The cloud is now a strategic choice for businesses, but how can they navigate this path without risks and with maximum benefits? We discussed this with Marco Cataldi, Head of Microsoft Solutions at Moresi.com.
Why are so many companies accelerating towards the cloud today?
“There are two key factors: the need for flexibility and cost control. On-premises infrastructure requires ongoing investment in hardware, licences and maintenance. In recent months, rising prices for VMware solutions have also prompted many SMEs to seek more sustainable alternatives. The cloud, and Microsoft Azure in particular, allows you to reduce fixed costs, pay only for what you use and scale according to your needs.”
What are the main challenges for those who decide to migrate to the cloud?
“The biggest challenge is understanding that there is no single path. Every company has different needs: some need to move everything quickly, others want to modernise their applications, and others must comply with very strict security rules. The risk is starting without a clear strategy and ending up with out-of-control costs or operational continuity issues. That’s why a gradual, customised approach is needed.”
Why is Azure the right choice for migrating to the cloud, and what opportunities does it offer?
“When it comes to the cloud, the question is no longer “whether” to migrate, but “how to do it right”. Azure offers three key advantages: flexibility, security and operational continuity. In practice, you can move your existing systems without disrupting them and, at the same time, pave the way for gradual modernisation.
A concrete example: those who currently manage virtualised environments on-premises can quickly move them to the cloud without changing tools, then calmly evolve towards native services. Azure VMware Solution enables precisely this path: fast migration, cost control and immediate access to the benefits of the cloud. — namely scalability, advanced services and a higher level of protection — without losing the skills already present in the company.
How do you choose the right migration strategy?
There is no single approach. Microsoft proposes the 5 R model: Rehost, Refactor, Rearchitect, Rebuild and Replace. In practice, for each application, we assess whether to move it as is, make minor adjustments, redesign it, rewrite it, or replace it with a SaaS solution. This is not just theory: it is the way to choose the right path for each application, without forcing everything into a single model. This rationalisation process is essential for optimising time, costs, and benefits.”
What about safety?
“This is not something to be addressed at the end, but from the beginning. In the webinar, we explain the measures to be taken before, during and after migration: from access protection to data management and business continuity plans. The goal is one: to avoid surprises and ensure that the cloud is truly an advantage and not a risk.”