Microsoft Azure liberates businesses from the mundane tasks associated with managing hardware and software. This can be especially impactful for small-medium sized organisations as it means focus can be placed on the core business and what it’s genuinely here to do instead of just keeping the lights on.
As a small- medium sized businesses considering which Cloud is the best, there may be a multitude of aspects to consider. However, in our experience, the most commonly (and importantly) asked questions when considering Microsoft Azure include –
Is Azure secure?
Security is increasingly a concern and the good news is that businesses can significantly enhance their security posture while adhering to established security frameworks such as the Essential Eight and CIS Benchmarks. Azure’s built-in security features and services address these industry best practices, ensuring that businesses maintain a high level of security. Azure offers a range of tools, including Azure Security Center, Azure Active Directory, and Microsoft Information Protection (now Purview), which help businesses implement the necessary security measures outlined in the Essential Eight and CIS Benchmarks.
More importantly, the process of adopting these new security tools and practices is well-defined and understood as part of Microsoft’s Zero Trust Framework. This means easy-to-implement security tools that help ensure they’re not the next organisation reporting a breach. When it comes to security, it’s not just about having the best tools; it’s also about eliminating obvious weaknesses.
How does Azure grow with my business?
Azure offers businesses seamless and practical integrations into the Microsoft ecosystem, enabling organisations to extend existing infrastructure, users, and groups. This simplifies the transition into the Cloud by blending the known (Windows and Microsoft technologies) with the unknown (cloud-native platforms and systems) and at a rate of adoption determined by the business.
Additionally, Microsoft rewards deeper investment in their stack with straightforward integrations and a wealth of data (check out the dataverse) underpinning their M365 and Azure product sets. In simpler terms, it’s easier than ever to make your data work for you and reduce the time to value.
Where does a business start when migrating to Azure?
While starting with Azure may seem daunting for some businesses, there are logical starting points for each customer depending on their maturity and technology adoption. Recognise that these starting points can be as simple as Backup and DR, or as sophisticated as new app development. Rest assured, a clearly defined starting point in Azure exists for every business and by focusing on unique requirements and objectives, an organisation can develop a tailored adoption plan that maximizes benefits while minimising risks. Simply put, aim to get the value first and then set up for future technology adoption.
What does it cost to move to Azure?
The cost of moving to Microsoft Azure can vary widely depending on a variety of factors such as the size and complexity of IT infrastructure, the amount of data to be migrated, the specific Azure services to be used and anticipated usage levels.
To get the most accurate view of all costs involved, we recommend contacting our team to discuss an Azure migration assessment. Our dedicated team of experts have helped organisations of all types and sizes determine the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of migrating to Azure. If you would like to learn more about Azure or our migration assessment, please feel free to contact a member of our team for an obligation-free discovery call.
In summary, by embracing Azure, SMBs can stay competitive in an ever-changing digital landscape. With Azure handling the technical aspects of IT management, SMBs can concentrate on delivering exceptional customer experiences and driving business success.
If you would like to learn more about Microsoft Azure or Azured’s approach to digital transformation, please visit our Azure migration webpage.
