The adoption of cloud-based strategies is now an urgent necessity for any company in Brazil that wants to remain competitive in the medium and long term. This is because a cloud strategy is not just an operational option for IT infrastructure: the technology choice can be a catalyst for transforming the business itself, given the agility the company gains both in daily processes and in the development of innovations.
Data from the Brazilian Association of Information Technology and Communication Companies (Brasscom) indicate that the national cloud services market is expected to grow by over 20% annually this year, reaching significant values in investments and financial transactions. This scenario clearly reveals the strategic importance of prioritizing the adoption of cloud-first solutions, especially for non-digital native companies.
However, many traditional organizations still face considerable obstacles to fully migrate to the cloud. Unlike startups, which are born in this environment, established companies face more complex challenges, ranging from integrating legacy technologies to the cultural resistance of teams accustomed to conventional processes.
Benefits of a cloud-first strategy
A recent survey by Gartner consultancy revealed that Brazilian companies that implemented the cloud-first approach saw an increase in operational efficiency, reaching levels 35% higher compared to less digitalized competitors. In addition, these companies significantly reduced their operating costs, with savings of up to 30% in expenses related to IT infrastructure, clearly demonstrating the positive financial impact of this strategy.
For companies still relying on a completely on-premises structure, there are several challenges for this migration. The main one is related to organizational culture: there may be cultural resistance from teams accustomed to conventional processes, as well as initial insecurity about regulatory issues, such as compliance with the General Data Protection Law (LGPD), and concerns about data security in the cloud. In addition, there is the challenge of aligning considerable initial investments with internal expectations for quick results, especially in more conservative corporate contexts.
Those who overcome the initial barriers have a journey to ensure that the transition is relatively successful. The first step is to carry out a detailed analysis of the organization’s technological maturity. This mapping should include what systems are being used, existing technical limitations, and which areas need to be migrated as a priority. This initial diagnosis serves as a starting point for detailed planning.
Next, the strategic choice of cloud service providers is another decisive step. In the Brazilian market, the offerings are broad and diversified, allowing companies to select providers that best align with their technical, operational, and security needs. A recent report from IDC Brazil revealed that about 62% of organizations that successfully adopted the cloud opted for hybrid or multicloud strategies, precisely for the enhanced flexibility and security provided by different providers.
The planning and migration phase is especially sensitive. The migration roadmap needs to be clear, detailed, and gradual. It should include well-defined steps, from migrating less critical systems to those requiring greater stability and operational control. Good planning ensures not only efficiency in technological transition but also prevents serious operational failures that could compromise business outcomes.
Information security is another aspect that needs to be prioritized in this change. Data from the cybersecurity company Fortinet indicate that 54% of Brazilian organizations adopting cloud-first environments intensify their security policies, incorporating advanced solutions such as end-to-end encryption, real-time monitoring, and predictive threat analysis. These investments significantly enhance information security and meet legal requirements, such as those imposed by the LGPD, ensuring full compliance.
Financial aspect is a strong point of the cloud
Another point to emphasize in the cloud-first transformation is the financial aspect. Although there is a significant initial investment, studies show that the financial return is quickly achieved through reduced expenses on physical infrastructure maintenance and significant efficiency gains. A recent study conducted by McKinsey in Brazil indicated that companies that fully adopted the cloud-first model achieved a return on the initial investment in less than two years, a result considered extremely positive by national market standards.
Furthermore, the scalability provided by the cloud allows companies to quickly adjust their technological resources according to market demand. This not only means reducing costs but also ensuring greater agility and speed in responding to customers, a decisive factor in competing in a highly dynamic and volatile market like Brazil.
In conclusion, adopting a cloud-first strategy represents a strategic competitive advantage for Brazilian companies, especially those that did not start as digital natives. By combining structured planning, careful selection of suppliers, intense focus on digital security, and robust investment in team training, these organizations will be prepared not only to survive but to lead in an increasingly competitive and demanding digital scenario.
