In the previous blog post, we have shown some facts that Microsoft Azure is flexible, open, reliable, global, and economical but how can you actually get a taste of all these benefits? Now, let's take a look at how to put it to work for you.
1. Enhance and Implement Backup and Disaster Recovery
Azure is a backup and disaster recovery dream tool. Why? Because of its flexibility, advanced site recovery, and built-in integration.
As a cloud-based solution, Azure is flexible – it can back up your data in almost any language, on any OS, and from any location. Plus, you define the frequency and extent of your backup schedule daily, weekly, monthly and etc.
Azure site recovery can enhance your tape backup with offsite replication, minimal onsite maintenance, up to ninety-nine years of data retention, minimal or no capital investment, and minimal operational costs. Azure backup stores three copies of your data in three different locations in the data center, and then another three copies in a remote Azure data center, so you never have to worry about losing data.
As for security and privacy, you do not have to worry at all. A common misconception is that storing your data in the Cloud is not safe. An in-house server sits in its cabinet in an office building with maybe a lock and some CCTV for protection. Whereas, if your server is hosted on Microsoft Azure’s cloud platform, it is protected by Microsoft’s data center security.
Embedded into Microsoft Azure during development, were the tightest security and privacy features possible. It offers complete transparency, so you know how your data is accessed, stored, and secured.
In addition to this, Microsoft Azure has a global incident response team that works around the clock to deal with any cyber threats.
2. Host and Develop Web and Mobile Apps
Whether you’re looking for a platform for hosting, developing, or managing a web or mobile app, Azure makes those apps autonomous and adaptive with patch management, AutoScale, and integration for on-premise apps.
With Automatic patch management for your virtual machines, you can spend less time managing your infrastructure and focus on improving your apps. Azure also comes with continuous deployment support, which allows you to streamline ongoing code updates.
AutoScale is a feature built into Azure Web Apps that adjusts your resources automatically based on customer web traffic so you have the resources you need when traffic is high, and save money when you’re not in peak times.
Through Azure, you can seamlessly link your web app to an on-premise app. Connecting apps in both locations let both employees and partners securely access resources inside your firewall—resources that would otherwise be difficult to access externally.
3. Distribute and Supplement Active Directory
Azure can integrate with your Active Directory to supplement your identity and access capabilities—this gives your DNS a global reach, centralized management, and robust security.
With Azure, you can globally distribute an Active Directory environment that is direct connect enabled. No other cloud provider has the ability to extend the reach of your domain controller and consolidate AD management like Azure.
If you have multiple locations or use on-premise apps or cloud apps like Microsoft 365, Active Directory integration with Azure will be the central tool for managing and maintaining access to all of these tools.
Azure also enables you to utilize multi-factor authentication, adding a new layer of security to your data and applications with zero hassle for your users. You can also easily implement a single sign-on for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS cloud apps.
4. Innovate with IoT Industry Solutions
The scalability, flexibility, and security of Microsoft Azure make it the perfect resource for companies moving toward IoT solutions. You can connect your devices to the cloud using solutions that integrate with your existing infrastructure and start collecting new data about your company.
Within the Azure IoT Hub, you can monitor and manage billions of devices and gain insights to help you make better business decisions, improve customer experiences, reduce complexity, lower costs, and speed up development.
The enhanced security of Azure is a huge asset for IoT solutions, which traditionally have security gaps that hackers can take advantage of. Other benefits include remote monitoring and predictive maintenance and analytics.
Getting started is easy with Azure IoT solution accelerators, preconfigured templates that are customizable to your needs.
These four services are just a glimpse of what Azure can do for your environment. Besides Microsoft’s defined services, it is full of cloud-computing potential that you can utilize in almost any way imaginable.
If you would like to know more about the fundamentals of Microsoft Azure, you may refer to the following courses.
Otherwise, you may start to explore more in the administrator role, developer role, or architect role of Microsoft Azure by taking these recommended courses.
Should you need any assistance regarding the courses, feel free to reach us via the Live Chat available on our website. We will be glad to assist you throughout your learning journey.
That's all for today. See you!!!