Cloud AMA: The Questions Agencies Ask Before They Migrate

Every public sector agency eventually faces the same question: keep investing in aging on-premise hardware, or move to the cloud. Whether you’re just starting to explore cloud or you’re a current CentralSquare customer running on-premise, the concerns tend to be the same – downtime, security, cost, and what happens if you’re locked into another vendor. That’s true whether it’s computer-aided dispatch keeping your 911 center running or asset management software tracking public works.

In 2025, cybercrime cost US organizations over $20 billion, and the average ransomware or extortion incident cost $5.08 million, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center and IBM’s 2025 Cost of a Data Breach Report. That’s the backdrop for every question below.

We opened up those questions in a live Ask Me Anything session on cloud migration for government agencies. Tony Jakusovas, Senior Product Manager for Cloud at CentralSquare, took on the objections agencies raise most often. Here’s what he said, backed by the numbers agencies are already seeing.

Q: Is it difficult to transition to the cloud?

“No, it’s not – that’s the simple answer. We’ve created a well-established process, and with CentralSquare, your agency doesn’t do it alone. We have a dedicated migration team that handles the heavy lifting, including data migration, system configuration, staff training, and go-live support. Most agencies complete their transition with minimal disruption to daily operations.

Our proven methodology has guided hundreds of public sector organizations through cloud adoption. We tailor every migration plan to your agency’s size, existing systems, the products you’re moving to the cloud, and your operational timeline, so you can move at a pace that works for you.”

More than 1,000 public sector agencies are already running on CentralSquare’s cloud.

Q: What’s the risk of downtime when migrating to the cloud?

“Downtime risk is managed from day one. We use a phased migration approach that keeps your existing system fully operational while a new cloud environment is built and tested. You continue using your existing system while migrating to the cloud, so there’s no lapse in coverage and no changes to what you’re delivering to your customers today.

Cutovers are scheduled with you and planned during low-activity windows, typically nights or weekends. During that time, you’re supported by our technical team through the entire cutover process, so you always have a path forward.

For mission-critical public safety applications, we apply additional safeguards, including redundant infrastructure and real-time data replication, to ensure continuity throughout the migration.”

Agencies report 69% fewer unplanned outages after migrating to the cloud – critical when you’re moving something like computer-aided dispatch to the cloud.

Q: Why should my agency migrate to the cloud?

“First, cloud eliminates the cost and complexity of maintaining aging on-premise hardware. It reduces your organization’s IT burden and lets IT focus on other critical projects. We typically see that when it’s time to replace hardware, organizations look at alternatives instead of reinvesting in on-premise equipment. Migration to the cloud is one of those alternatives, while also giving your organization access to the latest features automatically, with no manual upgrades, because CentralSquare takes care of that for you.

CentralSquare’s cloud platform is purpose-built for government agencies. It delivers real-time access to your data across departments, automatic compliance updates, and room to grow with your community’s needs.”

Agencies integrating with CentralSquare’s cloud report a 40% improvement in data accessibility, whether it’s asset management software in the cloud or any other system moving off on-premise servers.

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Q: Does moving to the cloud put security at risk?

“Quite the contrary – moving to CentralSquare’s cloud strengthens your security posture. Our platform operates within AWS, with SOC 2 and other certified infrastructure. Our systems are built to meet the rigorous standards required by government entities. Typical agencies don’t fund a dedicated, multi-level security department. Because of this, on-premise environments often carry unpatched vulnerabilities and rely on manual security processes and staff who aren’t dedicated or well-trained.

At CentralSquare, our cloud team delivers automated threat monitoring, encryption at rest and in transit, role-based access controls, and continuous compliance updates. Your data stays in data centers within your country, and your agency retains full ownership and control of your data at all times.”

Q: Can I still migrate if I’m already working with another vendor?

“Yes, absolutely. CentralSquare has extensive experience migrating agencies from competing platforms. Our team assesses your current environment, maps your data, and builds a migration plan that preserves your existing records and workflows. You don’t need to wait for a contract to expire – most customers don’t.

We’ll work with your team to establish a parallel environment, validate data integrity throughout the transition, and ensure your staff is fully trained before you decommission or cancel your arrangement with your other vendor. We also provide integration support for many third-party systems your agency relies on, so the switch to CentralSquare’s cloud doesn’t break existing connections, and these integrations are thoroughly tested during the migration process as well.”

Q: What cost savings will I see from moving to the cloud?

“Agencies consistently reduce total cost of ownership after moving to CentralSquare’s cloud. Eliminated expenses include hardware procurement and refresh cycles, on-site server maintenance, additional software subscriptions, staff time maintaining the on-premise system, including upgrades, additional disaster recovery sites, and the added cost of unplanned outages.

CentralSquare’s subscription model converts unpredictable capital expenditures into a predictable operating expense, which makes budgeting simpler and more defensible to governing boards. Additional savings come from improved staff productivity, reduced IT overhead, and avoided compliance penalties. Many agencies recoup their investment within the first year or two.”

Agencies moving to CentralSquare’s cloud report saving up to $246,000 annually on IT expenses, plus another $15,000 a year in energy costs from retiring on-premise hardware.

Ready to Build your Migration Roadmap?

Whether your agency needs public safety cloud software, public administration cloud software, or both, CentralSquare® can help you get there.

Explore cloud solutions and schedule time with a cloud specialist to map out what migration looks like for your agency.