How to Migrate Your Full IT Ecosystem During a Cloud Upgrade
Migrating to the cloud is often framed as an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Customer Relationship Management (CRM) upgrade, but the reality is, it touches your entire IT ecosystem. From file servers to legacy applications, most on-premises systems need to move together to realize the full benefits of the cloud. In this blog and video recording, we’ll walk through what a full ecosystem migration entails, compare on-prem vs. cloud infrastructure, and outline a practical roadmap using an Assess, Plan, Migrate, and Optimize framework.
Let’s begin by looking at the on-premises environment many organizations are still managing today, and why it may be time to re-evaluate it.
The On-Prem Reality
When we talk about moving to the cloud, it’s easy to focus on core systems like Dynamics GP. But the truth is, most organizations still running GP on-prem also rely on a broader web of on-premises technology, file servers, network shares, local printers, SQL servers, custom business apps, VPNs, and Active Directory. These systems have likely served you well for years, but they come with growing costs, maintenance demands, security risks, and limited flexibility. Ignoring this broader ecosystem during a cloud upgrade means missing a critical opportunity to reduce technical debt and modernize your operations holistically.
To understand the impact of moving these systems, let’s compare the realities of on-premises infrastructure with what the cloud has to offer.
From Legacy Systems to Modern Solutions
Modernizing your IT environment isn’t about replacing old systems with identical cloud versions, it’s about upgrading how your organization works, while keeping a familiar user interface (UI). Microsoft offers cloud-based counterparts for nearly every on-prem component, like Exchange Online, Entra ID, SharePoint, and OneDrive. These modern tools bring opportunities for better security, mobility, scalability, and collaboration.
On-Prem Vs. Microsoft Cloud
Consider the shift from a traditional on-prem file server to SharePoint Online and OneDrive. Instead of managing local hardware, complex permissions, and VPN access, you move to a model where files are securely stored in the cloud, access is centrally managed, and real-time collaboration becomes the norm. Version history, remote access, and integrated security controls aren’t just enhancements, they fundamentally change how your teams work.
This is where real value begins to emerge. By assessing how your current tools are used and aligning them with cloud-native solutions, you’re not just replicating infrastructure, you’re creating a more agile, secure, and efficient IT ecosystem.
Now that we’ve briefly touched upon the functionality and some advantages of cloud solutions, let’s look at what the shift actually feels like for your users.
Minimizing Friction, Maximizing Familiarity
One of the biggest concerns during any migration is user adoption. A major UI change can stall momentum, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Microsoft’s cloud tools, especially when paired with thoughtful implementation, can mirror the experience your teams are used to.
Take file storage as an example. Whether users are accessing a mapped drive from a traditional file server or clicking into a synced SharePoint folder, the interaction can be nearly identical. File Explorer shows both options in the same left-hand panel, and files open with the same clicks and behavior, Word docs open in Word, Excel in Excel, and so on. The difference? Those files are now securely hosted in the cloud, with all the added benefits of collaboration, version control, and flexible access.
By minimizing disruption and delivering familiar interfaces, you reduce friction and make it easier for your teams to adopt the cloud without retraining or resistance. It’s a user-first approach to modernization.
So, how do you actually get to the cloud? We build a roadmap.
Building a Strategic Migration Roadmap
A successful move to the cloud isn’t about speed, it’s about making thoughtful progress that aligns with your business goals. Rather than rushing into a lift-and-shift approach, it’s important to take a phased, strategic path. hat’s where having clear roadmap guidelines makes a difference.
A practical roadmap for strategic migration typically follows four key stages—Assess, Plan, Migrate, and Optimize—designed to help you build momentum without feeling overwhelmed. Each step is designed to address technical needs, user readiness, and long-term business value. It’s not an overnight change, but a smart progression that starts with quick wins and leads to sustainable modernization.
Let’s take a closer look at each phase, what it includes, why it matters, and how it sets you up for long-term success.
Phase 1: Assess Your Current State
Before any successful cloud migration, it’s essential to fully understand where you're starting from. The assessment phase helps you build a clear picture of your current environment so you can make informed, strategic decisions moving forward.
This step begins by inventorying all on-premise systems, servers, applications, storage, printers, and more. From there, when you work with Stoneridge, we identify which services are cloud-compatible and which workloads are the highest priorities for modernization. Understanding how your teams use these tools, including key application dependencies and your broader network architecture, ensures we don’t overlook critical connections or workflows.
We also evaluate licensing, compliance, and security requirements to uncover any gaps or changes needed for a cloud-first future. Just as important, you need to engage stakeholders across departments to surface use cases, challenges, and must-have functionality. This collaborative groundwork sets the tone for a roadmap that’s strategic, practical, and aligned with how your organization truly works.
Phase 2: Plan for a Phased Migration
With a clear understanding of your current environment, the next step is to map out how to move to the cloud, strategically and in phases. This is where your migration vision takes shape.
We start by defining your cloud strategy, whether that’s a full cloud deployment, a hybrid approach, or even a multi-cloud setup. Not every workload belongs in the cloud right away, or at all. Prioritizing based on business impact and complexity helps us focus first on “quick wins” like email or file storage, which are often easier to transition and can build early confidence with your users.
As we outline your roadmap, we map dependencies, between apps, data, and users, so nothing critical is overlooked. We also select the right tools and platforms to support your goals, from Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 to services like Universal Print.
Finally, no plan is complete without a strong change management and training strategy. Together, we define user acceptance criteria, provide targeted training, and make sure everyone is ready to adopt the new tools with minimal disruption.
Phase 3: Migrate with Confidence
With a solid plan in place, it’s time to execute, but with intention. We take a phased approach to migration, starting with low-risk, high-impact workloads and select pilot users. This allows us to validate the migration process, gather feedback, and fine-tune before rolling it out organization-wide.
End-user experience is always front and center. We monitor adoption through Microsoft 365 analytics, provide hands-on support, and proactively address any challenges to ensure a smooth transition. By the time the broader team moves over, the foundation has been tested, and the change feels less disruptive and more natural.
Phase 4: Optimize for Performance and Cost
Once your systems are in the cloud, we shift focus to maximizing the value of your investment. This means fine-tuning your cloud setup, adjusting virtual machine schedules, right-sizing workloads, and decommissioning legacy infrastructure that’s no longer needed.
We also review security configurations and compliance settings using tools like Microsoft Entra ID and cloud monitoring dashboards. Optimization isn’t a one-time event, it’s an ongoing process that ensures your environment stays secure, efficient, and aligned with how your team actually works.
How Can Stoneridge Help
Navigating the cloud journey can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Stoneridge Software is a certified Microsoft Solutions Partner with deep expertise across Azure, Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365, Power Platform, and Copilot. We bring the right people, tools, and funding resources to support your success.
From senior architects with hands-on experience to licensing and funding specialists who ensure you only pay for what you need, our team has guided an extensive number of cloud migrations. What sets us apart is our focus on end-user experience, because true success comes when your people adopt the tools you've invested in.
With our proven experience and Microsoft-backed resources, we’re equipped to help you move forward confidently. That’s where our Stoneridge Path to the Cloud program comes in—a guided approach you can follow by working with us to turn strategy into action.
The Stoneridge Path to the Cloud Process
For organizations still operating on-premises but looking to modernize, the Stoneridge Path to the Cloud offers a structured, guided, low-effort program that allows you to explore what’s next. Whether you’re ready to move to Dynamics 365 Business Central or simply need to extend the life of aging infrastructure, this process helps you make informed decisions, with tailored guidance and access to Microsoft funding.
The program starts with a Technology Review to understand your goals, timeline, budget, and current systems. This sets the stage for confirming eligibility for Microsoft funding and aligning the right experts to your needs.
Once funding is approved, by simply clicking “accept” on a few Microsoft emails, we move into a Detailed Discovery session. You’ll meet with Business Central and Microsoft 365 solution architects who will dive into your environment and your vision for the future.
Finally, we deliver Analysis & Recommendations based on what we learn, outlining migration options, effort estimates, licensing considerations, and long-term costs.
This process is designed to be informative, lightweight, and risk-free. It's not about pushing you to the cloud, it's about helping you get clarity on your options so you can move forward with confidence.
For More Information
If you're considering a move to the cloud or just want to better understand your options, we’re here to help. The team at Stoneridge Software is happy to answer questions, talk through your goals, and guide you through the next steps, at your pace. Reach out to us to start the conversation.
Post by Nicky Wille and Tyler Allard
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