How to Make Microsoft Azure Work for Your Business

Are you considering going digital? Here are a few of the most important things to know if you’re considering utilizing Microsoft Azure for your business.

Have you considered a so-called digital transformation for your business? Switching gears and going from all paper to a cloud-based system is likely a whole lot more attainable than you think—mostly thanks to platforms like Microsoft Azure. Here are a few of the most important things to know if you’re considering utilizing Microsoft Azure for your business.

Microsoft Azure Consulting in Salt Lake City

Step #1: Discover What Microsoft Azure Actually Is

Before you can decide if this type of cloud computing service is ideal for your needs, you have to understand what it is. In short, Microsoft Azure is a cloud-based computing platform that allows businesses the ability to skip having their hosting infrastructure and utilize a safe, secure platform from a pool of resources.

This means instead of having to own a server on your premises, maintain that server, and upgrade as necessary, your contract with Microsoft to do this on your behalf. From there, other companies do the same thing which makes the whole program a success due to the improved capabilities of these shared resources.

Step #2: Learn the Top Benefits of Using Microsoft Azure

There are several top benefits of using Microsoft Azure as part of your overall digital transformation, because there are a significant number of different capabilities available. Whether you want to run a Linux or Windows virtual machine, secure a database, use it for file backups, or even update file storage capabilities, Microsoft Azure has an option for your needs. You can also use the different services they have specifically for mobile and web apps.

Trying to accomplish all of these tasks on your server or with your equipment would be both extremely time consuming and expensive. This is why so many businesses are opting to switch to cloud-based platforms when deciding to move to an all-digital format.

Step #3: Know When It is a Good Idea Choose Microsoft Azure Over Amazon Web Services

Next, you should know about various competitors going up against Microsoft Azure. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the main competition for their share of the same market. While AWS has undoubtedly been around longer and is a popular choice for many IT departments, it doesn’t make it necessarily the best option.

For example, if your company primarily uses Microsoft applications, integration with Azure is much better than AWS. And when it comes to pricing, AWS is a bit more expensive and has a one-size-fits-all format practically. For businesses not quite at a corporate level who want the power of flexible pricing, Azure is a much better option.

Step #4: Understand Who Shouldn’t Use Microsoft Azure for Their Business

Of course, the platform isn’t ideal for every business. Before jumping onto the Microsoft Azure bandwagon, you need to ask yourself:

  • Do you need to create and host applications?
  • Does your business have an extensive database that needs securing?
  • Do you have the time and talent to set up this type of digital infrastructure in-house versus utilizing a cloud platform?

If you’re just using a few Windows machines and use database tools that are separate from your computer systems, then there’s likely no need for Microsoft Azure, AWS, or any other services on the market. That’s when it becomes essential to speak with an IT expert to determine the best way to handle your firm’s computing needs.

Step #5: Bringing Everything Together

Finally, you’ll want to bring everything together by getting in touch with a Microsoft Azure specialist. While it might be tempting to undertake to set the system up by yourself, an expert can help you save both time and money throughout the process. Plus, they can offer tips on how to get your computer systems working in a fashion that best suits the individual needs of your business.

Are you ready to learn more about how Microsoft Azure can save your company time and money? Please contact our team at Nexus IT to learn more.