Why More Nigerian Businesses Are Moving to the Cloud
Across Nigeria, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are becoming increasingly digital. From online sales to remote work, the demand for flexible, accessible IT systems has grown rapidly. But traditional, on-premise infrastructure can’t always keep up.
That’s why many businesses are asking:
“How do we move to the cloud and do it right?”
Cloud migration isn’t just a tech upgrade. It’s a business decision that impacts your operations, costs, scalability, and even customer experience. And with support from trusted IT partners like Adler Technology, Nigerian businesses can make the shift confidently and securely.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the exact steps you need to take to prepare your company for cloud migration while avoiding the pitfalls that stall or complicate the process.
🔗 Related Reading:
- The Future of IT in West Africa: 2025 and Beyond – Explore broader trends shaping digital transformation across the region.
- Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Cloud Backup Solution – Learn how to evaluate providers, pricing, and support before migrating.
Step 1: Understand What “Cloud Migration” Really Means
Before diving into solutions, let’s clarify what cloud migration is.
Cloud migration means moving some or all of your business systems, data, and applications from local, physical servers (on-premise) to a remote, internet-accessible infrastructure (the cloud).
This could include:
- File storage
- Email systems
- Accounting or ERP software
- Customer relationship management (CRM)
- Databases and backups
Depending on your needs, the migration might be:
- Full cloud (everything moves)
- Hybrid cloud (some stay local, some move)
- Cloud-first (new tools are cloud-native, older tools gradually migrate)
Step 2: Assess Your Current Infrastructure
Jumping into migration without assessing what you already have can be risky. Many Nigerian SMEs have a mix of legacy systems, third-party apps, and hardware that must be audited.
At Adler Technology, we begin every project with a Cloud Readiness Assessment. This includes:
- Reviewing your hardware and software stack
- Mapping business-critical processes
- Identifying data volume, usage patterns, and compliance needs
- Flagging applications that are outdated or incompatible with cloud hosting
This helps define your unique migration path, so you only move what adds value.
Step 3: Identify the Right Cloud Deployment Strategy
Not every cloud setup fits every business. Here are your primary options:
1. Public Cloud
- Affordable and scalable
- Services like AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud
- Great for email, storage, and backup
2. Private Cloud
- Dedicated servers or virtual machines
- More control, higher cost
- Better for sensitive data (finance, health, legal sectors)
3. Hybrid Cloud
- A mix of both local servers plus cloud services
- Ideal for gradual transitions or compliance-sensitive industries
Adler Technology helps businesses choose and implement the right cloud mix through its Cloud & Backup Solutions, which offer secure, scalable options without unnecessary complexity.
Step 4: Plan for Security and Compliance
Cloud migration must be secure by design, not an afterthought.
Key considerations:
- Data encryption in transit and at rest
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for cloud logins
- Regular backups and access logs
- Compliance with Nigeria’s NDPR or industry-specific data regulations
Adler’s Cyber Security Solutions protect cloud environments through:
- Firewall configuration
- Endpoint protection
- Real-time monitoring
- Disaster recovery protocols
This ensures your move to the cloud doesn’t expose your business to new vulnerabilities.
Step 5: Train Your Team on New Tools and Processes
Even the most robust cloud system fails without adoption.
Post-migration, your team needs to:
- Understand how to access cloud platforms
- Use collaboration tools like shared drives and apps
- Know what to do if there’s an outage or error
That’s why Adler includes user onboarding and IT training as part of its deployment process. When your employees understand the new systems, they become more productive, and your ROI improves.
Step 6: Test, Monitor, and Optimize
A migration isn’t “finished” once data is uploaded. Cloud systems must be tested, monitored, and optimized to ensure they’re working as intended.
What Adler Technology helps clients monitor:
- System performance and user load
- Backup success and restore times
- Storage usage to avoid surprise costs
- Application uptime and accessibility
We also conduct routine optimisation reviews to adjust your plan as your business grows.
What Can Go Wrong And How to Avoid It
Here are some common migration pitfalls and how Adler helps avoid them:
| Mistake | Risk | Adler’s Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing migration without assessment | Data loss, system failure | Pre-migration audit and readiness planning |
| Moving unnecessary applications | Wasted time and resources | Streamlining your tool stack first |
| Ignoring compliance | Legal fines or breaches | Aligning your setup with NDPR standards |
| No post-migration support | Low adoption, confused staff | Continuous support and cloud health monitoring |
Real Business Benefits of Cloud Migration
Businesses that migrate effectively experience:
✅ 30–50% faster access to data and tools
✅ Reduced downtime during power or network issues
✅ Better team collaboration and remote work readiness
✅ Lower infrastructure and hardware maintenance costs
✅ Automatic backups and version history for files
Whether you’re a retail company syncing inventory, a law firm sharing case files securely, or a service provider managing client data, the cloud unlocks new efficiency gains.
Why Choose Adler for Your Cloud Journey?
Adler Technology is built for Nigerian and West African businesses. We don’t just sell cloud licenses, we:
- Audit your infrastructure and business goals
- Recommend a fit-for-purpose cloud setup
- Handle secure migration and configuration
- Train your team and offer continuous support
- Include backups and cybersecurity protections from day one
With a focus on reliability, simplicity, and growth, Adler’s Cloud & Backup Solutions help you modernise with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How long does cloud migration take?
It depends on your data size and system complexity. Most migrations take between 2–6 weeks with zero downtime.
Q2: Is cloud more secure than on-premise?
Yes, when properly configured. Adler Technology uses encrypted storage, firewalls, and endpoint protection to enhance security.
Q3: Can I migrate in phases?
Absolutely. You can start with email or storage and expand over time. Adler supports hybrid approaches.
Q4: What happens if my internet goes down?
Cloud systems offer offline sync options, and Adler designs fallback access methods to maintain continuity.
Ready to move your business to the cloud, safely and strategically?
Let Adler Technology help you make the transition smooth, secure, and scalable.
📧 Email: info@adlertechnology.com.ng
🌐 Website: www.adlertechnology.com.ng
