Microsoft Azure has quickly become one of the biggest names in cloud computing, and with its wide variety of services and feature-rich solutions, it’s no wonder that small businesses to Fortune 500 companies use Azure for their business needs. Whether you are looking to backup your data, develop your website, or integrate artificial intelligence with your existing business solutions, Azure’s robust features make it an invaluable tool that you won’t want to miss out on. If you are ready to get started but aren’t sure where to start, here are seven ways to use Microsoft Azure for business.
7 Ways to Use Microsoft Azure for Business
1) No IT staff required
Azure can be configured for single sign-on, giving you a unified interface to your data and apps. With the hybrid cloud, different parts of your business can run on-premise or in the cloud as needs dictate. You can also use it as a backup storage solution, enabling you access from anywhere with internet access. The service includes its own analytics tools, too, so you don’t need an IT staff to understand the data that’s being collected.
2) Automation of data collection
When it comes to business, one of the most important things is data. The more data you have, the more information you can use to make decisions about your business. To do this, you need an automated system that can collect data from various sources and transfer it into a spreadsheet or database. You could use a service like Microsoft Azure’s Data Factory to collect the data and then upload it into an Excel spreadsheet using Power Query.
3) Ease of use
Azure is one of the most highly rated cloud computing services. What’s more, it has a variety of intuitive and easy-to-use offerings that make it a great choice for businesses. Whether you are a platform that finds the best guide to Iceland or one that sells handmade clothes, this is an easy to use tool for anyone. One of the service’s strengths is its ability to handle different types of workloads, including those that require intensive processing power and those that need low latency. Plus, Azure offers customers the option to pay only for what they use, which makes it an affordable choice in comparison with other options on the market.
4) Security with no compromise
Microsoft Azure offers a variety of security options, from standard firewall protection, to third-party monitoring, and more. With so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start. But when it comes down to it, there are two types of people: those who want their business with no compromises and those who are willing or able to make compromises. This post is aimed at the latter group of people and will help you get started with some easy ways you can use Microsoft Azure for your business – with no compromise.
5) Automation of Office 365 tools
One of the most popular features of Office 365 is the ability to automate tasks. For example, employees can schedule meetings, send emails and manage their calendars without ever leaving Outlook or Exchange Online. This automation functionality can be extended by using Microsoft Azure’s automation tools. Using a service like Logic Apps or Flow, you can create workflows that will automatically trigger tasks when certain events occur. For example, if a customer cancels an appointment with your business then you can set up an event in your calendar and also send an email notification to the customer letting them know they are no longer scheduled for that time slot. You don’t need to be a developer or programmer to use these tools – all you need is an idea of what you want automated and how it should work.
6) Save money on equipment and services
Microsoft Azure provides cloud services that can save you money on equipment and services. When you are a small business this is absolutely essential, you want to save money wherever you can. Therefore, platforms like Azure work best with startups. It’s important to remember that it is a subscription-based service, so it may not be right for every business. It does store your data in the Cloud with OneDrive and OneDrive For Business. Moreover, you can store unlimited files in these programs and sync them across all your devices. It makes your life easier with Office 365, Skype and Outlook.
7) Real-time health dashboard
A real-time health dashboard can track the success of your business. It will show you how much money is coming in, what expenses you have and what profit or loss you’re making. This can be done through Microsoft Azure too. And it is so easy to implement. Moreover, you get all the important data and information you require to re-establish the right KPIs for your business.
