Getting Started with AWS Cloud

Begin your cloud journey by acquiring essential knowledge about cloud computing, its benefits and potential challenges. Understanding the fundamentals of cloud types, security, governance and sustainability will empower you to make informed decisions as an NHS leader.

• Cloud computing fundamentals and terminology
• NHS-specific cloud security and compliance requirements
• Understanding different cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
• Cost models and financial planning for cloud adoption
• Data governance and information governance frameworks
• Risk assessment and management strategies

Dip your toes into the cloud by initiating a small-scale pilot project. This hands-on experience will provide valuable insights, data and build confidence in the cloud's capabilities. This will inform any future business cases and show the art of the possible.

• Low-risk pilot project identification and selection
• AWS Free Tier services for initial experimentation
• Small team training and hands-on experience
• Success metrics definition and measurement
• Lessons learned documentation and sharing
• Business case development from pilot results

Establish a solid foundation for your cloud adoption with an AWS Cloud Landing Zone. This structured approach ensures security, compliance and efficiency in your cloud infrastructure from your first workload and others to follow.

• AWS Landing Zone setup and configuration
• Multi-account strategy for NHS organisational structure
• Identity and access management (IAM) framework
• Network security and segmentation design
• Monitoring, logging, and compliance automation
• Cost management and budget controls implementation

Invest in building a skilled workforce capable of understanding and managing cloud resources effectively. Developing cloud expertise within your team is vital for long-term success and ensuring your organisation can maximise cloud benefits.

• Cloud skills assessment and gap analysis
• Tailored training programmes for different roles
• AWS certification pathways for technical staff
• Change management and cultural transformation
• Centers of Excellence establishment
• Continuous learning and development programmes

Gradually assess and migrate from on-premises IT to the cloud, scaling your operations to leverage the full potential of cloud technology. This step marks a significant transformation in your NHS cloud journey and realisation of strategic objectives.

• Comprehensive application portfolio assessment
• Migration strategy development (6 R's methodology)
• Workload migration planning and execution
• Legacy system modernisation and transformation
• Performance optimisation and cost management
• Innovation acceleration with new cloud-native services