Updated October 2026. Originally published January 30, 2025.
Many businesses still run file sharing, email or a key business application on a server in a back closet. If that server runs Windows Server 2016, Microsoft's extended support ends in January 2027 (Microsoft), after which it stops receiving regular security updates. That deadline makes this a good time to decide what belongs in the cloud.
Why businesses move to the cloud
A business-class server can cost around $20,000 and typically lasts about five years before it needs to be replaced. Moving to the cloud trades that recurring purchase, and the hardware failures and renewals that come with it, for a service you pay for as you use it.
Lower costs. Eliminating server hardware and its maintenance frees up money for other priorities.
Flexibility and accessibility. Employees can work from home, the office or the road with the same tools, which keeps work moving through sick days, bad weather and travel. Remote work is a fixture in many industries: in June 2026, 52.5% of workers in financial activities and 41.8% in professional and business services teleworked (BLS).
Better connectivity. Fiber, faster broadband and 5G wireless make reliable remote access practical in more places than ever.
Scalability. Cloud resources grow or shrink with your needs, so you are not buying hardware for capacity you might use years from now.
The productivity gain is real. A technical problem with one office server no longer means hours of downtime for everyone, and tasks that once required a trip to the office can be handled in minutes from wherever you are.
How to plan a smooth migration
Moving to the cloud should be planned like any other major project. Microsoft's Cloud Adoption Framework recommends several practices we follow (Microsoft):
Assess readiness first. Review your team's skills and bring in outside expertise when you lack migration experience, which reduces risk and speeds up the project (Microsoft).
Map dependencies. Identify which systems depend on each other so connected pieces move together and nothing breaks during the cutover (Microsoft).
Start simple. Move less complex, lower-risk workloads first, and schedule critical systems once the process is proven (Microsoft).
Plan for rollback. Define what counts as a failed migration and test a plan to return to a known-good state before you begin (Microsoft).
Secure it from day one. Third parties were involved in 48% of breaches in Verizon's 2026 report, and only 23% of third-party organizations fully fixed missing or weak multifactor authentication on their cloud accounts (Verizon DBIR). Turn on MFA and review access settings as part of the move, not afterward.
Watch the bill. Flexera estimates 29% of cloud spend is wasted (Flexera). Right-size services after migration and review costs regularly.
Start your cloud migration with Starfish Computer
Starfish Computer helps businesses move to the cloud with a plan built around their specific needs, so they can simplify operations, reduce costs and improve productivity. Moving to the cloud can seem daunting, but with personalized guidance and support, the transition can be smooth and predictable. Whether you are replacing an aging server or looking for more flexible ways to work, contact Starfish Computer to plan your move to the cloud.
Protect your business: start with an assessment
The question isn’t whether your business will face a cyber threat, but whether you’ll be ready when it does. Since 1994, Starfish Computer Corporation has helped businesses across Northeast Ohio:
Assess current security posture and risk
Plan a cybersecurity roadmap aligned to NIST CSF 2.0
Implement the right tools and processes for your size and budget
Train your team on today’s threats, including AI-driven scams
Support and improve your security over time
Call (440) 808-0468 or visit starfishcomputer.com to schedule a security assessment.
About the author
R.J. Arhar is President of Starfish Computer Corporation. He has more than 35 years of experience in IT, served as a consultant to the National Institutes of Health, led IT operations for an international security company with more than 8,000 users, and is the author of Attack or Defend – When is Enough Cybersecurity Enough?
This post provides general cybersecurity guidance. Requirements vary by industry and business. Statistics are current as of October 2026; consult Starfish Computer Corporation for a plan tailored to your risk profile.