6 Tips for the Transition from Automic On-Prem to Automic SaaS

The Bobfather

6 Tips for the Transition from Automic On-Prem to Automic SaaS

June 7, 2024

Transitioning from Automic On-Prem to Automic SaaS?

AT A GLANCE

Automic SaaS Maintains Full Functionality but Offers a Streamlined Cloud Experience: Automic SaaS keeps all the core features of the on-prem version. It boosts efficiency with cloud-native benefits. They include automated updates, cost savings, and less infrastructure management.
SaaS is Not Managed Services – Understanding the Difference: SaaS provides a standardized, automated service with scheduled updates. Managed Services offer customizable maintenance and upgrade schedules. Companies must determine their needs before migrating.
Flexible Migration Strategies with Hybrid Support: Organizations can migrate fully or in phases, ensuring a smooth transition. Hybrid entitlements allow dual usage of on-prem and SaaS for up to half the contract duration. This enables a gradual, non-disruptive shift.
Successful Migration Requires a Detailed Plan & Expert Guidance: Shifting from on-prem to SaaS needs a clear plan. You must transport cases, reconfigure agents, and adapt workflows. Partner-led transitions (like RMT’s) provide expertise. But, self-service options are available for experienced teams.

FULL TEXT

Everyone’s excited about Automic SaaS. For good reason.

And the first thing they want to know is how the solution differs from the on-premise version of Automic Automation.

Let’s gear up.

1. Automic SaaS vs. Automic Automation On Prem

As we peel back the layers of migrating from Automic Automation on-premises (AAKE) to Automic SaaS, it’s key to note that while the functionality is identical, the operational and admin experiences differ.

The transition to SaaS is akin to a fresh system upgrade.

However, it introduces a sleeker, more streamlined operational model tailored to the cloud environment.

2. SaaS vs. Managed Services: Know Your Terrain

It’s essential to know the terrain before you set out. And we’re hearing from some customers who are excited to hand over management.

Oops.

They’re confusing SaaS with Managed Services.

SaaS allows you to consume a service. It’s like a buffet.

You help yourself to the service (careful not to overconsume; there is no such thing as a virtual Tums) while updates roll out to everyone at the same time.

For example, for a minor release like hot-fixes or service packs, you might get three month’s notice prior to an upgrade and two weeks for testing.

Whereas a full release for the next version might include six months’ notice and a month for testing - so everyone is on the same version at close to the same moment.

[Disclaimer: These timelines could change.]

On the other hand, a Managed Service is akin to a private chef – tailored to your specific palate. You’re in charge of picking your own maintenance windows, skipping versions, or picking the time you upgrade, or perhaps not upgrading at all.

Bottom line: if you’re looking for special requests, that’s Managed Services.

We can help with that.

We can whip up a delicious plate of Automic truffle with a side of admin, no prob.

3. Automic SaaS Migration Strategies are Flexible

Organizations can opt for a ‘complete object’ migration for a swift overhaul, or a phased approach, adapting to their unique timelines and needs.

Broadcom recommends the fastest possible transition yet respects RMT’s and the customer’s collective preferred-pace and approach.

This flexibility is crucial, as it caters to various organizational readiness levels and strategic timelines.

4. The Migration Journey: Partner-Led with a Self-Service Option

Broadcom suggests leveraging the expertise of a partner like RMT to ensure a smooth transition.

Yet, there’s room for autonomy.

If you want to, you can take the helm, utilizing established best practices to migrate your systems independently.

The tools are familiar: transport cases via service requests, object movement through REST, and Java API or AWI for a sense of continuity amidst change.

5. Extra Time with Dual Usage of Automic On Prem and SaaS

Broadcom also supports a hybrid entitlement approach, allowing for parallel on-prem and SaaS usage, up to half the duration of the SaaS contract.

Don’t worry, it’s not just the SaaS that’s monitored, the on-prem licensing won’t be lonely, it’s gonna be monitored, too.

Once the migration’s complete, and all agents are humming along on the SaaS instance, the on-prem engine can retire, read the paper, and watch the latest CBS TV series Buddy Games. (Created by little ol’ me. Yup for realz. They don’t call me the Bobfather for nuthin.)

6. Migration Strategy: Charting the Course

Moving from Automic On Prem to SaaS can be simple.

However, you need a detailed blueprint and a pro (like me 😉) to make sure there’s no surprises. We can walk you through the checklists and prerequisites before you start the actual migration.

It’s pretty simple actually.

It’s like moving clothes from the hamper to the washer. It’s not difficult to do, but you still need to set the cycle and add the right detergent and softener.

So even though it’s a straightforward switch from on-prem configurations to cloud-based settings, there’s a bit more at stake when you transfer your data pipeline and reconfigure your agents.

6. Embracing the Future of Cloud Automation with Automic SaaS

Migrating from Automic On-Prem to SaaS is about blending strategy with technical savvy.

If your company is embracing the future of cloud automation, Automic SaaS will let you retain the core strengths of Automic Automation. The shift can mark a significant stride in your organization’s automation modernization.

And if you ever feel lost in the cloud, just remember: every great migration started with a single step… and a plan.

Questions? Reach out to my team.

Say Bob sent you.

To our cloud-bound future.