Unlocking the Cloud: 6 Benefits of moving to Azure

You probably already have a significant investment in Microsoft technology within your data centre: Windows Server, as well as Exchange, SQL Server, SharePoint, or Dynamics. You might use Active Directory for authentication, certificate management, file server, and other pivotal IT functions as well as System Center to simplify configuration and operations management. 

These are all good reasons to consider Azure, because you can use existing skills, familiar tools, and established procedures to move workloads to Microsoft’s cloud. Maybe your datacentre is more heterogeneous with virtualized software workloads hosted on both Microsoft Hyper-V and VMware virtual machines. Or maybe Oracle and MySQL are operating alongside Microsoft SQL Server and other applications running on Linux. 

Even so, you can integrate or migrate these and other computer and database environments to Azure using a consistent set of tools and services. You’ll still have one place to go to for support. Plus, you can add “cloud administrator” to your list of proficiencies. 

With Azure, you can reduce costs with outstanding offers, protect workloads with unmatched security, operate anywhere with seamless hybrid capabilities, and modernise apps with unparalleled innovation. 

Let’s take a look at the benefits Microsoft Azure delivers for organisations: 

1. Reduced Costs: Let's address a common concern: cost. Azure offers a pricing structure that can reduce your expenses, especially if you're transferring Windows Server and SQL Server licences under the Azure Hybrid Benefit. It's a cost-effective way to leverage the cloud's power without breaking the bank.
2. Unmatched Security: Security is a top priority in the digital age. Azure understands that. With multi-layered security spanning physical data centres, infrastructure, and operations, Microsoft invests $1 billion annually in ensuring your data's safety. With 8,500 cybersecurity experts and active monitoring, Azure's security framework offers the peace of mind you need.
3. Unparalleled Innovation: Azure's innovation capabilities are boundless. It accelerates the modernisation of your infrastructure and applications.
4. Seamless Hybrid Capabilities: Azure is also the only consistent hybrid cloud. Connect your on-premises infrastructure, data, and apps to the cloud with Azure Arc for maximum agility and value from existing investments. You also benefit from hybrid consistency in app development, management and security, identity management.
5. Diverse Workloads, Flexible Solution: Your data centre might host various virtualised workloads, from Hyper-V and VMware virtual machines to Oracle databases and Linux applications. Azure provides the flexibility to integrate or migrate various computer and database solutions. This not only simplifies your IT operations but also streamlines support.
6. Empowering Your IT Team: Cloud migration isn't just about technology; it's about your team's growth. Azure offers the opportunity for IT professionals to expand their skill set and become proficient cloud administrators.
7. Reliability You Can Trust: Azure's critical infrastructure is renowned for its reliability. You can trust Azure to provide the stability your business demands.

Business transformation with Azure

Azure is not just a cloud platform; it's a strategic move towards business transformation. It aligns with your existing Microsoft investments, offers cost savings, enhances security, fosters innovation, and ensures reliability. It's the path to a future-ready IT ecosystem. 

Are you ready to explore the possibilities of Azure for your organisation? Take the next step towards transforming your business by enquiring about our Azure Express Assessment. This incredible evaluation tool provides predictive insights for your cloud migration journey, requiring minimal time input from you. This limited-time opportunity is offered in collaboration with our colleagues at Microsoft, at no cost to you (originally priced at $5k).