Cloud solutions are fast becoming the primary way that businesses are storing and securing data, hosting software solutions and services, email and websites, and managing team communications.
There are numerous offerings out there including Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud, but chief amongst them is Microsoft’s Azure solution – a revised, refreshed and re-invigorated version of the software giant’s former Windows Azure product.
What does Azure let you do?
Azure provides a platform that allows companies to achieve multiple things, including:
Handling all network and computing needs from an infrastructural perspective (Infrastructure as a Service, or IaaS)
Add Cloud capabilities to your existing infrastructure (Platform as a Service, or PaaS)
Build, deploy and manage new services and applications
Just some of the ‘tools’ that Azure includes to help you achieve the above include:
Virtual Machines
You can use pre-existing templates or create your own virtual machine in the Cloud to host apps and services as though they’re your own data centre
Application Services
Deploy applications quickly and easily to test and move to production, with scalability built in to minimize initial costs and keep risks low
Authentication, Security and Domain Services
By moving your security structure to the Cloud, you’re able to enjoy the benefits of authentication services even with remote working, field-based teams and more
Storage
It’s a simple but magnificent benefit – secure, stable, scalable storage for your data and documents
SQL Databases
Azure offers unlimited SQL relational databases which significantly reduces cost, increases capability and expands productivity
What are the main benefits?
- Scalability and flexibility with cost-effective pricing means you can deploy, test and launch new products and services with low risk and high efficiency
- Cost efficiency comes across the board, with built-in security and other capabilities included, and scalability giving you the flexibility to spend only as you grow
- Rich service offering means whatever you need in terms of bolt-on services, apps or full service tools that integrate easily into your project.
- Support comes as standard – from disaster recovery to backups, security and threat information and management to deployment support and more, it’s all included
- Remote access – it sounds simple, but seamless remote access is a huge part of new business practices.
If you’re interested in finding out more about how Microsoft Azure can benefit your business, get hold of one of our friendly staff today on 01223 921 000 or email us ask@cambridgesupport.com.