Cloud Computing in Raleigh, NC
Raleigh's tech-driven economy demands cloud infrastructure that scales with ambition, protects sensitive data, and enables the next generation of AI-powered applications. Petronella Technology Group, Inc. delivers cloud migration, management, and optimization for Raleigh businesses—from Microsoft 365 and Azure deployments to GPU-accelerated AI cloud platforms and hybrid architectures that balance performance, compliance, and cost. We have guided 2,500+ organizations through cloud transformations since 2002, and our Raleigh datacenter provides local colocation and GPU hosting for workloads that require on-premises control.
Trusted Since 2002 • BBB Accredited Since 2003 • 2,500+ Clients • Local Datacenter
Cloud Infrastructure Engineered for Raleigh Businesses
Whether you are a startup scaling fast or an enterprise optimizing costs, the cloud is the foundation of modern business—when built correctly.
Seamless Cloud Migration
We migrate your on-premises servers, applications, and data to the cloud with zero unplanned downtime. Our migration methodology includes discovery, dependency mapping, pilot testing, and phased cutover with rollback plans at every stage. Raleigh businesses get a local team managing the transition, not a remote project manager three time zones away.
AI Cloud Infrastructure
Raleigh's AI-forward companies need cloud infrastructure purpose-built for machine learning workloads. We architect AI cloud platforms with GPU-accelerated compute, high-performance storage, and the networking throughput that training and inference demand—whether in public cloud, our local datacenter, or hybrid configurations that optimize cost and compliance.
Security and Compliance Built In
Cloud migration without security planning is a recipe for data breaches. Every cloud deployment includes identity and access management, encryption at rest and in transit, network security groups, logging and monitoring, and compliance controls aligned with HIPAA, CMMC, SOC 2, or PCI DSS as applicable. Our cloud security posture management continuously validates configurations.
Cost Optimization
Cloud costs spiral out of control without active management. We right-size instances, leverage reserved and spot pricing, eliminate idle resources, implement auto-scaling, and architect for cost efficiency from day one. Our clients typically reduce cloud spending by 30-40% after our optimization review while maintaining or improving performance and availability.
Cloud Computing for Raleigh's Innovation Economy
Raleigh has emerged as one of the top technology markets in the country, attracting startups, enterprise branch offices, and research organizations that all depend on cloud infrastructure to operate competitively. The Warehouse District's SaaS companies need scalable public cloud platforms. RTP's biotech firms require HIPAA-compliant cloud environments for clinical data. Defense contractors along the I-40 corridor need CMMC-aligned cloud enclaves for handling CUI. Each of these use cases demands cloud expertise that goes far beyond spinning up virtual machines.
Petronella Technology Group, Inc. has guided Raleigh businesses through cloud adoption since the early days of AWS and Azure. With 30+ years of infrastructure experience, our team understands the nuances that determine whether a cloud migration succeeds or becomes an expensive, insecure mess. We architect solutions across AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, and private cloud environments, selecting the right platform for each workload based on performance requirements, compliance constraints, cost structure, and existing technology investments.
What sets us apart in the Raleigh market is our dual capability: public cloud expertise combined with local datacenter infrastructure. For AI workloads, regulated data, or latency-sensitive applications that cannot tolerate the round-trip to a distant region, our Raleigh datacenter provides GPU hosting, colocation, and managed infrastructure services. This hybrid approach—public cloud for elastic workloads, local infrastructure for sensitive ones—delivers the best of both worlds. Our AI cloud services enable organizations to train and deploy AI models on infrastructure that meets both performance and compliance requirements.
Cloud Services for Every Raleigh Business
Migration, management, optimization, and AI cloud infrastructure from a local partner
Cloud Migration and Modernization
We migrate workloads from on-premises servers to cloud platforms using a structured methodology that minimizes risk and downtime. Lift-and-shift migrations move existing applications to cloud VMs for quick wins. Re-platforming optimizes applications for cloud-native services (managed databases, container orchestration, serverless functions). Full re-architecture transforms legacy applications into modern, scalable cloud-native systems.
Every migration starts with discovery and assessment: inventorying applications, mapping dependencies, estimating cloud costs, and identifying compliance requirements that constrain platform selection. Pilot migrations validate performance and functionality before production cutover. Rollback plans at every phase ensure business continuity if unexpected issues arise.
Post-migration, we optimize for cost and performance: right-sizing instances, implementing auto-scaling, configuring monitoring and alerting, and training your team on cloud operations. Our clients migrate with confidence because we have executed hundreds of migrations for Raleigh organizations without data loss or prolonged outages.
AI Cloud Infrastructure and GPU Hosting
AI workloads demand specialized infrastructure: GPU-accelerated compute for model training and inference, high-bandwidth storage for large datasets, and networking that supports distributed training across multiple nodes. Public cloud GPU instances (AWS P5, Azure ND, GCP A3) provide elastic capacity but at premium pricing. Our Raleigh datacenter offers dedicated GPU hosting at 40-60% lower cost for sustained workloads.
We architect AI cloud platforms tailored to your requirements: on-premises GPU clusters for data-sovereign AI training, hybrid configurations that burst to public cloud for non-sensitive workloads, and fully managed AI infrastructure where Petronella Technology Group, Inc. handles hardware, software, networking, and operations while you focus on model development. Our platform supports all major ML frameworks including PyTorch, TensorFlow, and JAX.
For organizations exploring AI adoption, our AI services team provides end-to-end support: from identifying AI use cases through infrastructure provisioning, model development, and production deployment. Cloud-based AI infrastructure eliminates the capital expenditure and expertise barrier that prevents many Raleigh businesses from leveraging artificial intelligence.
Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 Cloud Services
Microsoft Azure is the cloud platform of choice for many Raleigh businesses, particularly those with existing Microsoft investments (Windows Server, Active Directory, SQL Server, Microsoft 365). We design and manage Azure environments including virtual machines, Azure SQL, Azure AD (Entra ID), Azure Virtual Desktop, and Azure Kubernetes Service. Hybrid architectures connect on-premises Active Directory to Azure AD for seamless identity management across cloud and local resources.
Microsoft 365 management includes tenant security hardening (conditional access policies, DLP, sensitivity labels), license optimization (we routinely identify 15-25% in wasted licensing), backup solutions independent of Microsoft's native retention, and migration from on-premises Exchange, SharePoint, and file servers to Microsoft 365 cloud services. Our Azure certified engineers ensure your Microsoft cloud investment delivers security, compliance, and value.
AWS and Multi-Cloud Architecture
AWS offers the broadest range of cloud services and is the platform of choice for many Raleigh technology companies and startups. We architect AWS environments using EC2, RDS, S3, Lambda, ECS/EKS, and the full spectrum of AWS services. Infrastructure-as-code (Terraform, CloudFormation) ensures reproducible, version-controlled deployments. Well-Architected Framework reviews validate that your AWS environment meets best practices for security, reliability, performance, cost, and sustainability.
For organizations using multiple cloud providers, we design multi-cloud architectures that leverage the strengths of each platform while maintaining consistent security policies, identity management, and monitoring. Multi-cloud strategies provide vendor diversification, workload-specific optimization, and negotiating leverage on pricing—but require careful architecture to avoid complexity that negates the benefits.
Cloud Security and Compliance
Cloud environments are prime targets for attackers because misconfigurations are common and the attack surface is vast. We implement comprehensive cloud security: identity and access management (IAM) with least-privilege policies, encryption for data at rest and in transit, network security groups and VPN tunnels, cloud workload protection platforms (CWPP), and cloud security posture management (CSPM) that continuously scans for misconfigurations.
For regulated organizations, we architect cloud environments that meet compliance requirements: HIPAA-compliant Azure environments with BAA coverage, GovCloud deployments for CMMC and FedRAMP, PCI DSS-scoped environments with network segmentation and logging. Compliance does not mean you cannot use the cloud—it means you need a partner who understands how to configure cloud services correctly for your regulatory framework.
Cloud Backup and Disaster Recovery
Cloud does not automatically mean your data is backed up. Native cloud services provide limited retention and no protection against ransomware that compromises admin credentials. We implement independent cloud backup solutions that maintain immutable, encrypted copies of your Microsoft 365 data (Exchange, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams), Azure/AWS resources (VMs, databases, storage), and SaaS application data.
Cloud-based disaster recovery provides rapid failover for on-premises systems: your servers are replicated to the cloud continuously, and in the event of a site disaster, cloud-hosted replicas activate within minutes. This eliminates the need for expensive secondary physical sites while providing recovery time objectives that satisfy business requirements and regulatory mandates.
Your Cloud Transformation Roadmap
A structured approach that eliminates risk and delivers results
Cloud Readiness Assessment
We inventory your infrastructure, map application dependencies, assess compliance requirements, and estimate cloud costs to build a clear picture of migration scope and expected ROI. The assessment identifies workloads best suited for public cloud, those requiring hybrid deployment, and any that should remain on-premises.
Architecture Design and Pilot
We design cloud architecture with security, cost, and performance optimized from the start. A pilot migration of non-critical workloads validates the architecture, tests connectivity, and gives your team hands-on experience with the cloud environment before production workloads move.
Production Migration
Phased migration moves production workloads to the cloud with planned maintenance windows, real-time monitoring, and rollback plans at every step. We handle data migration, DNS cutover, user communication, and post-migration validation to ensure everything works correctly before decommissioning on-premises systems.
Optimization and Managed Operations
Post-migration, we continuously optimize: right-sizing instances, eliminating waste, implementing cost controls, and tuning performance. Ongoing managed cloud operations include monitoring, patching, security management, backup verification, and capacity planning. Quarterly reviews ensure your cloud environment evolves with your business needs.
Raleigh's Cloud Partner with Local Infrastructure
Public cloud expertise plus a local datacenter for sensitive and AI workloads
Local Raleigh Datacenter with GPU Hosting
Unlike pure cloud consultants who only know AWS and Azure, we operate our own Raleigh datacenter with GPU-accelerated infrastructure for AI workloads, colocation services for organizations that need physical control over hardware, and managed hosting for clients who want cloud economics with local data residency. This hybrid capability lets us recommend the truly optimal architecture—not just the platform we are certified to sell.
Security-First Cloud Architecture
Cloud breaches result from misconfiguration, not inherent cloud insecurity. Our architects build security into every layer of cloud deployments: IAM policies following least-privilege principles, network segmentation using VPCs and security groups, encryption enforced through policy, and continuous security posture monitoring. Craig Petronella's 30+ years of cybersecurity experience and CMMC-RP credential ensure cloud architectures meet the most stringent compliance requirements.
AI-Ready Cloud Infrastructure
As Raleigh businesses adopt AI, they need cloud partners who understand ML infrastructure. We architect GPU clusters, configure distributed training environments, optimize inference serving, and implement AI-ready cloud platforms that balance compute performance with data governance. Our team has deployed AI infrastructure for healthcare, defense, and technology clients with compliance requirements that demand architectural expertise beyond basic cloud administration.
Proven Across 2,500+ Cloud Engagements
Since 2002, we have executed cloud migrations, optimizations, and managed operations for 2,500+ organizations. We have migrated everything from single-server dental practices to multi-site manufacturing operations to research computing environments. This breadth of experience means we have seen your scenario before and know how to navigate the challenges specific to your industry, scale, and compliance requirements.
Cloud Computing in Raleigh FAQ
Which cloud platform is best for my Raleigh business?
Platform selection depends on your existing technology stack, workload requirements, and compliance needs. Microsoft-centric organizations typically benefit from Azure. Technology startups often prefer AWS for breadth of services. Organizations needing data analytics may lean toward GCP. Many businesses use multiple platforms. Our assessment identifies the optimal platform for each workload.
How much does cloud migration cost?
Migration costs depend on scope: a simple Microsoft 365 migration for 25 users might cost $5,000-$10,000, while a full infrastructure migration for a 100-person organization ranges from $25,000-$75,000. Ongoing cloud management is typically $1,000-$5,000/month. Most organizations see net cost savings within 12-18 months when factoring in eliminated hardware, reduced IT staff overhead, and improved uptime.
Is the cloud secure enough for HIPAA and CMMC compliance?
Yes, when configured correctly. AWS, Azure, and GCP all offer HIPAA-eligible services and FedRAMP-authorized environments. The key is proper configuration: encryption, access controls, logging, and network segmentation must be implemented according to each framework's requirements. Our compliance team specializes in building cloud environments that pass HIPAA audits and CMMC assessments.
Can you host AI workloads in your Raleigh datacenter?
Yes. Our Raleigh datacenter provides GPU-accelerated hosting for AI training and inference workloads at 40-60% lower cost than equivalent public cloud GPU instances for sustained workloads. This is ideal for organizations with data sovereignty requirements, consistent GPU utilization, or compliance constraints that restrict public cloud usage. We support NVIDIA GPUs with full CUDA stack and all major ML frameworks.
How long does a typical cloud migration take?
Microsoft 365 migrations complete in 2-4 weeks for most organizations. Full infrastructure migrations (servers, applications, databases) range from 4-12 weeks depending on complexity and the number of systems being moved. We establish migration timelines during assessment and maintain them through structured project management with clear milestones and accountability.
Will there be downtime during migration?
We design migrations for minimal disruption. Most cutover activities occur during planned maintenance windows (evenings or weekends). Email migrations use background sync that is transparent to users. Server migrations leverage replication that keeps systems synchronized until the final cutover, which typically requires less than one hour of planned downtime per system. Rollback plans ensure we can revert to on-premises systems if any issue arises during cutover.
Can you manage our existing cloud environment?
Absolutely. Many clients come to us with existing cloud environments that need optimization, security hardening, or ongoing management. We start with an audit of your current cloud configuration, identify cost savings and security gaps, implement improvements, and then provide ongoing managed operations. Typical savings from optimization reviews are 30-40% of current cloud spend.
Do you support hybrid cloud architectures?
Yes, hybrid cloud is our specialty. We architect environments that combine public cloud services with on-premises or colocated infrastructure, connecting them with secure VPN tunnels and consistent identity management. This approach is ideal for organizations with compliance requirements, latency-sensitive applications, or AI workloads that benefit from dedicated GPU hardware while leveraging public cloud for elastic general-purpose computing.
Ready to Transform Your Raleigh Business with Cloud?
Contact Petronella Technology Group, Inc. for a free cloud readiness assessment. We will evaluate your infrastructure, identify the optimal cloud strategy, estimate costs and ROI, and design a migration plan that delivers results without risk—backed by 30+ years of experience, a local Raleigh datacenter, and 2,500+ successful cloud engagements.
Trusted Since 2002 • BBB Accredited Since 2003 • 2,500+ Clients • Zero Breaches