The adoption of cloud-based strategies is now a pressing need for any company in Brazil that wants to remain competitive in the medium and long term. This is because a cloud strategy isn't just an operational option for IT infrastructure: the choice of technology can be a catalyst for business transformation, given the agility it provides both in daily processes and in developing innovations.
Data from the Brazilian Association of Information and Communication Technology Companies (Brasscom) indicates that the national cloud services market is expected to register average annual growth of over 201,000 yen this year, generating significant investment and financial transactions. This scenario clearly highlights the strategic importance of prioritizing the adoption of cloud-first solutions, especially for companies that were not born digital.
Many traditional organizations, however, still face significant obstacles to fully migrating to the cloud. Unlike startups, which are born in this environment, established companies face more complex challenges, ranging from integrating legacy technologies to cultural resistance from teams accustomed to conventional processes.
Benefits of a cloud-first strategy
A recent survey by Gartner revealed that Brazilian companies that implemented a cloud-first approach saw an increase in operational efficiency, reaching 35% higher rates than their less digitized competitors. Furthermore, these companies significantly reduced their operating costs, saving up to 30% on IT infrastructure expenses, clearly demonstrating the positive financial impact of this strategy.
For companies that still have a fully on-premises structure, this migration presents several challenges. The main one is linked to organizational culture: there may be cultural resistance from teams accustomed to conventional processes, as well as initial uncertainty about regulatory issues, such as compliance with the General Data Protection Law (LGPD), and concerns about cloud data security. Furthermore, there is the challenge of aligning considerable initial investments with internal expectations for rapid results, especially in more conservative corporate environments.
Those who overcome the initial barriers have a journey to ensure a relatively successful transition. The first step is to conduct a detailed analysis of the organization's technological maturity. This mapping should include the systems used, the existing technical limitations, and which areas require priority migration. 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, offerings are broad and diverse, allowing companies to select providers that best align with their technical, operational, and security needs. A recent report by IDC Brazil revealed that approximately 62% of organizations that successfully adopted the cloud opted for hybrid or multicloud strategies, precisely because of the increased flexibility and security offered by different providers.
The planning and migration phase is particularly sensitive. The migration roadmap must be clear, detailed, and gradual. It should include well-defined steps, from the migration of less critical systems to those requiring greater stability and operational control. Good planning not only ensures efficiency in the technological transition but also avoids serious operational failures that could compromise business results.
Information security is another aspect that needs to be prioritized in this shift. Data from cybersecurity company Fortinet indicates that 541% of Brazilian organizations adopting cloud-first environments are strengthening their security policies, incorporating advanced solutions such as end-to-end encryption, real-time monitoring, and predictive threat analysis. These investments significantly increase information security and meet legal requirements, such as those imposed by the LGPD, ensuring full compliance.
Financial aspect is the cloud's strong point
Another point to emphasize in the cloud-first transformation is the financial aspect. Although there is a considerable initial investment, studies show that financial returns are quickly achieved through reduced physical infrastructure maintenance expenses and significant efficiency gains. A recent study conducted by the McKinsey consultancy in Brazil indicated that companies that fully adopted the cloud-first model achieved a return on their initial investment in less than two years, a result considered extremely positive by Brazilian market standards.
Furthermore, the scalability afforded by the cloud allows companies to quickly adjust their technological resources according to market demand. This not only reduces costs but also ensures greater agility and rapid response to customers, a crucial factor for 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 not born digital. By combining structured planning, careful supplier selection, an 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 landscape.