Is Adobe Experience Manager as a Cloud Service (AEM as a Cloud Service) the right choice for you? Or are you better served by the on-premise version of Adobe Experience Manager (AEM)? And if you do choose to move from an on-premise to a cloud implementation, how should you make the move?

Why to Move from On-Premise to AEM as a Cloud Service

There are four reasons why a current on-premise AEM user should move to the cloud.

AEM as a Cloud Service Eliminates Operational Overhead

With on-premise implementations, you (or your trusted consultant) are responsible for installing software updates, installing security patches, and maintaining hardware.

AEM as a Cloud Service removes these tasks. It automatically installs updates, ensuring your system is secure with the latest patches. It also manages the hardware as part of cloud deployment. This frees your IT resources to concentrate on more critical tasks.

It Offers Immediate Scalability

With an on-premise system, responding to peaks in demand from seasonal or surprise events is a laborious endeavor. You may have to reconfigure your system software and install new hardware during peak periods. Or you may be forced to maintain dormant servers during non-peak periods.

Of course, cloud implementations provide you with maximum scalability and flexibility. This allows you to immediately scale your system during times of peak demand. Then you can reduce your system size (and cost) during non-peak periods. This scalability can even be automated if you desire, requiring no manual intervention.

It Provides Elevated Security

With an on-premise system, your IT team is responsible for tracking and responding to emerging threats. This requires continuing education on the latest cybersecurity exploits, as well as the need to immediately respond to potential security breaches at any time of the day or night.

When you offload this responsibility to a cloud provider, then expert staff with deep experience in your product (such as AEM as a Cloud Service) are always available to protect your system from threats.

It Lets You Maximize Your Focus

Naturally, a move to a cloud solution allows your stuff to focus on more strategic needs.

Rather than worrying about failing storage systems or whether your system will meet peak holiday demands, your staff can focus on innovative responses to your prospects and customers.

How to Move from On-Premise to AEM as a Cloud Service

If the above reasons to move to the cloud are persuasive, KBWEB Consult can help you move to AEM as a Cloud Service via our AEM Resurgence program.

KBWEB Consult’s AEM Resurgence includes the following five phases:

  • Phase 1: Diagnose Project Status or Stalemate
  • Phase 2: Define Completion Roadmap
  • Phase 3: Execute and Optimize Implementation
  • Phase 4: Validate and Launch
  • Phase 5: Provide Dedicated Outsourced Support

Phase 1: Diagnose Project Status or Stalemate

KBWEB Consult practitioners start by analyzing the reasons that prompt you to transition to AEM as a Cloud Service, as well as performing an implementation health check on your current on-premise implementation.

Once we have agreed that there are no restrictions that prevent you from moving to the cloud, we take a more detailed look at the reasons why you want to make the move. What are your most persuasive reasons? Overhead? Scalability? Security? Corporate focus? Something else?

For more details on KBWEB Consult’s implementation health check, and the resulting project status report, please view the Phase 1 section of this post.

Phase 2: Define Completion Roadmap

After these preliminary diagnoses, you and KBWEB Consult are ready to create a project plan that will govern your transition to AEM as a Cloud Service. The project plan will include all necessary goals, milestones and resource allocations.

The project plan must also mitigate any possible roadblocks to the implementation, including data governance, costs, and the cutover from an on-premise to a cloud system.

Phase 3: Execute and Optimize Implementation

Now it’s time to perform the actual work, including software configuration, optimization, and initial testing, including re-execution of the implementation health check performed at the beginning of the effort to document improvements.

Many of the key tasks within this phase involve upgrades. A previous post of mine describes three types of upgrades you can perform:

  • Upgrade AEM and your other applications. Upgrading to AEM as a Cloud Service itself is an obvious step, but don’t forget to upgrade your other Adobe applications, as well as your third-party applications, to take advantage of the latest features (including generative AI features).
  • Upgrade your integrations. Ensure that you are maximizing your capabilities by upgrading your integrations, such as Edge Delivery Services and Adobe Express.
  • Take full advantage of new and upgraded features. These will vary from company to company, but you need to work with a trusted partner to ensure maximize performance and return on investment.

Phase 4: Validate and Launch

After all tasks above are completed, your AEM as a Cloud Service implementation will undergo comprehensive testing and validation. This ensures you receive a stable, fully functional system that will not disrupt regular operations and is ready to use across the organization.

Cutover is a particular concern. Unlike a pure upgrade to a new on-premise system in which both the old and new systems are under your physical control, the transition to the cloud is more complex. Any interfaced legacy on-premise systems must now support a radically different interface to a remote system. Specialized staff and processes are required to support this cutover.

Phase 5: Provide Dedicated Outsourced Support

KBWEB Consult will assign a dedicated outsourced AEM practitioner upon completion of a support agreement.

KBWEB Consult staff offer deep expertise in AEM as a Cloud Service and can respond to all your needs.

When to Move from On-Premise to AEM as a Cloud Service

Are you a candidate for moving from an on-premise AEM system to a cloud AEM system? Then why not realize the benefits of a cloud solution by starting your journey today?

If KBWEB Consult can help you transition to the cloud, please contact us.