Viranga Seneviratne, Head of ICT and Platforms Business at Dialog Enterprise, the corporate ICT solutions arm of Dialog Axiata PLC, discusses how cloud adoption is no longer a futuristic concept but an essential part of digital transformation—and why businesses that haven’t yet made the shift must act now, with strategy, security, and the right partners.
Cloud adoption is considered a key step in digital transformation. Why is it so critical for businesses today?
The reality is simple; if you haven’t moved to the cloud, you’re already behind. Businesses worldwide are scaling operations, improving efficiency, and reducing costs with cloud solutions. Those still relying on legacy infrastructure struggle with high operational expenses, limited flexibility, and security risks.
However, businesses that have yet to transition shouldn’t feel discouraged. It’s still possible to catch up and transition smoothly, provided they take the right approach. This is where having the right expertise becomes crucial. At Dialog Enterprise, we work closely with businesses to guide them through cloud adoption, ensuring they leverage their full potential rather than simply shifting workloads without a strategic plan.
Some businesses migrate to the cloud but fail to see its full benefits. Why does this happen?
A common mistake businesses make is assuming that simply moving existing workloads to the cloud will automatically bring efficiency, cost savings, and scalability. The truth is that a direct “lift-and-shift” approach does not fully leverage the cloud’s capabilities. The cloud is designed for flexibility and automation, but businesses must adapt their processes to take advantage of this.
Think of it as moving into a new house. You might not maximise efficiency if you carry over everything from your old home without considering how to arrange it for the new space best. Similarly, businesses must rethink their applications, workflows, and data management to align with cloud capabilities. Businesses can scale, reduce expenses, and improve performance by adopting cloud-native solutions, automating repetitive tasks, and integrating AI-driven insights.
At Dialog Enterprise, we don’t just help businesses migrate—we help them redefine their operations to align with cloud best practices. Through our partnerships with global cloud providers, we ensure that organizations don’t just move to the cloud but thrive in it.
What are the security risks businesses face when moving to the cloud?
Cloud adoption is a game-changer for businesses, offering unmatched scalability, efficiency, and cost savings. However, securing cloud environments is just as important as adopting them. As businesses expand their digital operations, they must proactively safeguard their data, customer information, and digital assets from evolving cyber threats.
A key area of concern is the protection of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and compliance with regulations like Sri Lanka’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). Mishandling sensitive data can lead to severe legal repercussions, financial penalties, and reputational damage. Businesses operating in Sri Lanka must ensure that their cloud infrastructure complies with PDPA guidelines covering data privacy, processing, and cross-border data transfers.
Another critical factor is secure connectivity between cloud systems and on-premise environments. Organizations are exposed to data breaches, ransomware attacks, and operational disruptions without proper security measures. Many companies also face risks due to cloud misconfigurations, leaving systems vulnerable to unauthorized access.
To mitigate these risks, businesses should leverage cloud platforms with industry-leading compliance certifications, such as ISO 27017 and ISO 27018. These standards specifically address cloud security and PII protection, ensuring that businesses—especially those with stringent regulatory requirements—can confidently move their workloads to the cloud while remaining compliant with PDPA and other global data protection laws.
Once on the cloud, businesses must conduct regular cloud security assessments to identify and address vulnerabilities before they become significant threats. This proactive approach ensures organizations can manage risks effectively and strengthen their resilience against cyberattacks. Dialog Enterprise collaborates with leading security partners to provide comprehensive cloud protection solutions, helping businesses navigate their cloud journey with confidence and security.
How can businesses ensure a secure and seamless transition to the cloud?
The key to successful cloud adoption is working with experienced technology partners who understand cloud security, compliance, and risk management. Businesses should not attempt this transition alone, as cloud migration’s complexity requires expertise in infrastructure transformation and cybersecurity.
At Dialog Enterprise, we have built strong collaborations with leading cloud and cybersecurity providers to offer businesses the right solutions for a secure transition. We provide cloud security assessments to identify vulnerabilities before they become significant issues. Our advanced threat detection and prevention systems use AI-driven security to safeguard data against cyber threats. Additionally, we assist businesses in maintaining compliance with PDPA and other global security standards, ensuring that their cloud operations align with legal requirements.
Rather than treating cloud adoption as a simple migration process, businesses must approach it as an ongoing journey of innovation, security enhancement, and performance refinement. Having the right technology partners ensures that organizations can confidently embrace new opportunities, allowing them to scale their operations without unnecessary risks.
Any final thoughts?
The message is clear: businesses that delay cloud adoption are falling behind. But moving to the cloud is not just about migration; it’s about doing it correctly. Companies must redesign their processes, secure their digital infrastructure, and collaborate with trusted partners to fully benefit from the cloud.
At Dialog Enterprise, we are committed to helping businesses digitize, transform, and secure their future. Cloud computing is no longer the future—it’s the present. The question is: Are businesses ready to take the next step?