers discussing or planning to repatriate data from the public cloud are primarily focused on concerns related to cost, performance, and data sovereignty. Many find that as their data grows, the costs associated with cloud storage and computing can unexpectedly skyrocket. Performance issues, such as latency and the need for faster data access, also drive the decision, especially for data-intensive applications. Additionally, legal and regulatory requirements necessitate greater control over data, prompting companies to bring data back on-premises.
VARs must adapt by offering scalable solutions that cater to the growing demand for data analytics, artificial intelligence, and IoT technologies. They should focus on strengthening cybersecurity offerings in response to increasing cyber threats. Additionally, building expertise in cloud-native architectures will be crucial. As market trends evolve, VARs need to stay agile, continuously updating their skills and offerings to align with global standards and emerging technological trends, ensuring they remain competitive and relevant.
The idea of "Repatriation as a Service" (RaaS) is indeed an innovative and strategic approach for cloud providers. Offering RaaS can position cloud providers as comprehensive, full-spectrum IT partners rather than mere vendors.
Hybrid cloud solutions provide flexibility and cost control with room for innovation
Girish SharmaDirector
Service Offer Management NTT DATA Inc India
Cloud migrations and repatriations are strategic initiatives that organizations undertake to optimize costs, enhance agility, and address evolving business requirements. Initially, the focus was on agility, but now cost management is equally crucial. Public cloud consumption often lacks visibility and control, leading to cost overruns.
By strategically choosing the right cloud targets through migrations and repatriations, businesses can optimize expenses. Hybrid cloud solutions strike a balance between agility and cost control, allowing room for innovation. As organizations invest in initiatives like AI and IoT, optimizing costs becomes essential.
When it comes to repatriating data from the public cloud, customers engage in robust discussions and strategic planning around the following,
◆ Identifying Suitable Candidates: Organizations focus on identifying workloads that primarily consume plain infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) from hyperscale cloud providers or public clouds.
◆ Choosing the Right Cloud Platform: Once the candidates are identified, the next step is selecting the appropriate cloud platform. This decision revolves around optimizing costs and avoiding overruns. Organizations evaluate options like data center-based private clouds based on enterprise platforms like Vmware or alternative platforms like OpenShift Virtualization, or Microsoft HyperV.
◆ Platform Evaluation: The choice of platform is crucial. Whether repatriating to a data center-based private cloud or exploring other avenues, organizations consider agility, cost optimization, and performance. Indian cloud service providers also offer compelling options for repatriation, balancing cloud agility with cost-effectiveness.
◆ Hybrid Cloud Continues to Play a Role: Despite repatriation discussions, the hybrid cloud remains relevant. Organizations remain open-minded, recognizing that a mix of public and private cloud services provides the best of both worlds.
By strategically choosing the right cloud targets through migrations and repatriations, businesses can optimize expenses. Hybrid cloud solutions strike a balance between agility and cost control, allowing room for innovation. As organizations invest in initiatives like AI and IoT, optimizing costs becomes essential.
When it comes to repatriating data from the public cloud, customers engage in robust discussions and strategic planning around the following,
◆ Identifying Suitable Candidates: Organizations focus on identifying workloads that primarily consume plain infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) from hyperscale cloud providers or public clouds.
◆ Choosing the Right Cloud Platform: Once the candidates are identified, the next step is selecting the appropriate cloud platform. This decision revolves around optimizing costs and avoiding overruns. Organizations evaluate options like data center-based private clouds based on enterprise platforms like Vmware or alternative platforms like OpenShift Virtualization, or Microsoft HyperV.
◆ Platform Evaluation: The choice of platform is crucial. Whether repatriating to a data center-based private cloud or exploring other avenues, organizations consider agility, cost optimization, and performance. Indian cloud service providers also offer compelling options for repatriation, balancing cloud agility with cost-effectiveness.
◆ Hybrid Cloud Continues to Play a Role: Despite repatriation discussions, the hybrid cloud remains relevant. Organizations remain open-minded, recognizing that a mix of public and private cloud services provides the best of both worlds.
Repatriations and cloud migrations are crucial strategic initiatives looking to reduce Business expenses
Gurpreet SinghManaging Director
Arrow PC Network Pvt. Ltd.
Cloud migrations and repatriations are critical strategic initiatives for organizations aiming to optimize costs, enhance agility, and align IT infrastructure with evolving business needs. Migrations to the cloud offer scalability, flexibility, and access to advanced technologies, enabling businesses to innovate and compete effectively. However, repatriations signify a strategic re-evaluation; ensuring workloads are placed where they best serve the organization's objectives, whether in the cloud or on-premises. By understanding the importance of these initiatives, Arrow PC Network can tailor solutions that not only meet clients' immediate needs but also provide long-term value and flexibility.
Customers considering repatriating data from the public cloud often discuss several key factors. They evaluate the total cost of ownership (TCO), comparing expenses associated with cloud services to on-premises infrastructure or alternative cloud providers. Overall, customers planning repatriation prioritize aligning IT strategies with business objectives, ensuring cost-effectiveness, compliance, and performance optimization and that's where Arrow PC Network comes in and assists businesses to achieve their desired results.
Developing "Repatriation as a Service" solutions can be a strategic move for cloud providers. It helps address customers' needs for flexibility, control, and cost efficiency in managing their IT infrastructure. By offering assistance with moving data and workloads back on-premises, providers can position themselves as trusted advisors throughout the cloud journey.
This approach not only creates a new revenue stream but also strengthens relationships with customers by addressing concerns such as data sovereignty and compliance. However, providers must ensure transparency, reliability, and flexibility in their offerings to foster long-term partnerships and mutual success.
Customers considering repatriating data from the public cloud often discuss several key factors. They evaluate the total cost of ownership (TCO), comparing expenses associated with cloud services to on-premises infrastructure or alternative cloud providers. Overall, customers planning repatriation prioritize aligning IT strategies with business objectives, ensuring cost-effectiveness, compliance, and performance optimization and that's where Arrow PC Network comes in and assists businesses to achieve their desired results.
Developing "Repatriation as a Service" solutions can be a strategic move for cloud providers. It helps address customers' needs for flexibility, control, and cost efficiency in managing their IT infrastructure. By offering assistance with moving data and workloads back on-premises, providers can position themselves as trusted advisors throughout the cloud journey.
This approach not only creates a new revenue stream but also strengthens relationships with customers by addressing concerns such as data sovereignty and compliance. However, providers must ensure transparency, reliability, and flexibility in their offerings to foster long-term partnerships and mutual success.
Cloud solutions offer elastic computing resources that scale in demand
Paresh LodhaDirector
Sujata Computers Pvt. Ltd.
For our customers, cloud solutions enable their business scaling by providing elastic computing resources that adjust to demand, ensuring optimal performance during peak times without over investment. This pay-as-you-go model reduces capital expenditure and operational costs. With our cloud solution vendors' global data centers, we can offer worldwide reach, enhancing application accessibility and performance for users regardless of location. Additionally, automated updates and maintenance reduce IT overhead, allowing businesses to focus on core activities. By leveraging advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and automation, cloud solutions drive innovation, streamline operations, and enable businesses to swiftly adapt to changing market conditions, supporting sustainable growth and competitiveness.
Indian MSMEs are rapidly adopting technologies to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. Key trends include cloud computing for scalable and cost-effective IT infrastructure, AI integration with existing sets of applications, IoT for real-time monitoring and data analytics, and automation to streamline operations and reduce manual labor. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are being leveraged for predictive analytics and improved decision-making. Augmented reality is enhancing customer experiences and training programs. Additionally, cybersecurity is a growing focus, with businesses investing in advanced security measures to protect digital assets. These technologies are enabling MSMEs to innovate, improve productivity, and stay competitive in the evolving market landscape.
MSMEs are adopting cloud technology at a faster pace than large enterprises due to several factors. Process of decision-making and change is faster in MSMEs compared to large enterprises. With cost-effective pay-as-you-go models, MSMEs can access advanced infrastructure without hefty upfront investments. The scalability and flexibility of cloud solutions cater to their dynamic needs, enabling rapid growth and innovation.
Indian MSMEs are rapidly adopting technologies to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. Key trends include cloud computing for scalable and cost-effective IT infrastructure, AI integration with existing sets of applications, IoT for real-time monitoring and data analytics, and automation to streamline operations and reduce manual labor. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are being leveraged for predictive analytics and improved decision-making. Augmented reality is enhancing customer experiences and training programs. Additionally, cybersecurity is a growing focus, with businesses investing in advanced security measures to protect digital assets. These technologies are enabling MSMEs to innovate, improve productivity, and stay competitive in the evolving market landscape.
MSMEs are adopting cloud technology at a faster pace than large enterprises due to several factors. Process of decision-making and change is faster in MSMEs compared to large enterprises. With cost-effective pay-as-you-go models, MSMEs can access advanced infrastructure without hefty upfront investments. The scalability and flexibility of cloud solutions cater to their dynamic needs, enabling rapid growth and innovation.
Setting Priorities and Creating an Agile Architecture for Cloud Adoption
Mandeep SinghSenior Vice President and Practise Head- Cloud Business
Hitachi Systems India Pvt. Ltd.
There are multiple drivers when an organization plans its journey towards cloud adoption, and mistakes are inevitable when it comes to define the right approach and should be expected. We need to prioritize the drivers and based on that a framework should be built for our decision making. This will make our approach quite agile in case we need to optimize or change our path as we move forward on this journey.
We at Hitachi, see the end state of all enterprises as a Hybrid model as a pragmatic approach keeping in mind all the factors not limited to cost, agility, and business requirements. We recommend that an expert partner is a must who can help the enterprises on their journey to cloud as both migrations and repatriation decisions are not easy one to take due to multiple reasons which can impact the business. We as a strategic partner helps enterprises to define their roadmap aligned to all the objectives and drivers keeping in mind the business continuity in such a way that we don’t have to reverse our rethink on our decisions at least for the known factors such as cost, agility and meeting the business requirements as these were already been considered while planning the cloud journey.
Cloud adoption could be very tricky if not done with adequate or sufficient planning, that’s why having the right partner plays a pivotal role in planning your journey to cloud. There is nothing right or wrong; for cloud adoption the only thing that works is “Right Workload for Right Cloud” which is the basic mantra to decide the migration.
There are multiple factors which customers are discussing while thinking about repatriation:
◆ Cost Optimization
◆ Compliance
◆ Non-Availability of Skills
◆ Infrastructure Cost for On-premises environment
◆ Professional Services cost for migration from cloud to On-premises
◆ Data-out and other associated costs from cloud while exiting
◆ Availability of Right skills in-house or selection of MSP for on-premises
As we see hybrid cloud as a pragmatic approach for all enterprises going forward and we plan accordingly for our cloud customer when it comes to their cloud adoption journey. For customers who adopted the cloud with inadequate or insufficient planning which is leading them to a decision of Repatriation, we can still assist them to mitigate the factors as we have discussed earlier but in case of compliance if repatriation is inevitable then we already have this offering where we can help customer to move back to on-premises with proper planning although it not named as “Repatriation as a Service” which definitely makes sense from GTM perspective.
We at Hitachi, see the end state of all enterprises as a Hybrid model as a pragmatic approach keeping in mind all the factors not limited to cost, agility, and business requirements. We recommend that an expert partner is a must who can help the enterprises on their journey to cloud as both migrations and repatriation decisions are not easy one to take due to multiple reasons which can impact the business. We as a strategic partner helps enterprises to define their roadmap aligned to all the objectives and drivers keeping in mind the business continuity in such a way that we don’t have to reverse our rethink on our decisions at least for the known factors such as cost, agility and meeting the business requirements as these were already been considered while planning the cloud journey.
Cloud adoption could be very tricky if not done with adequate or sufficient planning, that’s why having the right partner plays a pivotal role in planning your journey to cloud. There is nothing right or wrong; for cloud adoption the only thing that works is “Right Workload for Right Cloud” which is the basic mantra to decide the migration.
There are multiple factors which customers are discussing while thinking about repatriation:
◆ Cost Optimization
◆ Compliance
◆ Non-Availability of Skills
◆ Infrastructure Cost for On-premises environment
◆ Professional Services cost for migration from cloud to On-premises
◆ Data-out and other associated costs from cloud while exiting
◆ Availability of Right skills in-house or selection of MSP for on-premises
As we see hybrid cloud as a pragmatic approach for all enterprises going forward and we plan accordingly for our cloud customer when it comes to their cloud adoption journey. For customers who adopted the cloud with inadequate or insufficient planning which is leading them to a decision of Repatriation, we can still assist them to mitigate the factors as we have discussed earlier but in case of compliance if repatriation is inevitable then we already have this offering where we can help customer to move back to on-premises with proper planning although it not named as “Repatriation as a Service” which definitely makes sense from GTM perspective.
Strategic Cloud Migration is needed while avoiding Lift-and-Shift Mistakes
Pratap VichareDirector Cloud Practice and Managed Services
Galaxy Office Automation Pvt. Ltd.
Cloud computing has transformed the landscape of IT and business over the past several years. While the public cloud has provided unparalleled speed, scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency, it is not a magic wand that makes all applications do the same.
It is vital of IT leaders to note that the cloud is different from an on-premises environment and the most common mistake is “lift-and-shift” – simply duplicating the environment of the on-premise to the cloud. At Galaxy we help customers build assessment led migration strategy for both on-premise to cloud or cloud to on-premise. We assess customers on-premise/cloud environments, migrate strategically by modernizing applications where required while aligning to business goals and manage cloud environments with dedicated resources optimizing cost and usage.
The most common reasons for customers planning repatriations are cost, performance and security. Many customers had to migrate to the cloud perforce during COVID and went for a quick fix lift and shift strategy to enable their users to work from anywhere. They now realise that the costs they are paying for similar performance and security levels are significantly higher.
This can definitely be rectified in case the application is a good candidate for modernisation. Unfortunately, not all applications may justify the costs involved with app modernisation. At Galaxy, we offer the complete service of assessment, modernisation, migration and management ensuring a smooth journey to the cloud for our customers.
At Galaxy, we have developed skills in rapid application development technologies like low code and no code, containerization and DevOps to enable our customers to make full use of what the cloud has to offer. Our managed services practice provides customers with offerings from multiple cloud service providers alongside our own value added services and capability to manage Hybrid IT environments to reap the benefits of cost optimization across providers.
Many businesses who have jumped to the cloud without doing any of the assessment and planning or did the “lift-and-shift” are looking at optimisation or repatriation and this provides VAR’s an unique opportunity to help customers identify the workloads which provides benefits being on cloud and provide cost optimisation services , and also help them with repatriation as a service for the workloads which needs to be moved to on premise , This also adds another opportunity for VAR’s to manage hybrid IT environments.
At Galaxy, we believe that all applications can be either refactored or recreated using rapid application development techniques to make them cloud optimised and advise our customers accordingly.
It is vital of IT leaders to note that the cloud is different from an on-premises environment and the most common mistake is “lift-and-shift” – simply duplicating the environment of the on-premise to the cloud. At Galaxy we help customers build assessment led migration strategy for both on-premise to cloud or cloud to on-premise. We assess customers on-premise/cloud environments, migrate strategically by modernizing applications where required while aligning to business goals and manage cloud environments with dedicated resources optimizing cost and usage.
The most common reasons for customers planning repatriations are cost, performance and security. Many customers had to migrate to the cloud perforce during COVID and went for a quick fix lift and shift strategy to enable their users to work from anywhere. They now realise that the costs they are paying for similar performance and security levels are significantly higher.
This can definitely be rectified in case the application is a good candidate for modernisation. Unfortunately, not all applications may justify the costs involved with app modernisation. At Galaxy, we offer the complete service of assessment, modernisation, migration and management ensuring a smooth journey to the cloud for our customers.
At Galaxy, we have developed skills in rapid application development technologies like low code and no code, containerization and DevOps to enable our customers to make full use of what the cloud has to offer. Our managed services practice provides customers with offerings from multiple cloud service providers alongside our own value added services and capability to manage Hybrid IT environments to reap the benefits of cost optimization across providers.
Many businesses who have jumped to the cloud without doing any of the assessment and planning or did the “lift-and-shift” are looking at optimisation or repatriation and this provides VAR’s an unique opportunity to help customers identify the workloads which provides benefits being on cloud and provide cost optimisation services , and also help them with repatriation as a service for the workloads which needs to be moved to on premise , This also adds another opportunity for VAR’s to manage hybrid IT environments.
At Galaxy, we believe that all applications can be either refactored or recreated using rapid application development techniques to make them cloud optimised and advise our customers accordingly.
See What’s Next in Tech With the Fast Forward Newsletter
Tweets From @varindiamag
Nothing to see here - yet
When they Tweet, their Tweets will show up here.
