Cloud Migration Guide for SMBs: Choosing Between AWS and Azure

On-Premise vs Cloud: Why Cloud Migration Matters Now

On-premise infrastructure involves hosting servers and networking equipment within your own facilities, while cloud computing leverages infrastructure provided by providers like AWS and Azure over the internet. The greatest advantage of the cloud is the ability to scale resources flexibly while minimizing upfront capital expenditure. Driven by aging hardware and the need for robust business continuity planning, small and medium-sized businesses in the Shinagawa area of Tokyo and beyond are rapidly embracing cloud migration.

AWS vs Azure: Comparing Features and Strengths

AWS is the world's largest cloud provider, offering over 200 services spanning computing, storage, databases, AI/ML, IoT, and more. Azure's key strength lies in its seamless integration with Microsoft products such as Microsoft 365 and Active Directory. Companies that already rely heavily on the Microsoft ecosystem may find Azure more suitable, while those seeking the broadest range of cutting-edge cloud services may prefer AWS.

Five Steps to a Successful Cloud Migration

Cloud migration follows five key steps. First, conduct an assessment to inventory your current environment and identify migration candidates. Second, create a plan that defines the migration approach, schedule, and team structure. Third, run a proof of concept to validate technical feasibility in a small-scale environment. Fourth, execute the migration by moving systems in phases according to the plan. Fifth, optimize post-migration performance and costs to maximize cloud value.

Cloud Security: Operating Safely in the Cloud

Cloud security follows the shared responsibility model: the provider secures the underlying infrastructure, while customers are responsible for securing their operating systems, applications, and data. Essential measures include proper access control through IAM, data encryption, network security group configuration, and security monitoring with comprehensive log management. Compliance with standards such as CIS Benchmarks is also strongly recommended.

Cloud Cost Management: Avoiding Unexpected Expenses

Because cloud services use a pay-as-you-go pricing model, costs can escalate unexpectedly without proper management. Effective cost control strategies include leveraging reserved instances or savings plans, automatically shutting down idle resources, and right-sizing instances. Tools such as AWS Cost Explorer and Azure Cost Management enable monthly cost monitoring and help maintain budget discipline.

Cloud Migration Success Stories in the Shinagawa District

Shinagawa is a thriving business hub where an increasing number of companies are actively pursuing cloud migration. Success stories include enterprises that reduced costs by 40 percent by migrating legacy file servers to cloud storage, and organizations that strengthened their disaster recovery posture by moving core systems to AWS. A local partner with knowledge of the regional business landscape is a key factor in achieving these results.

Start Your Cloud Journey with Oflight Inc.

Cloud migration is not merely an infrastructure change but a strategic opportunity to rethink your entire IT landscape. Headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, Oflight Inc. employs engineers proficient in both AWS and Azure, providing end-to-end support for cloud environment design, migration, and operations tailored to your business needs. If you are considering cloud migration, contact Oflight Inc. for a free initial consultation.