Azure the Cloud for modern Business

Imagine having at your disposal the capabilities to build applications to meet the exact needs of your business and to develop, implement and scale them at a fraction of the cost compared to that of engaging a software developer.  Microsoft Azure a Cloud Services Solution provides that power.

Businesses can build, run and manage their applications in the Cloud, by having a collection of integrated Cloud services, analytics, computing, database, mobile, networking, storage, and web.  Azure provides services aimed at helping businesses move faster, achieve more, and save money.

Users can choose from these services to develop and scale new applications, or run existing applications, in the Cloud.  Azure supports web and mobile development and offers data storage, virtual networks, analytics, and a content delivery network.  It also supports the ‘internet of things’, application development, security and more.

Business Benefits

The benefits depend on the services you buy.   However, in general terms, Microsoft Azure offers the following benefits to businesses both large and small: –

Get more done

Integrated tools, pre-built templates and managed services make it easy to build and manage desktop, mobile, web and ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) apps faster.  Using skills, you already have and technologies you already know.

Open and flexible

Azure supports the broadest selection of operating systems, programming languages, frameworks, tools, databases and devices.

Extend your existing IT

Integrating easily with your existing IT environment, so your assets stay where you need them.  Its hybrid Cloud solutions give you the best of both worlds.

Scale as you need, pay as you go

Pay-as-you-go and per-minute billing services can scale up or down to match demand, so, you only pay for what you use.

Protect your data

The data centres used by Azure meets the most rigorous international standards for security and privacy.

Run your apps anywhere

Azure runs on a worldwide network of Microsoft-managed data centres across 22 regions.

Make smarter decisions

Predictive analytics services offered through Azure redefines business intelligence.  Therefore, enabling smarter decisions, improved Customer service and new business possibilities.

Pay-as-you-go

Microsoft Azure offers a pay-as-you-go pricing model, similar to other Cloud computing services.  The extensive range of services and modules offered, enables businesses to take a ‘pick and mix’ approach.  Paying only for what is needed each month, but, without termination fees.  Microsoft provides a free online pricing calculator to assess the monthly cost for  modules you may need.

Migration to the Cloud

Thousands of businesses are migrating their business applications to Azure every day, so it is a common process.  However, it can also be a complex one and, if done improperly, can cause business downtime and a great deal of disruption.  It therefore pays to engage some expert support to assist.

Microsoft Azure also offers tools to help you plan your migration.  However, it is advisable to use an IT professional with Cloud services experience.  For the uninitiated the migration will likely take longer and therefore, be fraught with difficulties.  Getting your Cloud services right first time is essential to achieve all the business benefits it offers.

 5 Considerations before using Azure

1. Understand what the business application and resultant benefits will be.  Carry out an initial budgetary exercise, scoping out the modules you need, estimate the cost and work out a likely return on investment
2. Use the Azure free one-month trial including a £125 credit for unlimited access.  Implement an initial draft application to establish its feasibility and get to know what’s possible in using Azure.
3. Ask for advice and practical support from your IT provider or Microsoft Certified Partner
4. Cloud-based computing comes with its own set of jargon, and the full Cloud computing solution is a hugely complex product. Be clear on what you need using your IT provider to translate your needs into the services on offer
5. Planning the whole migration process is key and so it is best to involve your IT provider from the outset as they will have the experience and expertise.