A recent study has shown that the market for global cloud computing is projected to grow by more than 17.93% by 2025. Gartner has predicted that the market for Infrastructure-as-a-Service will reach $71. 5 billion by 2021.
Source: WiseGuyReports, 2018
Source: Gartner, February, 2017
Microsoft Azure is cloud-based technology that provides full cloud and hybrid solutions for companies of all sizes. It was launched in 2010 and has quickly developed a solid offering. Azure currently has two cloud platforms on the market:
• An IaaS platform that allows users to provide compute, storage, network, backup and Disaster Recovery services to their customers
• A fully managed Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) that enables developers
to create, test and deploy solutions and applications for their customers in the cloud and on their mobile devices
So, why should you recommend Azure to your on-premises clients? Here are 7 good reasons.
1. STAYING ON-PREMISES IS A BAD IDEA
What would your client do if his server crashed? Does he have an IT expert on staff who could start a backup process to recover his business data? If not, he’s in big trouble. Did you know that almost 40% of businesses never fully recover from a natural disaster, such as a flood or fire? And what about installing and maintaining that hardware? Most on-premises servers have to be renewed every 5 years and require a big capital investment. If your client moves his workload to the cloud, he won’t have to worry about on-site hardware or capital expenses. All the software renewals and updates will be handled by the provider. And, if he has a technical problem, he can call the provider’s support department for help.
2.YOUR CUSTOMERS KNOW THE INTERFACE
How many of your clients probably use Microsoft applications like Office 365, Exchange and Outlook? This means convincing them to try a cloud platform like Azure should be pretty easy. For one thing, they’ll be working on an interface they already know. And their developers will be happy, too. If they’re used to working Microsoft’s .Net programming language, it will be easier for them to deploy an application on Azure. And here’s another thing. Azure is one of the few providers to offer a real Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS). This lets users create, test and deploy solutions and applications in the cloud and on their mobile devices. Not everyone wants to send all their data to the cloud. In fact, some business owners are more comfortable storing some of their company information in their server room down the hall. Microsoft has created a hybrid cloud so your client can use their on-site servers to run their applications on Azure. In fact, your clients can even set their compute resources to tap into cloud resources whenever they want. Your clients can also take advantage of a special promotion. Microsoft is offering a 40% discount to clients who migrate Windows Server virtual machine to Azure using the Azure Hybrid Benefit.
3. THEY CAN GO HYBRID
Not everyone wants to send all their data to the cloud. In fact, some business owners are more comfortable storing some of their company information in their server room down the hall. Microsoft has created a hybrid cloud so your client can use their on-site servers to run their applications on Azure. In fact, your clients can even set their compute resources to tap into cloud resources whenever they want. Check out the current promotions Microsoft may be offering. Some special promotions and large discounts are available for clients who migrate Windows Server virtual machines to Azure using the Azure Hybrid Benefit.
4.THEIR DATA WILL BE SAFE
A lot of people worry about datacenter security. And with all the security breaches occurring these days, who can blame them? Microsoft has taken solid measures to secure its clients’ data. Azure uses industry-standard protocols to encrypt data in transit. This means your clients’ data will be secure:
• as it travels between devices and Microsoft datacenters
• as it moves within a datacenter
• when it’s at rest in Azure storage
Azure currently has more than 70 compliance offerings and was the first major cloud provider to commit to the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Microsoft was recently awarded certifications from the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for its Azure Government cloud platform. This platform is designed to protect sensitive government data with advanced security and compliance standards.
Azure is currently available in 50 regions around the world in 140 countries.
What would your client do if his entire business ground to a halt because of a fire, electrical storm or ransomware attack? A recent study by invenioIT showed that 30% of businesses -- or 1 in 3 -- have no disaster recovery plan in place. This means they haven’t thought about what technologies or procedures they need to keep their business running once a disruptive event occurs. One of the advantages of using Azure for disaster recovery is the sheer size of Microsoft’s global cloud platform.
5. THEY’LL BE READY IF DISASTER STRIKES
Azure Site Recovery will protect most workloads running on a virtual machine or physical server. And it won’t cost your client a fortune. He’ll pay only for the compute and storage resources he needs to run his apps in Azure during outages. Azure’s Backup Service backs up files, folders, virtual machines, applications and workloads to Azure while the Azure Site Recovery provides a backup site for your clients’ servers and workloads. Azure’s Disaster Recovery solution was given an excellent rating by PCMag in 2017.
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6. OFFERING MIGRATION IS GOOD FOR YOUR BUSINESS
The best way to convince your Dynamics client to move to the cloud is to offer the service yourself. You can use some of the migration tools provided by Azure’s migration partners, such as Cloudamize, Turbonomic or TSO Logic., or you can work with a cloud provider. But you have to move fast. The market for the public cloud is booming and if you don’t offer this service to your customers, they’ll just head down the street to your competitors. Gartner predicted that 42% of businesses surveyed plan to move to the public cloud in the next two years. And, global spending on Platform-as-a-Service solutions is expected to grow to $14.8 billion by 2021.
7 BONUS - YOU WILL GET ALL THE HELP YOU NEED
When your clients are designing and developing applications, they really don’t have time to worry about infrastructure details. Microsoft and Microsoft certified partners can assist in the plan and execution of your migration or implementation.
· Microsoft Partners are now experienced in AZURE Steps / Migrations
· Microsoft Partners have several references
· The options offered for hybrid, static, virtual, dynamic, servers are for fitting many situations
· Compliance to requirements and guidelines are built into the solution
· Multi-features through one source – replication, backup, and storage are easier and maintained
Contact us to learn more about Microsoft AZURE capabilities and benefits make better use of your Time, Talent, and Treasure
Call or contact EIS at 440-918-1040 or ConsultEIS@gotoeis.com.