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Transferability is a bigger issue. Finding the data or applications does not
guarantee that they will run on other systems with relatively few problems.
An anticipatory choice of provider and the use of standard software are a
big help here. Otherwise, transferability must be agreed in the contract, for
example, by defining specific standards which the Cloud service provider
must fulfil.
Before starting the transfer process proper, one should preferably have
chosen a new Cloud service provider – except where external circumstances
force the termination of the agreement, and assuming that the data will be
remaining in the Cloud. The new provider can provide consultancy services
before the migration as well as supporting the actual migration. In
particular, the contractually agreed transfer process and the deadlines
should be discussed in advance. Another issue that should be discussed with
the new Cloud service provider is that of any changes, whether to the
technical requirements, the data volumes, the details of the migration
process and the deadlines.
Transfer process and deadlines
It is advisable to take recourse to the original Cloud service provider's
specifications. The new Cloud service provider will suggest a schedule for
migrating the data to its systems; the schedule will typically not be too tight
in order to avoid confronting the new customer with non‐fulfilment of
contractual terms at the outset of the agreement.
The possibility of a trial phase with the new Cloud service provider must also
be taken into consideration. This could reveal compatibility issues which can
be most efficiently solved in collaboration with the original provider.
And one should always consider the possibility of delays. Although a tight
schedule can save money, because it reduces the amount of time that two
Cloud service providers spend on the migration, an unforeseen delay that
leads to a longer stay with the original Cloud service provider can lead to
significant additional costs, as the original Cloud service provider will not
base their billing on long‐term contracts for economic reasons in this case. A
contractual agreement can both mitigate the financial damage and make it
calculable.
The transfer process itself can be the less work‐intensive part compared
with the preparation phase, assuming appropriate preparation on the part
of the customer. The main components here are a proactive agreement on
the transfer process and the deadlines and the targeted involvement of
prepared third parties. Apart from tackling unforeseen and not tangibly
