Cloud computing is a great way to modernise the workplace, replace aging servers, and ensure that your technology is improving your business not harming it.
But what is cloud computing?
Cloud computing allows businesses like yours to access and store data and applications in the cloud instead of on local servers. There are three types of cloud computing services: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS).
In this article, we’ll be talking about a specific cloud computing service: Microsoft Azure. Azure cloud computing is a powerful platform that can transform the way your business runs as it offers flexibility, efficiency, and opportunities for growth.
Azure cloud computing is best for scalability and flexibility, cost efficiency, security and compliance, global reach and availability, and integration.
1) A Services That Grows with You
Yes, you read that right. Azure cloud computing scales with your business, so as much or as little as you need you can get. Unlike on-premises servers, Azure can be upgraded (and even downgraded) as and when you need.
When your business grows, you can expand your database storage to meet your needs. What’s great about this feature is that you can predefine conditions and Azure’s autoscaling feature automatically adjusts the capacity of services. This takes away the manual element that comes with local servers.
2) Saves Your Business Money
Which business doesn’t want to save money? If you’re currently using on-premises servers, you’ll know that it can be costly. Did you know that on-premises servers have a shelf life? Yes, that’s right. Once it reaches the end of life, it’s going to cost you even more to replace. What you can do to combat this is adopting cloud computing services like Azure.
Azure has automatic updates and is tailored to your business without taking up too much space or effort from your team to maintain. Azure managed service providers oversee the maintenance so you can focus on other core business areas.
So where are you saving money? With Azure, you only pay for what you use. So, you don’t need to pay for storage you’re not using. But when the time comes when you grow and need that extra storage, it will be pretty simple. There is a pay-as-you-go module so you’re not paying for services you don’t use.
Azure also has some handy cost management tools, such as:
- Forecasting Tools: You can predict future spending based on pasta data. This means you can make your budget planning even more exact.
- Microsoft Cost Management: As part of the Azure service, you’ll gain access to Microsoft Cost Management, which will help you monitor, analyse, and optimise your cloud spending. You can set budgets, track costs, and receive alerts when spending exceeds predefined thresholds.
- Cost Analysis: Empower your board meetings with reports backed by detailed cost analysis tools. You can break down your spending by resource, service, or time and use all the information to help find cost drivers and optimise your spending.
3) Improve Your Cyber Healt
Cyber security is no joke, and Azure can help you increase your current cyber efforts. It has powerful security features to protect your all-important data. If by some chance, a cyber attacker is able to get into your business systems, Azure’s advanced disaster recovery solutions can help you smoothly recover to minimise downtime.
Alongside security tools, Azure can also help you with compliance ensuring your business continues to meet regulatory requirements. Azure meets industry standards that are global, so you can trust that your business is in capable hands.
4) Streamlines Your Processes
Yes, as well as scalability, cost efficiency and improving your cyber heath, Azure cloud computing can also enhance your business operations.
Do you or your team spend a lot of time manually doing tasks? If you have an on-premises servers, we bet those updates are rather time consuming. With Azure, the days of spending hours on data backups and software updates are gone. Azure reduces manual tasks and improves overall efficiency by automating and enhancing processes across your business.
Your team can work better together (from home and in the office) with files and resources hosted in the cloud, they can work on the same project and resources at the same time in real-time. With all of your data, apps and resources in the cloud it can be accessed from anywhere as long as the user has the right permissions.
5) Seamless Use Across Microsoft Products
If you’re already using Microsoft within your business, Azure complements these products seamlessly. It’s deeply integrated with other Microsoft products, so you and your team can use the applications with a seamless experience.
Importance of Choosing the Right Cloud Service Provider
By this point, you may already be sold on Azure cloud computing and how it can really empower your business. But what is next? To get the true benefits of Azure cloud computing, you need an IT partner that understands Azure, but more importantly understands your ambitious business.
When looking for good support, you should consider:
- Skills and Expertise: Microsoft certifies people and accredits Partner organisations. It makes sense to reach out to a Microsoft partner and see just how many of their people have certifications. You need to know you’re in the right hands.
- Transparency: Azure is priced on a consumption model – you pay for the capacity you think you’re going to use. While allowing a margin of error is smart, unused capacity is expensive. You should make it your partner’s job to minimise this excess capacity. Many don’t bother – because they are making a margin on the excess costs you incur.
- Great Support: In the IT support industry, the best way to measure the quality of support is through a Net Promoter Score. Ask your potential IT support what was their NPS score last month? A score of above 0 is good. Above 80 is world class.
Final Thoughts on Azure
Azure is a great choice for your cloud computing needs, regardless of how your current system is hosted. Azure is flexible, so if you’re using finance software like Sage or Pegasus, they can be rehosted on a secure network such as Azure.
Learn More About Azure Cloud Services
This is just one of our helpful resources for Microsoft Azure, we cover a variety of topics suited for your needs. For everything Azure, read our article Everything You Need to Know About Microsoft Azure.
