Cloud migration comes with many benefits, from improved performance to ensuring compliance with security standards. In recent years, enterprises have begun moving beyond basic cloud adoption toward ultra-modern systems.
These modernized systems, which leverage AI technologies, automation software, and advanced integrations, can serve a wide variety of purposes that help businesses of all specialties, from finance to healthcare, to thrive. As such, it is hardly surprising that Gartner predicts that over 75% of organizations will adopt multi-cloud or hybrid strategies by 2026.
However, business owners must be strategic regarding cloud migration, as they will likely encounter many challenges, including compliance gaps, downtime, and data loss.
This article will dive deeper into the complexities of cloud migration, with insight from industry expert Tikhnadhi Kamlaskhya.
Defining Legacy, Modern, and Ultra-Modern Systems
If you’re considering updating your systems, you must first understand the relevant terminology. Generally speaking, systems can be divided into three categories: legacy systems, modern systems, and ultra-modern systems.
Legacy Systems
A legacy system is, by and large, considered to be outdated. This is because they generally rely on on-premise infrastructure and manual processes, making operations less efficient overall. They are also often incompatible with modern digital frameworks, which leads to higher maintenance costs. If you are currently relying on legacy systems, then you may want to consider your options.
Modern Systems
Modern Systems are cloud-based platforms designed to replace legacy systems. They have many benefits, such as process automation, integration, and improved scalability. For the most part, they are data-driven systems that provide users with access to real-time analytics that can inform their business practices, including systems such as Software as a Service applications and Salesforce Government Cloud.
Ultra Modern Systems
Ultra Modern Systems are cloud-based platforms that are significantly more advanced than their predecessors because cutting-edge technologies like AI tools, machine learning, and multimodal language models have been built into their architecture. They are particularly beneficial when users must ensure they adhere to rapidly evolving compliance standards and market demands.
Introducing Tikhnadhi Kamlakshya
Tikhnadhi Kamlakshya is a senior manager at Citizens Bank and has over two decades of experience in the technology sector. During this time, he has led many successful large-scale migrations across public and private sectors, including financial services and government entities.
He pioneered the transition from on-premise legacy systems to Salesforce Cloud at Citizens Bank, a move that has led to a significant increase in customer engagement and satisfaction.
Challenges in Navigating Transformation
As mentioned above, there are many challenges associated with cloud migration, which is why a strategic approach is so vital.
Technical Complexities: Legacy Systems are often outdated, so migration can be challenging, especially when attempting to adhere to the demands of modern cloud platforms. For example, they may use a programming language no longer used by coders and developers.
Compliance and Integration Issues: To ensure a stress-free migration, companies must ensure their new systems meet evolving standards (e.g., ADA, HIPAA, Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae guidelines, etc.).
Leadership Dynamics: The implementation of new tools and systems is often followed by a shifting of roles within the workplace. This transition can prove particularly challenging, especially if leadership roles are affected. This, in turn, can lead to concerns among stakeholders.
Organizational Resistance: There are many reasons you may encounter organizational resistance when trying to introduce new technologies, workflow, or systems. For example, it could be that many staff believe in the legacy system or express concerns about the costs and risk of migration.
Case Study: Tikhnadhi’s Approach to Cloud Migration for the Michigan Department of State
Tikhnadhi led the Michigan Department of State’s transition to its first cloud-based application. He had one clear goal in mind when leading this migration task: to generate printed court invitation notices for appeals, ensuring accessibility for both digital and non-digital users moving forward.
Challenges Faced
Legacy System Constraints: One of the most significant challenges faced during this time was integrating the Salesforce Service Cloud system with the department’s entrenched legacy systems. The legacy systems’ pre-existing infrastructure lacked compatibility with the ultra-modern Salesforce Service Cloud system.
Compliance Demands: As Tikhnadhi and his team were working with court documents, they knew that their new system had to adhere to state-mandated formats and delivery timelines, adding complexity to the migration process. This could have led to serious consequences further down the line if not handled properly.
Team Resistance: The internal team was hesitant to adopt a new system due to the perceived risks and potential for financial loss, downtime, and a steep learning curve for employees to get up to speed using the new software.
Tikhnadhi’s Solution
Microservices Architecture: To tackle the constraints of the legacy system, Tikhnadhi conceptualized and implemented a microservices framework. By leveraging his experience in the .NET and C# operating systems, he made the data transfer between one system and another as seamless as possible.
Document Automation: To meet the relevant compliance requirements for court documents, Tikhnadhi introduced a Microsoft-based document packaging solution, queuing printed materials for timely delivery while preserving formatting standards.
Strategic Leadership: Tikhnadhi encouraged his team to get on board with this switch by hosting whiteboard design sessions and encouraging input from all team members. Not only did this make it easier to explore his vision in more detail, but it also ensured alignment on the project goals ahead of time.
Outcome
Successfully migrating to a new ultra-modern system enabled the efficient delivery of court invitation notices, balancing the traditional and digital communication needs of everyone involved. This significantly improved service accessibility for Michigan residents.
Tikhnadhi received praise and recognition from both the State of Michigan and his organization, highlighting the societal value of his contributions.
His Vision for the Future
Inspiring the Next Generation of Cloud Migration
As cloud systems continue to evolve toward hyper-automation and AI Integration, companies must be able to take a flexible approach instead of just hoping their current system can simply “keep up.” As such, Kamlakshya envisions a future where cloud platforms are not just tools but collaborative ecosystems that enable businesses to respond quickly and dynamically to market shifts.
He’s discussed this envisioned future in various mediums, including a published scholarly article about the use of AI in health and human services agencies. You can read his thoughts on ResearchGate.
Scaling Beyond Technology
Tikhnadhi advocates for a human-centric approach to technology, so he continues to provide teammates with the training and tools they need to navigate change confidently.
Final Thoughts
Tikhnadhi Kamlakshya believes successful cloud migration is not just about upgrading systems but creating frameworks that drive innovation, scalability, and lasting impact to allow businesses of all specialties to thrive while reducing their dependence on dated systems.
Greg Grzesiak is an Entrepreneur-In-Residence and Columnist at Grit Daily. As CEO of Grzesiak Growth LLC, Greg dedicates his time to helping CEOs influencers and entrepreneurs make the appearances that will grow their following in their reach globally. Over the years he has built strong partnerships with high profile educators and influencers in Youtube and traditional finance space. Greg is a University of Florida graduate with years of experience in marketing and journalism.
