Microsoft Azure is most easily understood as a cloud computing platform. It features solutions such as Infrastructure as a Platform (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). You can use it for various purposes such as analytics, virtual computing, storage, networking, etc.
At its root, Azure is a fast, flexible, and affordable platform. But to maximize Azure’s benefits, you will likely need a managed Azure provider. In this article, we detail some of the benefits a Microsoft Azure service provider can offer.
Senroc Technologies is a Denver Managed Services Provider specializing in numerous areas to streamline your IT department. From managed Azure services and Office 365 migration to full-service IT management, we believe your organization shouldn’t have to worry about the IT skills gap and how to streamline your IT infrastructure.
Enhance and Implement Backup and Disaster Recovery
Because of its built-in integration, flexibility, and advanced site recovery, Azure is ideal for backups and disaster recovery. Because it’s cloud-based, Azure can back up your data in almost any language, on any OS, anywhere in the world with an internet connection. Your managed service provider can also define the frequency at which these backups take place.
Azure will store three copies of your data in three different locations. Then, it will store another three copies in an Azure data center. Thus, you will never worry about data loss.
Hosting and Developing Web and Mobile Apps
Want a platform for hosting, developing, or managing your web or mobile app? Azure makes it easy with patch management, AutoScale, and on-premise app integration.
Automatic patch management for virtual machines reduces the time your MSP spends managing your infrastructure, reducing costs. This also lets you focus on improving your apps. Continuous deployment support also streamlines ongoing code updates.
Lastly, Azure links your web apps to on-premise apps. This connection gives MSPs, employees, and partners secure access resources inside your firewall. These resources would otherwise be too difficult to access externally.
Distribute and Supplement Active Directory
Because of this, you can distribute your Active Directory environment on a global scale. No other cloud provider offers this capability. Have multiple locations? Use on-premise apps, such as Microsoft Office 365? Active Directory Integration manages and maintains access to these tools.
IoT Solutions
Companies considering IoT solutions can connect their devices to the cloud easily with Azure. Azure seamlessly integrates existing infrastructure and collects new data about your company.
Azure’s enhanced security is another asset for IoT solutions. With remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and analytics, your MSP ensures your infrastructure’s security at all times.
Diverse Suite of Services
From cloud computing to IaaS (infrastructure as a Service), managed services for Microsoft Azure are extensive. However, not all managed service providers for azure are created equal. A capable managed service provider for Azure will be able to stand out by utilizing the features others don’t.
The best-managed Azure providers will be able to utilize the Azure resources that seamlessly integrate into your cloud environment. They will be able to scale business-critical applications and improve your performance. With faster app deployment and fully-managed workloads, your Azure environment should increase your organization’s overall efficiency.
Cloud Storage
Since Azure features scalable storage, your MSP should be able to effectively manage your data based on your needs. This process should be simple: reduced costs when your data storage needs diminish and appropriately increased storage when demand increases.
Microsoft 365 Solutions
Microsoft Azure gives your business automatic access to other Microsoft productivity tools. With its connectivity comes other tools such as Office 365 and SharePoint, so you can migrate your entire infrastructure with ease. The simpler the migration, the sooner you can integrate your employees and maximize your efficiency.
Seamless Cloud Migration
MSPs who manage Azure automatically integrate top-tier migration resources and support. They will migrate your entire infrastructure with ease using the Azure Migrate Program. With centralized migration, organizations can implement features, such as the PowerShell support and Azure Kubernetes Service. The Azure Migration Program also provides MSPs with extended support for larger frameworks.
Security and Compliance
This framework prevents downtime and implements features such as automated incident management. Azure has also built-in services that enact automatic compliance measures for most regulatory requirements.
Agility and Innovation Capabilities
Hybrid Cloud Architecture
Running an MSP is often challenging and some organizations might be hesitant to migrate to a public cloud model. For some organizations, a hybrid cloud model is the solution. Most cloud vendors don’t offer this option, Microsoft Azure does. For example, you can use the Azure Stack as an extension of Azure within your data center.
Business Growth and New Statement of Work (SOW)
MSPs can use Azure to audit clients’ IT infrastructure. They can correspond their infrastructure with well-arcitected practices. With these audits, MSPs will be able to deliver better performance, optimize your costs, and increase your security.
Expertise
As with everything else IT, the skills gap is always growing. Azure managed service providers bring years of IT experience to your organization. Using an MSP, you can implement the following areas of expertise into your organization.
- Data storage
- Security and backups
- Server hosting
- Tech support
- Managed hosting
- Risk and compliance
Your MSP should have a deep understanding of how all these elements affect your organization. Azure is a complex platform that requires expertise. That expertise is hard to identify for the layperson. When you use an MSP, you automatically integrate the expertise you need into your organization.
Cost Management
Azure managed service providers manage your IT resources in the most cost-efficient way possible. Hiring an Azure IT is costly and you’ll have to keep them on your payroll whether you use Azure or not. In-house IT teams typically spend hours on Azure while you have other IT needs.
Even the smallest details, such as applying patches and completing regular maintenance take time. That’s time your in-house team could use elsewhere. With Azure managed service providers, you hire specifically for Azure and can scale your services appropriately.
Azure MSPs understand when and how to implement the newest Azure update or service. They will also be able to identify whether it even aligns with your goals and is worth the cost. With the scalable model, Azure will only charge you for what you need. Those savings show up across your organization.
Real-Time Monitoring. Around-the-Clock Support.
Azure isn’t simple. That’s why you need real-time monitoring and around-the-clock support. Azure cloud support and security management means your MSP will be able to manage your cloud infrastructure 24/7. With reputable MSPs, you’ll be able to reduce downtime and bolster your security.
Your organization suddenly becomes more agile, and you’ll receive guidance on the latest trends and anomalies. This type of real-time reporting and support ensure your infrastructure remains safe from threats.
Bottom Line- What Are the Benefits of an Azure Managed Service Provider?
Microsoft Azure is one of the most diverse cloud computing platforms you can use for your infrastructure. But using a Microsoft Azure service provider ensures you take full advantage of all the platform offers.
Contact Senroc Technologies today at (303) 350-4055 to learn how we can streamline your infrastructure with managed IT services.
