We Are Never Getting Back Together: Leaving On-Premise for the Cloud in the Public Sector

Written by Elizabeth

Elizabeth Giles is a seasoned writer with over 10 years of experience in the enterprise software industry. She holds a BA in Applied Linguistics with a Minor in Russian Language from the University of Victoria, having studied at both the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy in Kyiv, Ukraine and Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan. Her global mindset and experience in ERP make her an asset in driving innovation and growth within the tech sector.

on 28 February 2024

The cloud revolution has now embraced its most monumental challenge yet– government and public services. On-premise solutions are gradually yielding to the dynamism and innovation of much more youthful, modern cloud-based systems. In this discussion, we’ll take a look at what this journey looks like in the public sector as they prepare for a futuristic shift in their digital infrastructure.

An Introduction to the Digital Horizon

In the realms of the public sector, on-premise (or on-premises, whether or not you prefer colloquialism or prescriptivism) is a term steeped in familiarity and reliance. Traditionally, the public sector has been cautious in its technological ventures, favouring sturdy, on-premise solutions, hosted within the walls of their own infrastructures, bolstered by the perception of control and security. In stark contrast, cloud computing evokes an aura of innovation and collaboration, a paradigm where data and applications seamlessly float across a vast, shared system of servers.

The essence of this piece is born from the realisation that the public sector must now engage in a bilingual discourse of technology; a transformation that can redefine the very essence of public service by enhancing accessibility, responsiveness, and efficiency.

Understanding the Transition

On-Premise: The Fading Sentinel

On-premise solutions, though sturdy, are now the sentinels of a bygone era. With aging hardware and the burgeoning demand for remote work capabilities, the public sector’s heavy reliance on these solutions is becoming a stumbling block.

The Cloud: An Expansive Canvas of Opportunity

Cloud-based solutions beckon with a myriad of benefits: scalability, cost-efficiency, and innovative features fed by frequent updates. The cloud paints a picture of a more resilient, flexible future for public institutions.

Key Considerations for Migration

Security and Compliance

For public bodies, the allegiance to confidentiality is sacrosanct, and rightfully so. Assuring the transition to cloud-based security measures is a cornerstone of any migration effort. Navigating the intricacies of compliance, from GDPR to government-specific regulations, will be a challenge, but one that must be met head-on.

Cost Efficiency

The public sector’s obligation to fiscal prudence is unmatched. Cloud solutions offer a departure from the CapEx-intensive on-premise models to a more agile OpEx spending, aligning more closely with the highs and lows of public budgets.

Scalability and Accessibility

Cloud-based solutions promise scalability and accessibility, allowing for the accommodation of increased data and user loads with ease. This fluidity empowers public institutions to respond rapidly to the evolving needs of both their staff and external parties, such as citizens and government contractors. 

Success in Practice

Envisioning the potential of cloud migration can often seem an exercise in the abstract—until you read about others who have already made the switch. 

The City of Powell River

Located on the Northern Sunshine Coast of BC, the City of Powell River migrated to Unit4 ERP Continuous Release (CR) from its on-premise counterpart in an operational transformation that amplified the City’s efficiency, accessibility, and pioneering spirit. Their successful move to cloud operations exemplifies the potential awaiting local governments willing to make the switch. For a more in-depth look at the City’s successful migration journey, click here.

Best Practices for a Smooth Transition

Planning and Stakeholder Engagement

Engagement with all key stakeholders, from IT professionals to front-line workers, is not optional—it’s imperative. A strategic roadmap, replete with attainable milestones, steers a clear course for all involved, aligning the public sector’s diverse hierarchies toward a unified objective.

Data Migration Strategies

Data is everything; it requires meticulous planning, scheduled for minimal disruption and risk. Make sure you have people on the project who have done something of this magnitude before.

Training and Support

Any transition demands a learning curve. Preparing your team with the knowledge and skill to use their new system is non-negotiable. Training must be comprehensive, inclusive, and ongoing, ensuring seamless adoption by everyone involved.

Final Thoughts

The migration from on-premise to cloud-based solutions is not a mere technological shift. It’s a manifestation of the public sector’s commitment to the future, an investment in the streamlined provision of services, and a testament to the adaptability of an age-old institution. With ERP companies like Unit4 leading charge in this progressive movement, the public sector stands on the brink of a new horizon; one with the security, cost-efficiency, and accessibility demanded by both its workforce and external parties.

As the switch to cloud becomes not a question of if, but when, we stand poised on the precipice of transformation, ready to chart a new course for the future of public service.

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