Cloud computing solves a major challenge for many IT departments. It allows them to provide on-demand computing for their team, regardless of location or time of day. Teams are thus not limited to the capacity of an internal data center that may restrict usage to location or users. How does the cloud accomplish this feat?

It does so by providing ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort. Public cloud computing benefits from economies of scale, which allow it to draw from seemingly limitless resources.

While the benefits of the public cloud are considerable, teams may wonder about the benefits of choosing one provider over another. In this article, we’ll consider some specific ways Microsoft Azure is increasing the capabilities of many organizations.

Azure Extends Your IT Capabilities

Often, businesses look for more than simple cloud storage or computing power. Azure is an excellent option because it adds so many features and enhancements. For example, it offers a variety of pre-built applications that you can use to get started quickly. These applications are easy to configure and use, and they can help you get your business up and running quickly.

Another concern for business owners is security. Azure offers robust security features to keep your data safe. It has built-in firewalls that protect your data from unauthorized access and encrypts all data stored in the cloud, which adds redundant protection in case of a breach.

Lastly, Azure is backed by Microsoft and benefits from the scale of a global company. What does this mean for your company as a user?

• You can rely on Microsoft to provide world-class support for your Azure environment.
• You benefit from their large global footprint, with data centers in over 42 regions, ensuring that your applications are always close to your customers.
• Your apps and services are highly scalable, allowing you to scale up or down as needed.
• Your systems are highly reliable, with multiple layers of redundancy built in.

Azure’s features ensure that your computing infrastructure is always ready to meet demand and available to your entire organization. With that in mind, let’s look at a few specific applications of the technology.

No two companies are the same, and neither are their computing needs. Perhaps you’re interested in creating a modern workplace for your employees. Or maybe you want to improve the use of data in your organization. While we can’t cover every use case, let’s briefly consider how Azure fits into a few specific use cases.

Modern workplace. You likely already use Microsoft products in your operations. When using Azure, it’s easy to integrate and deploy Microsoft 365 tools like business-class email, collaboration tools including Microsoft Teams, and Office apps which are the standard in most businesses. The breadth of business applications makes it easy to create a holistic tech stack that supports your modern workplace.

Data and analytics. Learning from your data helps improve nearly every aspect of your business. However, collecting and managing large amounts of data requires powerful data tools. Microsoft Azure has many applications to help you analyze your data, like Azure SQL, Cosmos DB, Data Factory, Data Lake, Power BI, and more. These advanced tools plug right into your Azure environment, extending your IT data capabilities instantly.

Government agencies. Government organizations are subject to stricter data requirements, limiting their choices for cloud partners. Azure Government Cloud meets these rigorous requirements by completely separating your cloud data and providing enhanced security. It’s also compliant with regulations like HIPAA, FedRAMP, and IRS 1075.

Partner With OneNeck, a Certified Microsoft Cloud Service Provider

While reading about the advantages of using Azure, you’ve likely thought of a few applications for your business. As both a Microsoft cloud service provider and a hybrid IT solutions provider, we are uniquely qualified to help you leverage Azure to reach your business goals. For example, we help optimize your Azure spend, so you’re not wasting precious budget on unused resources.

Our goal is to provide value beyond just your Microsoft licenses, and help you make best-fit cloud decisions that fuel your business growth and while continually optimizing your current investments. And if your needs go beyond what Azure offers, we’ll help you make strategic decisions that benefit your company for the long haul. Do you want to find out which Azure applications are most suitable for your business needs? Contact us to learn more.