What to Consider When Evaluating Cloud-Hosted Virtual App Delivery

This checklist is a helpful guide for ISV's to use when considering options for a cloud based delivery model of Windows based applications.

1. Compatibility and Integration

Assess the compatibility of your application with cloud environments and services. Ensure that your application can seamlessly integrate with cloud infrastructure, databases, and other services.

• Assess application dependencies and third-party integrations for compatibility with cloud environments.
• Test application functionality in a cloud-hosted test environment.
• Identify and address any compatibility issues with cloud-native services or APIs.

2. Data Migration and Management (if applicable)  

Evaluate the process and feasibility of migrating your SQL Server backend database to a cloud-hosted database solution, such as Azure SQL Database. Consider factors such as data transfer, schema conversion, and ongoing management.  

• Analyze the structure and size of the existing SQL Server database.
• Plan and execute a data migration strategy, including schema conversion and data transfer.
• Set up ongoing database management and maintenance tasks, such as backups and performance tuning.

3. Scalability and Performance

Determine whether the cloud-hosted solution can scale to meet the demands of your users and workload. Consider factors such as auto-scaling capabilities, performance monitoring, and optimization.

• Determine scalability requirements based on anticipated user growth and workload demands.
• Configure load balancing and auto-scaling policies for application resources to handle fluctuating traffic.
• Implement performance monitoring and optimization techniques.

4. Security and Compliance

Ensure that the cloud-hosted solution meets your security requirements and complies with industry regulations and standards. Evaluate the security features of the cloud provider, such as encryption, access controls, and compliance certifications.

• Review the security features and compliance certifications of potential cloud providers.
• Implement encryption mechanisms for data at rest and in transit.
• Define access controls and identity management policies to restrict unauthorized access.

5. Cost and Pricing Model

Compare the cost of migrating to a cloud-hosted solution with the potential benefits and savings. Consider factors such as subscription fees, usage-based pricing, and total cost of ownership (TCO) over time.

• Estimate the cost of migrating to a cloud-hosted solution, including one-time migration costs and ongoing operational expenses.
• Compare pricing models (e.g., pay-as-you-go vs. reserved instances) and evaluate their impact on total cost of ownership (TCO).
• Consider potential cost optimization strategies, such as resource consolidation and rightsizing.

6. User Experience

Assess the impact of the cloud-hosted solution on the user experience of your customers. Consider factors such as accessibility, responsiveness, and availability across different devices and platforms.

• Conduct usability testing to ensure a seamless user experience across different devices and platforms.
• Optimize application performance for low-latency access and responsiveness.
• Implement user-friendly features, such as single sign-on (SSO) and mobile responsiveness.

7. Support and Maintenance

Evaluate the level of support and maintenance required for the cloud-hosted solution. Consider factors such as patch management, troubleshooting, and customer support services provided by the cloud provider.

• Establish procedures for ongoing support and maintenance of the cloud-hosted solution.
• Train IT staff and support teams on cloud-specific tools and technologies.
• Define service level agreements (SLAs) for incident response and resolution times.

8. Vendor Lock-in

Consider the implications of vendor lock-in when choosing a cloud provider and platform. Assess the portability of your application and data across different cloud environments and services.

• Evaluate the portability of your application and data across different cloud providers and deployment models.
• Implement multi-cloud or hybrid cloud strategies to mitigate the risk of vendor lock-in.
• Monitor vendor-specific dependencies and assess their impact on future migration efforts.

9. Regulatory Considerations

Take into account any regulatory requirements or restrictions that may affect your choice of cloud provider or deployment model. Ensure compliance with data privacy laws, industry regulations, and customer agreements.

• Identify regulatory requirements and compliance standards relevant to your industry and geography.
• Ensure that the chosen cloud provider meets compliance certifications and provides necessary documentation.
• Implement data governance policies and controls to protect sensitive information and maintain compliance.

10. Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery

Develop a plan for business continuity and disaster recovery in the event of outages or disruptions in the cloud environment. Consider factors such as data backups, failover mechanisms, and recovery time objectives (RTOs).

• Develop a business continuity plan outlining procedures for maintaining operations during disruptions.
• Implement data backup and recovery mechanisms to minimize downtime and data loss.
• Test disaster recovery procedures regularly to validate their effectiveness.

Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on factors such as your specific application requirements, budget, timeline, and strategic objectives. Consider consulting with cloud experts or specialized service providers like ISVHost to evaluate your options and determine the most suitable approach for your needs.