In the post-pandemic landscape of business remote access as well as mixed work solutions have now become the commonplace. Companies that are still using outdated Windows servers should be considering migrating your data into the cloud. Azure can provide huge savings in costs, making it easier to implement remote working. There are numerous benefits to transferring the data you have to Azure.
Microsoft Azure is by far the most popular cloud platform that is growing rapidly. Azure includes more than 200 services to ensure that your business can operate smoothly and stay fully-equipped.
Why should your business move its data into the cloud? What are the advantages that come with using the Azure cloud-based service? To answer these urgent questions, we’ll look at the top benefits of switching to Azure and, ultimately, why your company can’t afford to do with out Microsoft Azure.
Benefits of Changing to Azure
Benefit 1: Moving Azure Azure can save you money.
Maintaining Windows server hardware could quickly take a bite out of the budget of your IT department. Switching to cloud services is that you pay only to use the equipment you utilize and pay-as you-go.
The biggest savings in cost comes by not having to maintain or update server components. Additionally, there is less overhead using IT personnel to manage local servers. The research conducted by Acronis discovered that companies could save as much as 82% off their server expenses by switching to Azure.
Azure is also less expensive in comparison to other providers of cloud services. Microsoft declares Azure is Azure has five times more affordable than AWS by using Azure Hybrid Benefit that lets you mix with your Windows Server and SQL Server tasks.
Benefit 2: Azure Improves Security
Utilizing local servers or other cloud services can be risky when it comes to protecting your data and applications from cyber-attacks. Azure is aiming to unite security management and provide greater protection against threats through Azure Security Centre. Azure Security Centre.
The suite lets businesses safeguard their cloud infrastructure through Azure Defender and evaluate their security level using Azure Secure Score. It is also possible to utilize AI or automation, to rapidly detect security risks that are of particular importance.
Azure comes with built-in DDOS security, as well as Azure Information Protection to control and monitor external data transfer. With Azure’s simple-to-use security tools you and your IT department will be able to respond quickly to any threat and apply deep security measures.
Benefit 3. Dynamic Scalability
Since cloud services aren’t restricted by your hardware’s physical limitations it’s much simpler to expand your cloud resources to accommodate your current demands.
If you’ve experienced an unexpected influx of clients, you’re no longer being held back by your current infrastructure. An Azure migration to their cloud services are able to scale dynamically to accommodate your needs at the moment. When the times are quieter you can reduce your resources to lower operating expenses.
Microsoft provides Azure Autoscale for this very reason. Autoscale lets you adapt your applications and services using a self-define measurement and anticipate load in different times.
This isn’t only a way to keep your site, service or application from going down as business demand increases and increases, but it will also help them scale down when demand is lower.
Benefit 4: Azure Disaster Recovery
Using cloud services like Azure brings data redundancy. If you have a local server, an event that occurred in your physical location could result in complete data loss. When your data is handled in the cloud, it is location-independent. So, in the event of an incident like a fire, or an earthquake, your business won’t be affected as your information will not be affected.
Azure provides complete, end-to-end back-up and recovery services for companies that wish to protect their data. Microsoft claims that Azure’s catastrophe restoration time of 66% faster than servers on premises.
Beneficial 5: Remote Work Capabilities
Utilizing a cloud-based solution for your data and services guarantees that each process and task can be accomplished online. Microsoft’s VPN Gateway service facilitates secure connections for personnel to gain access to your company’s resources from anywhere.
Due to Azure’s capacity for scaling switching to Azure will make it much more simple to hire new employees. This is due to:
a. Employees don’t need to be enrolled into the physical space and may work at their homes.
b. Beginners won’t require new computers since the VPN gateway will allow remote access and this would be simple.
C. The more resources required to run your starter’s tasks can be increased using Azure AutoScale.
Azure’s Point-to Site (P2S) VPN gateways are perfect for remote-work. Azure Active Directory can provide Secure SSO for home-based employees.
Benefit 6: Reduces IT Staff Workload
In the course of the pandemic, we’ve witnessed a massive stress on IT department and staff. The move to an organized cloud platform such as Azure can significantly reduce the workload for the IT staff who are in a bind.
Azure provides the tools needed to manage and scale network resources more effectively. IT departments can access customized support teams through Microsoft by utilizing Microsoft Enterprise Support.
For companies with high-volume workloads Microsoft provides priority assistance through the Professional Direct (ProDirect) plan. This plan comes with first response times of up to one hour and an escalation to higher-level teams to address complex issues.
On-premise servers require maintenance and periodic upgrade. The process of troubleshooting can consume several hours, if not days of an IT worker’s time. It can leave your business in a state of limbo for a longer period, and your IT departments are even more stressed.
Benefit 7: Compatibility with older software
Many companies are concerned about cloud services having compatibility issues with old software. But, as we approach the end of the support period for SQL Server 2008/R2 in 2019, Azure virtual machines may be the only option to remain secure when using old software.
Microsoft extended three years of support for SQL Server 2008 with Azure providing developers with time to migrate or update their old applications. As the deadline approaches to extend support for Windows Server 2012, Azure VM might once again be the preferred method to perform security updates beyond 2023.
Benefit 8: Save data on-site and in the Cloud simultaneously
If you are unsure about making the move to fully cloud-based solutions, Azure offers the tools for a hybrid choice.
Utilizing Azure’s Backup, Migrate, and Site Recovery utilities, businesses are able to easily transfer their data in the cloud. This allows you to keep your hardware on premises and enjoy Azure’s remote access capabilities and redundancy of location advantages of Azure.