Everything You Need To Know About Microsoft Azure

Instead of having all your data on-premises, causing a storm of issues (like if there’s a breakdown data could be lost), Azure allows businesses to manage applications through Microsoft’s global network of data centres. 

When your IT estate is hosted in the cloud, it reduces physical space in your offices and makes data and information much more accessible for you and your team. 

There has been a significant shift in the adoption of cloud computing. In the UK, there is a up to 80% adoption of cloud computing in all sectors and regions. This adoption has been driven by the need for flexibility, scalability, and innovation.  

Azure has over 41,000 services. It would be madness to list them all right here for you. But we can list the most popular Azure cloud solutions that will help you run all of your network systems and operations in the cloud: 

There are many benefits to using Azure within your business. Here is the list of benefits of cloud computing that we think you’d find most useful: 

• Cost Efficiency: If you currently host your IT estate on-premises, no doubt it’s costing you quite a bit of money to keep those systems up and running. Azure managed service providers oversee the maintenance so you can focus on other core business areas. There are on-demand pricing options that allow you to only pay for the resources you actually use.  

• Security: Azure has fantastic security features and compliance certifications, so you can continue to meet regulatory requirements and continue your day knowing that your data is protected. 

• Disaster Recovery: Should a cyber attacker ever get into your IT estate; Azure has advanced disaster recovery solutions to help you quickly recover and minimise downtime. 

• Enhance Productivity: Cloud computing allows for better collaboration between your team. This means that they can work on the same project and resources at the same time in real-time, regardless of whether they’re in the office or working from home. All of your data will be in the cloud, so it can be accessed from anywhere as long as the user has the right permissions.  

• Streamlined Business Operations: Azure reduces manual tasks and improves overall efficiency by automating and enhancing processes across your business. With Azure, the days of spending hours on data backups and software updates are gone.  

• Integration Options: As Azure is a Microsoft product, it’s no surprise that it is deeply integrated with other Microsoft products, such as Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, Teams, Microsoft Defender, and more. This means that you can have a seamless experience across these applications.  

• Speedy Setup: Unlike on-premises servers, new servers and services on Azure can be set up quite quickly. 

• Environmental Friendliness: Reduce your carbon footprint by using cloud services. Cloud providers optimise their data centres for energy efficiency, and moving your on-premises servers you will reduce the energy you use. 

• Advanced Technologies: You no longer need to worry about being behind with the tech you use in your business. Azure has a range of services you can use, such as AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics, all of which can help your business grow without significant upfront investments.  

If the above reasons aren’t enough for why you should choose Azure Cloud Services for your business, then read on to find out more about the Azure fundamentals. 

If you’re looking for a Partner for Azure managed services, look for the Azure Fundamentals certification. You may ask yourself: what is Azure Fundamentals, and why is it essential? 

Azure Fundamentals is a certification that Azure specialists must pass to prove their knowledge of Azure. Microsoft created this certification to ensure the people selling Azure 100% know their stuff. If you’re considering an IT company that hasn’t got Azure Fundamentals under its belt, look elsewhere.  

The Azure Fundamentals is made up of three core areas: 

The certification ensures that the experts you’re talking to know Azure cloud services thoroughly and how it can help your business. Psst… all of our Azure experts have the Azure Fundamentals certification.

When you’re looking to make a sound investment for your business, you want something that grows with you, so you don’t have to change systems when you meet your business goals.  

Azure grows with you; you only pay for what you use, and when you decide you want more, you can simply expand and add on the services you need.  

There are many reasons why you should choose Azure Cloud Computing, and here are the most compelling:  

• Unmatched Flexibility: As your business grows, Azure can grow with you. Data storage capabilities can be scaled to your needs. If you acquire any businesses and need to add new data to your current data, Azure integration possibilities allow you to integrate data and processes seamlessly. 

• Global Reach: Whether your employees are in the same office as you or are spread across the world, Microsoft’s extensive network allows for the deployment of applications and access to data (to people with the right permissions) from anywhere in the world. 

• Top Notch Security: Azure is more secure than any infrastructure you can build and manage on-premises yourself. Your data is in safe hands because Azure has a vigorous set of security features, such as data encryption at rest and in transit, sturdy identity management with role-based access control, secure key management through Azure Key Vault, and threat detection with Microsoft Defender. 

• Impressive Hybrid Capabilities: If it’s not possible to move completely away from your on-premises servers, Azure acts as a reliable connection between on-premises and cloud servers. 

• Feel Fully Supported: Azure can support all of your business systems and IT operations. There aren’t many areas where Azure can’t enhance. If your team already uses Microsoft products, you can leverage those applications with Azure to create an even more collaborative experience between your applications. 

 Although this was covered earlier, it deserves another mention. Who isn’t trying to be cost efficient in a business, right? Azure has on-demand pricing options; you only pay for what you use. Gone are the days of redundant applications and features that you’re not using but paying for.  

You may be wondering how Azure compares to its competitors, and we explore exactly how it does in the following sections.  

You might be considering Amazon Web Services (AWS) and weighing it up against Azure. We’ll make that easier for you. 

But first, let us tell you a bit about AWS a cloud computing platform that offers services like storage, computing, databases, and analytics. It’s often used by startups, enterprises, and government agencies. At first glance, it doesn’t sound too dissimilar to Azure, but there are distinct differences.  

Azure Cloud Services: 

Integrations Galore: If you’re already a Microsoft house (like we are), you’ll be pleased to know that Azure integrates with other Microsoft products. So, you can use applications to their full potential without adding in a third party. 

Service Offerings: Azure has plenty to offer, such as Azure Functions for business workflows, Azure SQL for cloud-based servers, and Azure App Service for building and hosting web apps. Azure can also help with your cyber health with Microsoft Defender.

Suitability: It’s no secret that Microsoft products are amongst the most used, so you’ll already know how reliable Microsoft services are. Azure is recommended for midsized businesses in the UK due to the availability of skill partners.  

Amazon Web Services: 

Developer Focus: AWS offers an extensive variety of tools tailored to software development, so it tends to be favoured by developers and software businesses. 

Service Offerings: A suite of cloud services, such as storage options, machine learning capabilities, and computing power. 

Global Reach: AWS has a vast international network of data centres that are reliable for businesses running in multiple locations. 

If your business is already investing in the Microsoft Ecosystem, Azure will give you seamless integration with the software your people are already using. What it comes down to when thinking about Azure vs AWS is what you are currently using and what will complement your IT estate the most with minimum fuss and great cost efficiency.  

Another top contender and competitor against Azure is Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Both are leading cloud service providers, but they have different strengths.

Google Cloud Platform:

Advanced Data Analytics: GCP is known for its strong emphasis on data analytics. It’s often chosen by businesses that need advanced data processing capabilities. It leads in the database as a service, while Azure leads in the platform as a service.

Performance Network: Although GCP has fewer data centres than Azure, it offers a high-performance network infrastructure. Much like Azure, GCP offers deep integration with its native platforms, making the user experience seamless across applications.

DNS: Google supports common DND record types. Only Google supports DNSSEC.

Azure Network Security has a lot to offer for a growing business like yours.

Azure’s security offerings can help you build your cyber health and make it harder for hackers to enter your IT estate.

It’s all well knowing how Azure can help improve your cyber health, but how do you know you have the right Azure cloud services provider? Azure also has that covered. What we mean is that Microsoft has a robust set of security compliance and certifications IT partners must have to sell Azure.

Your Azure managed services provider should have the following certifications:

Azure Expert Managed Services Provider (MSP): This is Microsoft's highest level of Azure accreditation, ensuring that the partner has proven expertise and delivery in Azure service. Microsoft favours partners that have this accreditation and will guide their enquiring customers to.

Cyber Essentials: This UK government-backed scheme helps organisations protect themselves against a whole host of the most common cyber-attacks.

ISO 27001: This is an international standard for information security management systems (ISMS). It helps organizations manage the security of assets such as financial information, intellectual property, employee details, and information entrusted by third parties.

All of the above compliance and certifications ensure your data is protected and that the IT Support you receive meets industry standards. Azure has over 100 compliance offerings, and wherever you do business in the world, Azure is sure to help you remain compliant.

If you’ve gotten this far, there is a high chance that you’ve decided Azure is for you. Azure is a fabulous platform, but what can make it even better? That’s simple, great support. 

When choosing an Azure Partner, you should think about: