Why KSU is Moving to the Cloud

UITS is modernizing the university’s IT infrastructure by transitioning from a VMware‑hosted environment to a secure, scalable cloud platform. This project prioritizes security, flexibility, and transparency, while preparing KSU for future growth and innovation.

 

Higher education technology has evolved from shared campus computing to virtualization and now to cloud‑based environments.

Cloud platforms provide on‑demand infrastructure, built‑in resilience, and modern security capabilities that better align with the needs of a growing, digitally connected university. Moving to the cloud allows KSU to reduce reliance on aging hardware, respond more quickly to changing needs, and focus resources on innovation rather than infrastructure upkeep.

What this Means for KSU

As part of cloud migration:

  • Some applications and systems will move from on‑premises data centers to cloud‑based platforms
  • Certain legacy systems may be modernized, replaced, or retired
  • Infrastructure will become more scalable and resilient
  • Automation and standardized deployments will increase consistency across systems
  • Cloud hosting will enhance application reliability, leading to improved performance and a better user experience
  • New built-in security measures will be implemented to protect cloud-hosted applications, strengthening the university’s cybersecurity posture

The migrations are happening gradually and intentionally, system by system, rather than all at once.

For most faculty, staff, and students, these changes will be gradual and intentionally managed, with many transitions happening behind the scenes and causing minimal disruption to everyday work. As KSU moves systems to cloud-based platforms and modernizes its technology infrastructure, UITS is committed to ensuring that user impact remains low and service reliability continues to improve. 

Wave-Based Migration Phases ​ 

Migrations are scheduled in phases, beginning with a pilot wave and gradually expanding to additional waves over several years. This phased approach allows for careful planning and testing, minimizing risk and ensuring stability as each system transitions to the cloud.​ 

Individualized Application Schedules ​ 

Each application follows a unique schedule, focusing first on testing in lower environments before progressing to production cutovers. This tailored process ensures that each system meets its specific needs and requirements, further reducing the likelihood of user disruption.​ 

Minimal User Disruption ​ 

Most technical work happens behind the scenes, so users typically only notice brief periods of testing or scheduled maintenance. The intention is to keep daily operations running smoothly while technical improvements take place.​ 

As these transitions unfold, the campus community will benefit from enhanced system reliability, quicker delivery of new services, and a technology landscape that supports modern digital experiences and future growth.

 

Timeline

Our Cloud Migration Timeline will have three phases: Ongoing Evaluation, Phased Transitions, and Continuous Progress

Cloud migration at KSU is a multi‑year modernization effort that includes ongoing evaluation, phased transitions, and continous progress.

  • Ongoing evaluation: Each system is reviewed individually to determine the best path forward—migrate, modernize, replace, or retire.
  • Phased transitions: Systems move in planned phases based on readiness, dependencies, and institutional priorities.
  • Continuous progress: Milestones are reached regularly as services transition, even as the overall program continues.

This approach allows the university to balance progress with stability, ensuring essential services remain reliable throughout the process.

How We're Managing Change

Cloud migration is as much about people and processes as it is about technology.

UITS manages change through a structured, project‑based approach that includes:

  • Dedicated project management and governance
  • Early engagement with campus partners and stakeholders
  • Clear milestones and phased implementation
  • Regular communication and coordinated support

Security, risk management, and compliance reviews are integrated into every stage of the migration process to protect institutional data and services.

Organizational change management plays a key role in supporting the cloud migration. By providing clear communications, setting expectations, and supporting team members and users through the cloud migration, KSU ensures that adoption is sustainable and aligned with how the university works.

Building a Future‑Ready Foundation

Cloud migration supports KSU’s long‑term goals by:

  • Improving performance and system availability
  • Strengthening security and resilience
  • Enabling faster delivery of technology services
  • Supporting data‑driven teaching, learning, and research
  • Creating a flexible, scalable technology foundation

This modernization effort positions Kennesaw State University to meet today’s needs while preparing for what comes next.

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