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According to Forbes, 83% of workloads will be on a cloud platform by 2020.

Migrating to the cloud is a huge undertaking that has a fair bit of risk. Not to mention comes with some growing pains. Though the result is worth the effort, there are tips that can make the process as smooth as possible.

Read on for 7 tips to keep in mind before you start the big move.

1. Choose the Right Cloud Service Provider

You have a lot of options for cloud hosting service providers. And there are thousands of cloud apps on the market. Choose wisely to ensure a smooth cloud migration.

Look at the guarantees a prospective provider is willing to offer you.

Make sure you get the full scoop on the costs. There should be no hidden fees. Don't just fixate on the dollar amount and lose out on quality to save a few bucks.

A good cloud-based solutions provider will be dedicated to making sure your data is secure and protected.

2. Keep a Finger on Important Data

Before you move applications to the cloud it's important to have a good grasp of your data, especially the most important files.

If you were moving to a new physical location, would you throw all your files into boxes and send them to the new location, unlabeled? Of course not. So, don't do that with your soft files.

Taking stock of what you have before you move it to the cloud is like organizing physical contents before a move.

3. Make a Plan to Transition

Moving applications to the cloud take some forethought. Many people start with moving the most important data to the cloud first. But that's not necessarily your best bet.

If you are moving your core platform to the cloud, you might want to start from the edges and work your way in. That way you can be sure you are happy with all aspects of the cloud (setup, service, access to data) before you're too far in to make changes feasible.

4. Take Your Time

There's no cloud police that is going to fine you for not moving your data quickly enough. Go ahead and transition a couple of files at a time, especially if you are doing it on your own.

Small changes are more digestible for your team. This way, the inevitable problems that shoot up are much more manageable. If you move one system at a time there is less risk that all your systems will be down at once.

It's just less stressful this way. Plus, success promotes more success. Start with the easy wins and work your way forward.

5. Make Security your Top Priority

Both during and after your transition to the cloud, you need to be keenly aware of how secure your data. Take steps to protect your data and restrict access to sensitive data to only those who need it.

Make Sure Your Data is Encrypted

The fact is that 82% of public cloud databases do not have any encryption. The high percentage of unsecured data out there is frightening. Keeping data secure in the cloud needs to be at the forefront of all you do.

Data encryption for your data while it is in transit to the cloud as well as once it is there, can protect your sensitive information.

If your cloud service doesn't encrypt data before the upload, ensure that you encrypt the files before they move to the cloud. You should also check to see that the cloud encryption capabilities of your service provider match the level of sensitivity of your data.

Practice Good Login Security

You've heard it before. Passwords are your weakest point in terms of security. All major security breaches in the past few years have had passwords at the root of the problem.

Offer training and constantly take action so that everyone is using strong passwords.

If you can, employ a two-step authentication process. This means that after employees type in their password, they would be required to enter a one-time-use code.

Users will get the code via text message, phone call, or from an app. The code times out after a short window of time which adds an extra layer of security.

Avoid Account Sharing

Yes, sharing accounts saves you money on licenses. But the huge security risk is not worth it.

Once accounts are shared it's virtually impossible to track who has access to what. If an employee leaves the organization, what's to stop them from accessing the shared account and stealing data?

The safest path is to give each employee a personalized account. Ensure the right permissions are given to each. And when employees are no longer part of your company, deactivate their accounts right away.

6. Offer Training

Your team will need proper training before and after moving applications to the cloud.

Before and during the migration process, invest in beefing up your team's skills. It's best if the training is done incrementally as the migration moves forward.

This will make your transition much smoother with fewer issues after migration.

7. Review Your Security Practices Often

Cloud security is evolving at a high-speed pace. It has to in order to keep up with the technological advances that are emerging.

What does this mean for you? Well, once you're on the cloud, don't think that's the end of the story. Keep current on best practices for cloud security.

Keep on the lookout for new ways to improve your practices. Dedication to this process makes a big difference in protecting the important data in your organization.

Final Words on Migrating to the Cloud

We hope you found these 7 tips to consider when migrating to the cloud useful. We hope you are walking away a little bit more educated and prepared for the big move.

Next, read all about the business benefits of private cloud computing services.