Liferay DXP has long been a stalwart for businesses seeking a robust and adaptable platform. Its on-premises deployment model has provided organizations with unparalleled control over their infrastructure and data security, a crucial consideration for industries with strict compliance requirements. This control has also enabled deep integration with existing systems and workflows, streamlining operations and enhancing productivity. However, new technologies have emerged that challenge the traditional on-premises model, namely, the cloud.
Cloud computing, with its promise of scalability, cost efficiency, and streamlined maintenance, is increasingly becoming the preferred choice for tech leads and decision-makers alike. This is because, beyond optimizing digital operations, this transition has the potential to unlock incredible value. According to the McKinsey Global Institute, cloud-powered cost-optimization projects and business use cases have the potential to generate over $1 trillion of value annually by 2030. Needless to say, this is a tantalizing prospect.
Liferay has responded to this shift with Liferay Cloud, a fully managed platform designed to meet the growing demand for cloud-based solutions. Offering the same robust capabilities as Liferay DXP, Liferay Cloud simplifies deployment and maintenance, enabling businesses to focus on delivering exceptional digital experiences. This capacity for innovation and useability is a big reason that Mimacom has partnered with Liferay from the outset.
Liferay Cloud enables businesses to accelerate innovation, optimize costs, and deliver exceptional digital experiences, all while ensuring enterprise-grade security and reliability. However, this doesn’t imply that mere implementation is the key to leveraging the cloud's value. Custom configuration, organization buy-in, a well-managed cutover, and consistent support are crucial to maximizing the Liferay Cloud's potential. Let’s see what this looks like.
Liferay DXP on-premises vs. Liferay Cloud
For those looking to implement a Liferay solution from the ground up, let’s delineate the difference between Liferay’s traditional DXP offering and their cloud solution. Liferay DXP is a powerful digital experience platform that organizations can customize and self-host to build websites, intranets, and portals. Liferay Cloud is a fully managed cloud-based version of Liferay DXP, offering streamlined deployment, scalability, and reduced maintenance overhead.
Liferay DXP | Liferay Cloud | |
Deployment | Traditionally deployed on-premises or through a self-hosted environment. You have full control of infrastructure and environment. | A fully managed cloud-based Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) offering. Liferay handles the infrastructure, maintenance, and updates, allowing you to focus on building your digital experiences. |
Customization | Offers the highest level of flexibility for customization. You can tailor the platform extensively to your specific needs and requirements. | While still highly customizable, Liferay Cloud may have some limitations compared to the completely open nature of DXP. |
Maintenance | Your organization is responsible for all aspects of maintenance, including infrastructure, updates, and security patches. | Liferay manages all infrastructure, updates, and security, reducing the burden on your IT team. |
Expertise | Requires a dedicated team with expertise in server management, infrastructure, and Liferay administration. | Requires less specialized in-house expertise, as Liferay handles most of the technical aspects. |
Cost | Involves upfront investment in hardware, software licenses, and ongoing maintenance costs. | Typically a subscription-based model with predictable monthly or annual costs. |
The rapid growth of digital services and the need for scalable, cost-effective solutions have driven many businesses to forego the control of on-premises solutions and opt for the cloud. In the food service industry, for instance, online ordering and delivery platforms have seen a surge in demand, necessitating robust and adaptable technology infrastructure. Similarly, retailers have increasingly turned to cloud-based e-commerce solutions to expand their reach and streamline operations.
These trends highlight the transformative potential of cloud-based solutions, driving more companies to forego the control of on-premises services in favor of the cloud's agility and scalability. Gartner predicts that by 2028, cloud computing will transition from a technology disruptor to a business-critical operational component.
The promises and pitfalls of the cloud
Liferay Cloud offers a range of benefits that enhance the overall experience for businesses using Liferay DXP. The platform takes the burden of maintenance off of IT teams by providing automatic updates and security patches, ensuring the system is always up-to-date and protected. The cloud infrastructure also guarantees high availability and disaster recovery, minimizing downtime and ensuring continuous access to your digital experiences. Additionally, the platform's scalability allows it to handle traffic spikes seamlessly, providing optimal performance even during peak usage periods.
Summary of Benefits
Cost Efficiency:
31% cost reduction:
in infrastructure spend compared to on-premises solutions.
16x faster time-to-market:
due to streamlined deployment and automated updates.
25% acceleration in agility:
and greater capacity for change.
7x greater ROI:
over 3 years compared to on-premises solutions.
Scalability and Performance:
99% uptime:
guaranteed by Liferay Cloud's high-availability infrastructure.
Sub-150ms load times:
for pages and transactions.
15x scaling capabilities:
for when traffic spikes
Auto-scaling:
to handle traffic spikes and ensure consistent performance.
Security:
Certified in ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27017, ISO/IEC 27018, and more:
for information security management.
SOC 2 Type II compliant:
for security, availability, and confidentiality.
Regular security updates:
and vulnerability scanning to protect against threats.
Other:
95% user satisfaction rating:
based on Liferay surveys.
Comprehensive support:
from Mimacom experts.
Automatic updates:
to enhance functionality and user experience.
The appeal of the cloud is undeniable, but even the clearest skies can have patches of turbulence. The migration process, while promising a future of scalability and efficiency, can be a complex undertaking. Concerns about data security in the cloud, the need for significant organizational change management, and the potential complexities of integrating existing systems with the new cloud environment can cast shadows of doubt on the journey. The transition to the cloud often necessitates a shift in mindset, processes, and even skillsets, which can be met with resistance within organizations. Additionally, ensuring the seamless integration of legacy systems and custom configurations with the cloud infrastructure can be a technically intricate task, requiring careful planning and execution.
The journey to the cloud,demands a strategic and well-informed approach to navigate these challenges successfully. McKinsey observed that cost overruns are mounting, with data showing that those inefficiencies are costing the average company 14% more in migration spending than planned each year. Additionally, 38% of companies have seen their migrations delayed by more than one quarter. The blame doesn’t only lie at the feet of the customer; cloud providers and consultants alike need to focus on how much value the product generates, as opposed to the volume of services rendered. This reality underscores the complexity and potential pitfalls of cloud migration projects.
Unlocking value with properly managed migration
To ensure a seamless transition and fully capitalize on the benefits of cloud technology, a successful migration requires a strategic approach. This comprises six key pillars: assessment and planning; data backup and transfer; Liferay Cloud environment setup; configuration and customization; testing and validation; go-live and post-migration support. The following table outlines these phases that underpin a successful cloud migration journey, providing a framework for organizations to navigate the complexities and ensure a smooth and successful transition to the cloud environment.
Phase | Key Activities | |
Assessment and planning | Comprehensive analysis of the existing environment, documentation, and development of a detailed migration plan. | |
Data backup and transfer | Secure backup and validation of data, followed by its transfer to the Liferay Cloud environment. | |
Liferay Cloud environment setup | Configuration of the cloud environment to meet the manufacturer's specific requirements. | |
Configuration and customization | Transfer and adaptation of Liferay DXP configurations to the cloud environment. | |
Testing and validation | Rigorous testing of the migrated system for functionality, performance, and security, along with stakeholder validation. | |
Go-live and post-migration support | Final cutover to Liferay Cloud, followed by ongoing support and monitoring. |
By adhering to this framework, businesses can confidently embrace the cloud, unlocking its full potential for growth, innovation, and operational efficiency. This aligns with McKinsey's conclusions, highlighting that successful cloud implementations prioritize value creation as a core metric rather than solely focusing on consumption. The impact of these key levers is outlined below, reinforcing that companies focusing on value creation during cloud migration are more likely to achieve significant business benefits and long-term success.
Enhanced scalability and agility:
A well-planned and executed migration to Liferay Cloud allows businesses to leverage the platform's scalable architecture, enabling them to adapt seamlessly to fluctuating demands. By eliminating the constraints of on-premises infrastructure, companies can ensure optimal performance during peak periods and seize new opportunities with agility.
Reduced operational overhead:
Liferay Cloud's fully managed infrastructure, coupled with expert guidance, liberates IT teams from the burden of routine maintenance and upgrades. This shift allows them to focus on strategic initiatives and innovation, rather than firefighting and system upkeep.
Improved cost efficiency:
Organizations can optimize their technology investments with Liferay Cloud's flexible pricing models and the insights of experienced consultants. By eliminating the need for upfront capital expenditures on hardware and software licenses, and aligning costs with actual usage, businesses can realize substantial cost savings and improved financial performance.
Enhanced security and reliability:
Liferay Cloud's robust security measures and redundant infrastructure, bolstered by expert guidance on cloud security best practices, create a highly secure environment for critical data and applications. This fortified security posture and the cloud's inherent reliability foster trust among stakeholders and customers, enhancing the brand's reputation.
Accelerated innovation:
Leveraging the cloud's agility and scalability under the guidance of experienced consultants empowers businesses to rapidly deploy new features and updates. This accelerated pace of innovation enables them to stay ahead of the competition, differentiate their offerings, and deliver exceptional value to their customers.
Liferay Cloud implementations have yielded tangible value in real-world scenarios. By migrating from Liferay Portal to Liferay Experience Cloud Self-Managed, Carrefour Financial Servies cut consulting times have been slashed by a staggering 96% on their self-service portal. The result is a nimble and responsive digital infrastructure that enables businesses to adapt and innovate at lightning speed.
A catalyst for growth, innovation, and value
The journey to the cloud is a strategic move that can redefine a business's operational efficiency and growth trajectory. Liferay Cloud, with its robust capabilities, streamlined maintenance, and scalability, offers a compelling alternative to traditional on-premises solutions. As highlighted in the case study, a well-executed migration can unlock tangible value, enhancing scalability, agility, cost-efficiency, security, and innovation.
However, as the McKinsey data illustrates, the path to successful cloud migration is not without its challenges. It requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses meticulous planning, custom configuration, organization-wide buy-in, a well-managed cutover, and consistent post-migration support. It also necessitates a focus on value creation over and above mere implementation.
The promise of the cloud is not merely in its technology but in its ability to empower businesses to adapt, innovate, and thrive. Liferay Cloud, with its robust features and the support of expert consultants like Mimacom, stands as a testament to this promise, offering a pathway to a more agile, scalable, and efficient digital future.