More Canadian companies are moving their systems to the cloud. Not because it’s trendy, but because running servers in-house is getting harder to justify. Costs are rising. Security risks are real. Good IT staff are hard to find and keep.
Cloud migration to AWS can solve many of these problems. It can also create new ones if it’s rushed or poorly planned.
This guide is written for growing Canadian companies that want to move to the cloud in 2026 and want to do it properly the first time.
Why Canadian Companies Are Moving to the Cloud
For many businesses across Canada, on-premise systems no longer make sense.
Common reasons for moving include:
- Old hardware that needs replacing
- High maintenance and support costs
- Limited ability to scale
- Remote work requirements
- Security concerns
Cloud platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud allow companies to run systems without owning physical servers. For Canadian businesses, these platforms also offer data centres located in Canada, which matters for privacy and compliance.
Step 1: Be Clear About Why You’re Migrating
Before choosing a cloud provider, be clear about the reason for the move.
Some companies want lower costs. Others need better reliability or faster growth. Some need stronger security or compliance.
If the goal is not clear, the project will drift and costs will climb.
Checklist
- Write down the main reason for the move
- Decide what success looks like
- Get agreement from management
Step 2: Review Your Current Systems
Most companies do not fully understand what they are running until they start planning a migration.
You may find:
- Systems no one uses anymore
- Old software that cannot be upgraded
- Servers running far below capacity
- Hidden licence costs
This step helps decide what should move, what should be updated, and what should be shut down.
Checklist
- List all servers and applications
- Note system owners and business purpose
- Identify outdated or unsupported software
- Review storage and backup setups
Step 3: Understand Canadian Privacy and Compliance Rules
Canadian companies must think about where data is stored and how it is protected.
Many businesses are subject to:
- PIPEDA
- Provincial privacy laws
- Industry rules (finance, healthcare, legal)
Most major cloud providers support Canadian regions, but proper setup is required. Data location, access controls, and logging all matter.
Checklist
- Identify personal or sensitive data
- Confirm where data must be stored
- Set access rules clearly
- Keep records for audits
Step 4: Choose the Right Cloud Setup
Not everything needs to move at once, and not everything needs the same setup.
Options include:
- Public cloud only
- Hybrid setups (cloud and on-prem)
- Keeping some systems as they are
AWS is a common choice for Canadian companies because of its mature services and Canadian data centres, but the choice depends on your needs.
Checklist
- Decide which systems move first
- Choose regions carefully
- Plan networking and user access early
Step 5: Estimate Costs Before You Move
One of the biggest mistakes companies make is assuming the cloud will be cheaper by default.
It can be. It can also cost more if it’s poorly planned.
Costs depend on:
- How systems are sized
- How long they run
- Storage choices
- Data transfer
- Backup and recovery
Checklist
- Estimate monthly cloud costs
- Compare with current spending
- Set budgets and alerts
- Plan for growth
Step 6: Set Security Rules From Day One
Cloud systems are secure when they are set up correctly. Most problems come from poor configuration, not from the platform itself.
Security planning should include:
- User access rules
- Network controls
- Monitoring and logging
- Backups and recovery
Checklist
- Limit access to what people need
- Enable logging
- Set backup policies
- Test recovery plans
Step 7: Pick a Migration Approach
There are different ways to move systems to the cloud.
Some systems can be moved as-is. Others need changes. Some should be retired.
Trying to treat everything the same usually causes delays.
Checklist
- Group systems by complexity
- Set a migration schedule
- Test before switching over
- Plan for downtime
Step 8: Prepare Your Team
After migration, your team still needs to run the systems.
If staff are not trained, small problems turn into large ones.
Checklist
- Assign clear ownership
- Provide basic cloud training
- Update internal documentation
- Adjust support processes
Step 9: Review and Reduce Costs After Migration
Most cloud overspending happens after the move, not during it.
Unused systems, oversized servers, and lack of monitoring drive costs up over time.
Regular reviews are essential.
Checklist
- Check usage monthly
- Remove unused resources
- Resize servers
- Track costs by team or project
Why Many Canadian Companies Use Cloud Specialists
Many growing companies do not have deep cloud experience in-house. Migration and ongoing management take time and skill.
Working with a cloud specialist can:
- Reduce risk
- Keep costs under control
- Speed up the project
- Avoid common mistakes
This is especially useful for companies moving to AWS for the first time.
How Cloudvisor Supports Canadian Businesses
Cloudvisor helps Canadian companies plan and manage their cloud environments, with a strong focus on AWS migration, cost control, and security.
They work with startups and growing businesses that want:
- A clear migration plan
- Predictable cloud costs
- Secure and compliant setups
- Ongoing support after launch
If your company is planning a cloud move in 2026, Cloudvisor can help you do it properly and avoid expensive mistakes.
Final Note
Cloud migration is not just an IT project. It affects costs, security, and how a business operates day to day.
With a clear plan and the right support, Canadian companies can move to the cloud with confidence and stay in control as they grow.
