See how "Cloud Computing" can work for you, for the better.
You’re probably using cloud computing right now, even if you don’t realise it. If you use an online service to send emails, edit documents, watch films or TV, listen to music, play games, or store pictures and other files, it’s likely that cloud computing is making it all possible behind the scenes. The first cloud computing services are barely a decade old, but already a variety of organisations – from tiny start-ups to global corporations, from government agencies to non-profits – are embracing the technology for all sorts of reasons.
Simply put, cloud computing is the delivery of computing services – including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics and intelligence – over the Internet (“the cloud”) to offer faster innovation, flexible resources and economies of scale. Typically, you only pay for cloud services you use, helping you lower your operating costs, run your infrastructure more efficiently and scale as your business needs change.
Cloud computing is a big shift from the traditional way businesses think about IT resources. Here are seven common reasons why organisations are turning to cloud computing services:
Cost
Cloud computing eliminates the capital expense of buying hardware and software and setting up and running on-site data centres – the racks of servers, the round-the-clock electricity for power and cooling and the IT experts for managing the infrastructure. It adds up quickly.
Speed
Most cloud computing services are provided as self service and on demand, so even vast amounts of computing resources can be provisioned in minutes, typically with just a few mouse clicks, giving businesses a lot of flexibility and taking the pressure off capacity planning.
Global scale
The benefits of cloud computing services include the ability to scale elastically. In cloud speak, that means delivering the right amount of IT resources – for example, more or less computing power, storage, bandwidth – right when they’re needed, and from the right geographic location.
Productivity
On-site data centres typically require a lot of “racking and stacking” – hardware setup, software patching and other time-consuming IT management chores. Cloud computing removes the need for many of these tasks, so IT teams can spend time on achieving more important business goals.
Performance
The biggest cloud computing services run on a worldwide network of secure data centres, which are regularly upgraded to the latest generation of fast and efficient computing hardware. This offers several benefits over a single corporate data centre, including reduced network latency for applications and greater economies of scale.
Security
Many cloud providers offer a broad set of policies, technologies and controls that strengthen your security posture overall, helping to protect your data, apps and infrastructure from potential threats.
Our Cloud Productivity Services
Microsoft offers a comprehensive suite of cloud services designed to empower businesses with cutting-edge technology, enhanced productivity, and seamless collaboration. We work almost exclusively with Microsoft, or Microsoft wholesale partners, to deliver and support cloud solutions. Here's a summary of key Microsoft cloud services:
Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Azure is a robust and versatile cloud computing platform that provides a wide range of services for businesses of all sizes. Key features include:
- Scalable infrastructure (IaaS) and platform services (PaaS)
- Advanced data storage and management solutions
- AI and machine learning capabilities
- Hybrid cloud integration
- Global network of data centers for low-latency access
- Comprehensive security and compliance features
Azure enables businesses to build, deploy, and manage applications and services through Microsoft-managed data centers. Its flexibility allows organizations to scale resources as needed, reducing costs and improving efficiency.Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) is a cloud-based productivity suite that combines familiar Office applications with powerful cloud services. Key components include:
- Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Cloud storage and file sharing (OneDrive)
- Team collaboration tools (Microsoft Teams)
- Enterprise mobility and security features
Microsoft 365 enhances productivity by enabling seamless collaboration, providing access to files from anywhere, and ensuring data security across devices.
Microsoft Copilot
Microsoft Copilot is an AI-powered assistant integrated into Microsoft 365 applications. It offers:
- Intelligent assistance in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- Natural language processing for task automation
- Context-aware suggestions and insights
- Business Chat for cross-application productivity
Copilot aims to boost creativity, streamline workflows, and help users make better decisions by leveraging the power of AI within familiar Microsoft tools.
Azure Virtual Desktop
Azure Virtual Desktop (formerly Windows Virtual Desktop) is a cloud-based virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solution. Key benefits include:
- Secure remote access to desktop environments
- Cost-effective licensing and infrastructure management
- Simplified IT administration
- Scalability to meet changing business needs
- Integration with other Microsoft cloud services
This service enables businesses to provide employees with secure, managed desktop experiences from anywhere, supporting remote and hybrid work models.
Microsoft Dynamics 365
Dynamics 365 is a suite of intelligent business applications that integrate CRM and ERP capabilities. It offers:
- Customer engagement tools
- Finance and operations management
- Human resources solutions
- AI-driven insights for decision-making
Dynamics 365 helps organizations streamline processes, improve customer relationships, and drive business growth through data-driven strategies.
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