.png)
Heard the buzz about Microsoft Azure, but aren’t sure what it could do for your business? In this blog post, we will explain what Azure is, how you can use it, an idea of set-up, security and costs.
Let’s dive in.
What is Microsoft Azure?
Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing platform and infrastructure created by Microsoft for building, deploying, and managing applications and services through a global network of Microsoft-managed data centres.
It provides a range of cloud services, including computing, storage, databases, and networking, along with developer tools and other services.
With Azure, you can build and run a wide range of applications, from simple websites to complex cloud-based solutions, and scale them as needed.
Where in my business would I use Microsoft Azure?
You can use Microsoft Azure in various parts of your business, depending on your specific needs and requirements. Some common scenarios where Azure can be utilised include:
Web and Mobile App Development - You can use Azure to host and manage your web and mobile applications.
Data Storage and Management - Azure provides a range of data storage and management options, including databases, file storage, and big data solutions.
Analytics and Business Intelligence - They have a range of analytics and business intelligence tools and services to help you gain insights from your business data.
IoT - They provide services for Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, including device management, data processing, and real-time analytics.
Disaster Recovery and Backup - Azure also provides disaster recovery and backup solutions to help you protect your data and ensure high availability.
DevOps - They have a range of DevOps tools and services, including continuous integration and deployment, to help you improve the efficiency and speed of your software development process.
How much does Microsoft Azure cost?
The cost of using Microsoft Azure depends on a variety of factors, including the services you use, the number of resources you consume, and the length of time you use them. Azure offers a pay-as-you-go pricing model, so you only pay for what you use.
There are also several free services and free tiers for many services, allowing you to get started with Azure without incurring any costs. Some services also offer a free trial period.
It is difficult to estimate the exact cost without knowing your specific needs and requirements. However, Microsoft provides a pricing calculator on their website that you can use to get an estimate of the cost based on your specific usage.
How safe is Microsoft Azure to use in my business?
Microsoft Azure is considered to be a secure and reliable cloud platform for businesses. Microsoft invests heavily in security and has implemented a range of security features and controls to help protect customer data and applications.
Some of the security features offered by Azure include:
Physical and Environmental Security - Azure data centres are located in secure facilities and are designed to withstand natural disasters and other disruptions.
Network Security - They provide network-level security through firewalls, virtual private networks (VPNs), and other security measures.
Identity and Access Management - With this system you get a range of identity and access management options to help you control who has access to your resources and data.
Data Encryption - Data is encrypted at rest and in transit, helping to protect your data from unauthorised access.
Compliance - The software is compliant with a range of industry standards and regulations, including GDPR, ISO 27001, and HIPAA.
Monitoring and Auditing - They also provide tools and services for monitoring and auditing your resources and data, allowing you to detect and respond to security incidents.
It is important to note that while Azure provides a secure platform, it is also your responsibility to implement security best practices and follow security guidelines to help protect your data and applications.
How easy is Microsoft Azure to set up?
The ease of setting up Microsoft Azure depends on your technical expertise and the specific services and solutions you want to use. For basic scenarios, such as setting up a simple website or virtual machine, the setup process can be relatively straightforward and can be completed using the Azure portal, which provides a user-friendly interface.
However, for more complex scenarios, such as setting up a multi-tier application or integrating with existing systems, the setup process may be more involved and may require a deeper understanding of Azure services and architecture. In these cases, it may be helpful to work with an Azure consultant or an IT professional with expertise in cloud computing. We can do that for you!
That being said, Microsoft provides a range of resources and support options to help you get started with Azure, including tutorials, documentation, and online forums. Additionally, the Azure portal provides step-by-step guidance for many common tasks, making it easier to get started and quickly deploy your applications and services.
How IT Soho can help your business set up Microsoft Azure
As a team of IT experts based in Soho, London, we are well-equipped to serve London-based organisations. Our clients cover a range of industries, so we have a clear idea of organisational and security needs.
We work with Microsoft products daily, so you can be sure that when we install Azure across your business, it is completed effectively and securely.