The number of organizations using the Cloud is increasing every day. According to Gartner, the cloud shift will affect over $1.3 trillion in IT spending by 2022. Despite this, when, where, and how to use cloud services can be overwhelming. Microsoft Azure is one of the most popular cloud storage options available today. But the primary concern is whether it is effective for small businesses or not, according to various aspects.
What is Microsoft Azure?
There are many functions you can perform with Azure. Azure provides information technology resources and services directly from the Cloud via Microsoft’s “As-a-Service” platform. As-a-Service typically includes software services, platform services, and infrastructure services. However, Azure encompasses all three types of services.
Reasons to choose Azure for small businesses.
Cloud-based business solutions have proven very successful for companies across the globe. Cloud-based enterprise applications are enabling them to do business more efficiently and securely. Businesses can quickly build, deploy, and manage a wide range of simple to complex software applications using deeply integrated Azure cloud services. With Azure, a small-scale business can leverage tools and technologies they already trust. It supports various programming languages, operating systems, databases, and devices.
Here are some of the significant reasons to choose Azure for the small business:
IaaS and PaaS capabilities
Azure offers an appealing combination of IaaS and PaaS services. Cloud infrastructure (IaaS) allows firms to outsource their infrastructure and pay only for what they use. Platform as a service (PaaS) allows them to build their web apps & solutions without having to buy and maintain any underlying infrastructure. Microsoft’s Azure consultants work with businesses to build enterprise apps on the Cloud leveraging Azure PaaS & IaaS for accelerated business growth.
The security system of Azure
Azure has been created on an industry-leading security process known as Security Development Lifecycle (SDL). The Azure Cloud keeps your confidential data and services safe and secure at its core. As U.S. government institutions’ most trusted cloud platform, Microsoft Azure offers the best compliance coverage of more than 50 compliance offerings. In addition, it is the first to adopt ISO 27018, the new international privacy standard for cloud computing. Therefore, Microsoft guarantees the highest security and safety for all data and operations on the Azure Cloud.
Scalability and flexibility
Azure allows you to create applications that can scale quickly from 10 to 10 million users without any additional coding. Azure Storage is a cloud storage service that is malleable, safe, secure, and performs well. The application can now be configured to use more processors and changed as needed.
Unparalleled Hybrid Capabilities
Azure is unique in its hybrid capabilities. Azure facilitates mobility between on-premises and public clouds and gives you a reliable, consistent platform. In addition to virtual private networks (VPNs), caches, content delivery networks (CDNs), and an ExpressRoute connection, Azure offers an expanded range of hybrid connections to improve usability and performance.
Provides Environment integrated with Microsoft tools
Microsoft-dependent organizations invest in a cloud platform that seamlessly integrates with Microsoft tools such as Office 365, Outlook, and SharePoint. Cloud platforms that are impeccably integrated with Microsoft products like Office 365, Outlook, and SharePoint are the best choice for organizations and businesses that rely on Microsoft products.
Capabilities related to analytics and intelligence
Using Azure’s SQL and NoSQL data services, you can analyze data more deeply and uncover critical insights for improving business processes and making better decisions. With Azure, you can use Blockchain as a Service (BaaS) as well as Machine Learning, Bots, and Cognitive APIs.
The Learning Curve
In the creation of cloud-native applications, familiar tools and programming languages like Visual Studio, ASP.NET, C++, C#, etc., are used, making it easy for consultants to create cloud-based enterprise applications. However, Azure takes an expert to maintain the infrastructure, so it becomes very costly and not at all user-friendly.
Platform’s Costs
Microsoft’s pay-as-you-go model only pays for what you use when building or expanding your Azure resources. As Microsoft manages the infrastructure on Azure, the IT administration costs are reduced to a minimum. Datacenters can be easily connected to the Cloud, and 42 regions are supported, unlike any other cloud provider. But it also seems that it is not practically happening since Azure costs a lot of hidden charges from its customers.
Interoperability
On-premises applications can be merged with cloud databases like Azure using amalgamated applications. As part of Azure, there are Internet protocols and open standards, like XML, SOAP, REST, and HTTP.
Identity & Access Management (IAM)
Azure Active Directory provides secure IAM capabilities for granting access to the correct information to the right users. In addition to reducing identity management costs and becoming more agile due to Azure, enterprises can adopt mature IAM capabilities that support innovative business initiatives.
Azure as an alternative to VMware for Chromebook
Several different scalable, on-demand computing resources are available with Azure Virtual Machines, including VMware. The most common use of virtual machines is when users want more control over their computer system than the other options. Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines brings the flexibility of virtualization without requiring the purchase of new hardware. It is still necessary to update, customize, and deploy the applications that run on the VM. Using the versatility of virtualization allows you to integrate development, running applications, and expand your datacenter across different operating systems, including Linux, Windows Server, and Oracle.
How does Microsoft Azure benefit small businesses?
Microsoft Azure’s Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) would be the most appealing to small businesses in terms of technical advantages, but a major drawback is the hidden charges of Azure which makes it difficult to use Azure by small businesses.
In comparison to on-premises storage, Azure’s IaaS would provide more flexibility. Flexibility in resources lets you start small and grow over time and doesn’t require you to anticipate demand or capacity. A company that buys servers and storage needs to purchase the servers to predict how much memory, CPU, storage, and backup it will need, as well as security software and more.
Usually, when you make a capital investment (CAPEX), you expect to get a return within 3 to 5 years. As a result, with Azure, you can convert that cost over into operational expenses (OPEX), which allows you to start small, grow later, or decrease based on your needs. Azure allows you to turn off any software you are no longer using, so you won’t be charged. However, if you had shut down a physical infrastructure instead, you would still have the software running. Still, the physical infrastructure you had to account for would be sitting there, basically wasting resources. Even though you might not use it, you aren’t getting any money back.
In addition, there are other factors. There are also Software-as-a-Service components in Azure that can replace things that are traditionally on-premises. Due to their cost structure, these options may not be as helpful to small and medium-sized businesses. The main benefit of Infrastructure-as-a-Service for small and medium businesses would be to use it.
Resources are available on a global scale through Azure. Microsoft Azure currently provides reliable connectivity and low latency across 34 local regions. Organizations can leverage Azure to make sure that their services run as fast as possible during the most challenging development times.
Practically anything can be done with Microsoft Azure. Among the resources Azure provides are virtual machines, mobile apps, web apps, media services, machine learning, analytics services, and even Amazon Web Services. With Microsoft Azure, you can deploy everything all at once.
The security and reliability of Azure are excellent. Most data belonging to startups or small businesses cannot be lost to a criminal attacker due to a significant security incident. In an age when malicious attacks are becoming more common, Microsoft Azure’s support and security are critical.
The Microsoft Azure technology platform is robust. Small companies and startups can compete with larger companies by utilizing Microsoft Azure but by paying a bit higher cost. However, due to the complexity and size of Microsoft Azure, an expert may be needed; moreover, it can cost a lot to small companies or businesses.
What is the cost of Azure?
Azure is a cloud computing service. You’re charged both for the services you consume and their resources. The overall cost of cloud services tends to be considerably lower than other services. You pay very little when you don’t use many resources. However, cloud services are not always reliable. Azure users tend to have complex server-side infrastructures, and they must plan on varying numbers.
This can be difficult for organizations to do, but it’s what they need to do. SMBs and startups tend to use Azure because they only have to pay for what they use. As your organization grows, this becomes more important. However, it must keep considered that Azure also costs a lot of hidden charges which makes the whole situation difficult for the customers, especially for the small business owners.
This is where DaaS, Desktop-as-a-Service comes to play. Small businesses can benefit from using them as they are fully-integrated solutions.
What is DaaS?
As part of a virtual desktop infrastructure, Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) provides users with on-demand access to desktops in the Cloud. In more detail, VDI has a backend that is hosted in the Cloud. DaaS, or desktop as a service, is generally delivered by a third-party provider. With data storage, security, backup, and upgrades being handled by the service provider, the complexity of VDI can be avoided while benefits are realized. As customer data is saved while logging on and logging off, end-users can access their desktops at any time, anywhere.
What is V2 Cloud?
Desktop Virtualization software, also known as a Desktop-as-Service or Cloud Desktop – V2 Cloud – allows businesses to create, host, and manage virtual desktops from a centralized platform, facilitating remote work and managing applications. A variety of security measures can help administrators minimize potential data breaches, including two-factor authentication, ransomware protection, and HTTPS encryption. No IT knowledge is required as the support team offers a top-notch service available 7 days a week.
V2 Cloud Differentiating Features
- Endpoint protection, firewalls, and off-site backup are all included in V2 Cloud’s security offerings.
- You can contact us 24/7 for free technical support via multiple channels, including online chat, email, and phone.
- No installation is needed; no complicated VPN configurations are required when using V2 Cloud. Start using it within 20 minutes.
- Using SSDs and GUIs that are device-independent, we maintain a high level of performance 24×7.
What is the best option for small businesses then?
Although Azure is considered the best option for businesses on a larger scale, sometimes it isn’t a good fit in the case of small businesses. In some cases, moving everything from on-premise to the cloud is not cheaper if you compare the costs. It might not make financial sense for a business to purchase physical equipment if it already has a place to store it. Learn more about the cost of migrating to the cloud here.
On the other hand, the V2 Cloud proves to be a good alternative since it is more cost-effective and suitable for small and medium businesses. Additionally, V2 Cloud does not charge any hidden charges and with a pay-as-you-go model, shift away from capital expenditure (CapEx) and enjoy greater flexibility in your operation expenditure (OpEx).
Learn more about how secure DaaS is the best solution for your IT infrastructure.
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