--- type: Leaf title: Cloud Solutions description: 'Cloud engineering and platform engineering for Australian businesses: modernise legacy systems and APIs. Indicative $50k-$200k, 3-6 months. Contact us.' resource: https://nationaldigital.com.au/platform-engineering/application-performance-optimisation/cloud-solutions/ tags: - platform-engineering - cloud and platform engineering - application performance optimisation - legacy system modernisation - mid-market digital transformation - cloud solutions Australia - platform engineering - cloud engineering - api development - application modernisation - system integration - cloud engineering company - platform engineering services - what is cloud engineering - what is platform engineering timestamp: '2026-07-21T09:01:20.179Z' --- # Cloud Solutions Cloud engineering and platform engineering for Australian businesses: modernise legacy systems and APIs. Indicative $50k-$200k, 3-6 months. Contact us. ## What are cloud solutions and how do they support platform engineering? Cloud solutions combine cloud engineering, infrastructure automation and platform engineering to modernise legacy systems, integrate business tools and scale operations without enterprise-level overhead. Cloud solutions typically span cloud engineering, system integration, API development and legacy system modernisation, combining infrastructure migration with ongoing platform engineering practices so a business's technology can scale alongside its growth in revenue and headcount. **Practical cloud engineering and platform engineering to modernise legacy systems without enterprise overhead** National Digital designs and delivers cloud engineering, API development and platform engineering programmes that help Australian businesses with 50-200 people modernise legacy systems and integrate the tools they already run, like Xero, Shopify and HubSpot. *Built for teams of 50-200 people running Xero, Shopify and HubSpot who need reliable, scalable infrastructure.* *Cloud Engineering Explained* ## What Are Cloud Solutions? Cloud solutions bring together cloud engineering, system integration and application modernisation to help growing Australian businesses run core operations on scalable, secure infrastructure. For a business turning over $10-100 million with a team of 50-200 people, this typically means migrating on-premises servers to AWS or Azure, connecting Xero or MYOB to a customer platform, and rebuilding brittle custom scripts as maintainable APIs. Many teams start this work by tackling [Database optimisation strategies for Australian cdn and latency considerations](/platform-engineering/application-performance-optimisation/database-optimisation), since slow queries and poor data architecture are usually the first visible symptom of a cloud environment that has outgrown its original design. ## Cloud Engineering vs Platform Engineering Platform engineering sits underneath individual cloud projects. Rather than treating each migration or integration as a one-off, it builds repeatable infrastructure patterns, self-service tooling and monitoring so future work - a new Shopify storefront, a HubSpot marketing sync - can be delivered faster and with less risk. Before any go-live, it is worth validating the new environment with [Performance testing best practices for Australian cdn and latency considerations](/platform-engineering/application-performance-optimisation/performance-testing) to confirm systems behave under real load across Australian regions and time zones. ## Cloud Solutions for Legacy System Modernisation **Problem:** Many Australian businesses run on ageing on-premises servers, disconnected spreadsheets and custom scripts that were never designed to scale. As transaction volumes grow, these legacy systems create manual workarounds, security gaps and reporting delays that slow down operations and expose the business to compliance risk. - Time wasted: 15-25 hours per week on manual data reconciliation - Cost: $80,000-$150,000 AUD annually in estimated lost productivity and rework - Opportunity cost: Delayed reporting and slow integrations limit the business's ability to launch new sales channels or respond quickly to market changes - **Disconnected Systems** — Xero, Shopify and HubSpot data sit in silos, forcing manual exports and re-entry between platforms. - **Legacy Infrastructure Risk** — Ageing on-premises servers create security vulnerabilities and limit disaster recovery options. - **Slow Reporting** — Finance and operations teams wait days for consolidated reports because data has to be manually combined. **Solution:** A structured cloud engineering programme that migrates core infrastructure, modernises legacy applications and builds APIs to connect existing tools like Xero, Shopify and HubSpot into one reliable platform. 1. **Assess current infrastructure** _(Weeks 1-2)_: Audit existing servers, integrations and data flows to identify modernisation priorities and quick wins 2. **Design target architecture** _(Weeks 3-4)_: Define cloud architecture, API contracts and security controls aligned to business growth plans 3. **Migrate and integrate in stages** _(Weeks 5-14)_: Move systems and data in prioritised phases, connecting core business tools via APIs with testing at each step **Expected outcome:** A modernised cloud platform that cuts manual reconciliation, integrates core business systems and supports growth without a full enterprise-vendor rebuild. ## Key Takeaways on Cloud Solutions Cloud solutions succeed when infrastructure migration, API development and platform engineering are planned together, staged for lower risk, and designed with Australian privacy obligations in mind from day one. - **Cloud solutions combine infrastructure migration with ongoing platform engineering** Moving servers to the cloud is only the first step; ongoing platform engineering practices keep integrations reliable as transaction volumes and system complexity grow. - **API-first design reduces future integration costs** Building well-documented APIs before connecting systems like Xero, Shopify and HubSpot means new tools can be added later without rebuilding existing integrations from scratch. - **Legacy system modernisation should be staged, not big-bang** Breaking modernisation into smaller phases lowers risk, keeps day-to-day operations running, and lets teams validate each change before moving to the next system. - **Security and compliance controls must be designed in from the start** Australian businesses handling customer data need cloud architectures that address the Australian Privacy Principles and sector-specific obligations from the design phase, not retrofitted later. ## Cloud Migration Approaches Compared Australian businesses evaluating cloud solutions typically choose between a full replatform, a staged lift-and-modernise approach, or a hybrid model that keeps some systems on-premises while integrating cloud-based tools like Xero and HubSpot. - **Full Cloud Replatform** — Migrating all infrastructure, applications and data to a cloud provider such as AWS or Azure in a single coordinated programme, rebuilding legacy applications along the way. - **Staged Lift-and-Modernise** — Migrating systems to the cloud in prioritised phases, modernising the highest-risk or highest-value applications first while lower-priority systems continue running as-is. - **Hybrid Cloud Integration** — Keeping select on-premises or industry-specific systems in place while integrating them with cloud-based tools such as Shopify, HubSpot and cloud data warehouses via APIs. ## Cloud Adoption Data for Australian Businesses The following figures illustrate the scale of cloud adoption and typical delivery timelines among Australian businesses, drawn from national statistics and project delivery experience. - **Business cloud computing use: Approximately 66%** — Estimated proportion of Australian businesses using paid cloud computing services, based on the latest published ABS business technology statistics. _(Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/industry/technology-and-innovation/business-use-information-technology)_ - **SME digital tool adoption: 8 in 10 businesses** — Estimated proportion of small-to-medium Australian businesses using at least one cloud-based business application such as accounting or CRM software. _(Source: Digital Transformation Agency, https://www.dta.gov.au/help-and-advice/cloud)_ - **Legacy modernisation delivery window: 3-6 months** — Typical delivery window observed for platform engineering and cloud migration projects sized within the $50,000-$200,000 AUD indicative range for growing Australian businesses. _(Source: National Digital project delivery benchmarks, /)_ **Methodology:** Figures combine published Australian Bureau of Statistics business technology data, Digital Transformation Agency reporting, and typical project timelines observed across mid-sized Australian cloud engineering engagements; estimates are noted where exact figures are unavailable. ## Prerequisites for a Successful Cloud Solutions Programme Before starting a cloud migration or platform engineering programme, Australian businesses should confirm technical readiness, internal capacity and governance controls to reduce delivery risk and keep the project within scope. ### Technical Readiness - **Documented system inventory** _(must have)_: A current list of applications, databases and integrations, including which systems connect to Xero, MYOB or Shopify, so the migration scope can be accurately defined. - **Data backup and recovery plan** _(must have)_: A tested backup process for critical business data before any migration work begins, reducing the risk of data loss during cutover. ### Organisational Capacity - **Internal project sponsor** _(should have)_: A senior stakeholder, typically an Operations Manager or IT Manager, who can make timely decisions and coordinate internal teams during delivery. - **Change management plan** _(should have)_: A plan for training staff on new systems and workflows, since cloud modernisation usually changes day-to-day processes for finance and operations teams. - **Budget approval for indicative project range** _(should have)_: Confirmed budget authority for the indicative $50,000-$200,000 AUD range typical of mid-sized cloud engineering programmes. ### Security and Compliance - **Privacy and data handling review** _(nice to have)_: An understanding of obligations under the Australian Privacy Principles for any customer data moving into new cloud environments. - **Access control policy** _(nice to have)_: Defined roles and permissions for who can access production systems once the new cloud platform is live. **Estimated preparation time:** 2-4 weeks ## Typical Cloud Solutions Implementation Timeline This timeline reflects a typical cloud engineering and platform engineering programme for a business with 50-200 employees, covering assessment through to post-launch optimisation. ### Discovery and Assessment (2-3 weeks) Technical audit of existing infrastructure, integrations and data flows, combined with stakeholder interviews to confirm scope and priorities. - Current-state architecture assessment report - Prioritised modernisation roadmap ### Architecture and API Design (3-4 weeks) Defining target cloud architecture, security controls and API contracts for connecting core systems such as Xero, Shopify and HubSpot. - Approved target architecture documentation - API specification and integration design ### Build and Migration (6-10 weeks) Building infrastructure, developing APIs and migrating applications and data in prioritised phases with regular testing checkpoints. - Migrated core systems in staging environment - Integration test results and defect log ### Launch and Optimisation (2-4 weeks) Cutover to production, monitoring performance under real load, and tuning configurations based on early usage patterns. - Production go-live with monitoring in place - Post-launch performance and optimisation report **Total duration:** 13-21 weeks ## Indicative Cost Breakdown for Cloud Solutions Projects Indicative scope for a mid-sized cloud engineering and platform engineering programme covering infrastructure migration, API development and post-launch optimisation for a business with 50-200 employees. ### Discovery and Architecture Technical assessment, stakeholder workshops and target architecture design before any migration work begins. - **Infrastructure and integration audit** — AUD 8,000–AUD 15,000: Covers technical discovery, documentation of existing systems and identification of migration risks across the current environment. - **Target architecture and API design** — AUD 10,000–AUD 20,000: Covers designing the cloud architecture, security controls and API contracts needed before development starts. ### Migration and Development Core build phase covering infrastructure provisioning, application migration and API development work. - **Cloud infrastructure provisioning** — AUD 10,000–AUD 25,000: Covers setting up cloud environments, networking and security configuration on providers such as AWS or Azure. - **API development and system integration** — AUD 15,000–AUD 35,000: Covers building and testing APIs that connect core systems such as Xero, Shopify and HubSpot into the new platform. ### Testing and Launch Quality assurance, performance testing and post-launch support activities. - **Performance and integration testing** — AUD 5,000–AUD 12,000: Covers structured testing of integrations and performance under realistic load before go-live. - **Post-launch optimisation and support** — AUD 4,000–AUD 10,000: Covers monitoring, tuning and defect resolution during the weeks immediately following production launch. **Total:** AUD 50,000–AUD 150,000 **Payment terms:** Indicative only; typical engagements are structured as milestone-based payments aligned to discovery, build and launch phases, confirmed during scoping. **ROI (12 months):** Expected reduction in manual data reconciliation effort and infrastructure maintenance costs, with typical payback assessed over the first 12 months post-launch based on past project outcomes. *Implementation Approach* ## Choosing the Right Cloud Approach Not every organisation needs a full platform rebuild. A business running Shopify and HubSpot with a handful of custom integrations may only need targeted [Professional code optimisation solutions for Australian businesses](/platform-engineering/application-performance-optimisation/code-optimisation) and better API middleware, while a business managing multiple warehouses or franchise sites often needs broader legacy system modernisation and a proper cloud engineering programme spanning infrastructure, security and data governance. ### API Development in Cloud Solutions API development is the connective tissue of most cloud solutions. In practice, this means designing REST or event-driven APIs that let Xero, MYOB, Shopify and HubSpot exchange data reliably, with proper authentication, versioning and error handling rather than fragile point-to-point scripts. API-first development - designing the interface contract before building features - reduces rework when a new sales channel or reporting tool needs to plug in later. For teams evaluating providers, it is worth asking how a prospective partner approaches [Application performance optimisation](/platform-engineering/application-performance-optimisation) once systems go live, since integration work that ignores ongoing performance monitoring tends to degrade within 12-18 months as data volumes grow. ## Cloud Solutions FAQs Answers to common questions Australian operations, IT and marketing leaders ask when evaluating cloud engineering, platform engineering and system integration projects. ### What is cloud engineering? Cloud engineering is the discipline of designing, building and operating infrastructure on platforms such as AWS or Azure, including networking, security, storage and automation. For growing Australian businesses, it typically covers migrating on-premises servers, connecting business systems like Xero and Shopify, and setting up monitoring so the environment scales reliably as transaction volumes increase. ### What is platform engineering and how does it differ from DevOps? Platform engineering focuses on building reusable infrastructure, tooling and self-service workflows that internal teams use to ship changes safely, while DevOps is a broader set of practices for collaboration between development and operations. In practice, platform engineering often implements the automation that makes DevOps practices repeatable across multiple projects and teams. ### When should a business adopt platform engineering rather than ad-hoc cloud engineering? Platform engineering becomes worthwhile once a business is running enough systems and integrations that repeated manual setup starts slowing delivery - typically once a team is managing three or more connected platforms such as Xero, Shopify and HubSpot, or when new integrations regularly take weeks rather than days to build. ### What is API development and why does it matter for cloud solutions? API development involves designing and building interfaces that let different software systems exchange data reliably and securely. In cloud solutions, well-designed APIs connect core business tools - accounting, e-commerce and CRM platforms - so data flows automatically instead of relying on manual exports, spreadsheets or one-off scripts that break as the business grows. ### How long does a typical cloud migration or modernisation project take? Most cloud engineering and legacy system modernisation projects for businesses with 50-200 employees typically run 3-6 months from discovery through to production launch, depending on the number of systems involved and the extent of legacy application rework required. Staged approaches can deliver early improvements sooner, while later phases continue in the background, and larger multi-site businesses should expect timelines toward the longer end of that range. ### What does application modernisation involve for legacy systems? Application modernisation involves updating outdated software - such as unsupported custom applications or heavily customised spreadsheets - so it runs securely on current infrastructure, integrates with modern APIs, and can be maintained by current development teams. It often runs alongside broader cloud engineering and platform engineering work. ## Related **Parent:** - [Application performance optimisation](/okf/platform-engineering/application-performance-optimisation.md) **Related:** - [Database optimisation strategies for Australian cdn and latency considerations](/okf/platform-engineering/application-performance-optimisation/database-optimisation.md) - [Professional code optimisation solutions for Australian businesses](/okf/platform-engineering/application-performance-optimisation/code-optimisation.md) - [Complete guide to asset optimisation in Australia](/okf/platform-engineering/application-performance-optimisation/asset-optimisation.md) - [Performance testing best practices for Australian cdn and latency considerations](/okf/platform-engineering/application-performance-optimisation/performance-testing.md) # Citations - [Digital Transformation Agency – Cloud policy and guidance](https://www.dta.gov.au/help-and-advice/cloud) — Australian Government guidance on cloud adoption, including risk considerations for hosting business data onshore or offshore. - [Australian Bureau of Statistics – Business Use of Information Technology](https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/industry/technology-and-innovation/business-use-information-technology/latest-release) — National data on Australian business adoption of cloud computing and other digital technologies.