Recently, we spoke to 8x8 employees who spent more than a decade at Avaya to get their thoughts on customers making the move to the cloud:

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We know that it can seem daunting to transition from your on-premises communications system to the cloud. That’s why at 8x8 we believe in customized plans for cloud migration services. No two companies are the same, nor are their communication needs, so we work closely with our customers to develop the right migration process and timeline that makes sense for them.

If you’re starting out on your migration journey, or you’re considering migrating from an Avaya on-prem system to 8x8, here are some key things to keep in mind:

1. Determine the right pace and plan for change without creating communication silos

To begin the process, the 8x8 team will partner with your organization to map out users and their different use cases. We realize that your business is unique, and that’s why we take a personalized approach to your upgrade. We’ll recommend appropriate packages to suit your needs, including mixing and matching use-case specific communications license types tailored for the needs of each type of user—all in a single platform, regardless of location.

Also, you might want to adopt a staggered implementation approach, moving some of your branch locations and remote users to 8x8 first before tackling your headquarters. With 8x8’s consultative approach to deployments, we’re able to accommodate project plans that make sense for you and your business.

In addition, 8x8 can provide a slew of resources, such as Project Managers, Line Number Porting Specialists, Solution Delivery Consultants, and API specialists, to provide best practice recommendations and ease the transition.

And a phased migration doesn’t mean the creation of cloud and non-cloud communications silos. A phased, yet unified, migration can be accomplished by overlaying dial plans between the legacy footprint and the cloud, and utilizing SIP tie trunks or call forwarding to enable each set of internal users to seamlessly reach the other.

2. Utilize custom training and adoption programs for organizational and user change management

8x8 offers a myriad of training options that promote fast, sustainable learning. The 8x8 University training team will build a training program that meets your specific requirements.

Our training options include self-paced online training modules, adoption kits, virtual instructor-led classes, and, in some cases, on-site training.

Additionally, 8x8 offers a variety of self-help tools for both administrators and end-users that include the 8x8 website, online training, user guides/documentation, and videos via the 8x8 University or 8x8 YouTube channel. See a detailed list of training options, including training curriculum samples.

3. Build a support framework that works for you

Once all the steps have been completed and you’re squared away with your new cloud system, it’s time to leave your worries behind as you retire your legacy Avaya infrastructure. 8x8’s role will evolve into a support position, ready to assist with any questions you may have.

8x8 has built a global network of operations and customer service centers to provide 24/7/365 follow-the-sun support. Much like deployment, the ongoing support and training needs of businesses vary greatly, so 8x8 has tailored support packages providing as much, or as little, guidance as necessary to fit individual company needs.

Read the full brief on migrating from Avaya to learn more about making a safe and seamless move to the cloud.

Learn more about 8x8’s cloud migration services and resources by visiting https://www.8x8.com/solutions/cloud-migration.