Microsoft Azure: Everything You Need To Know

Microsoft’s offerings are diverse and optimally tuned for companies in their digital development. We already explained in the last blog post which advantages the Microsoft tool suite offers you in the home office. Today, we would like to introduce you to another cloud platform from Microsoft: Microsoft Azure. 

What Is Microsoft Azure?

Azure is a public cloud platform that provides a range of cloud services for its users. These include virtual computers, networking and storage. With over 200 products and cloud services, users can build new solutions and applications, and run and manage existing ones in the public cloud. The choice and possibilities are immense, and thus optimally adaptable to the wishes of individual companies.

It is very easy to use – as a user, you can subscribe to a subscription in Microsoft Azure and then gain access to individual services. These services are often provided on a so-called “pay-as-you-go basis”, which means that one only has to pay for the applications used according to actual usage, depending on the effort or utilization.

Since 2020, Microsoft’s huge network has been expanded to include two Swiss data centers in Geneva and Zurich. This is particularly interesting for companies that work with sensitive data in the region, for example from the financial or healthcare sectors. The fact that the data is stored in Switzerland provides additional control mechanisms and makes it easier to meet the country’s regulatory requirements. In addition, the geographical proximity also reduces latencies and thus increases performance.

The Most Important Features At a Glance 

As mentioned earlier, Microsoft Azure offers over 200 products, plus more third-party software. This allows you to create and deploy your projects as you see fit. But which are the most important Microsoft Azure products, especially for Swiss SMEs? We present you our top 4:

Azure Active Directory and Identity Protection

The AD enterprise identity service provides a complete identity and access management solution with built-in security. With the help of this Azure product, companies can get their cybersecurity up to speed. It offers single sign-on (SSO), multifactor authentication and conditional access to protect against cyberattacks. Thanks to SSO, users can securely access their applications from anywhere. Multifactor authentication and conditional access help protect data, and an identity control layer grants complete visibility and control. This means that a company’s data is always secure, especially in times of remote work. Strong authentication and risk-based policies protect access. Yet, the user experience is not limited and productivity is ensured thanks to simple, fast login procedures. However, employees need to spend less time managing passwords and cyber risks are minimized.

Azure Virtual Desktop

With this cloud application, you can set up a remote desktop and access the applications from almost anywhere. The virtual user interface makes digital and hybrid work easier in particular. This allows all employees to use a virtualized user interface – fully optimized for Windows 11 and Microsoft 365 – so team members also benefit from Microsoft Teams and other Microsoft Office tools, without additional licensing costs.

Managing various workstations also becomes easy with the Azure Portal for Azure Virtual Desktop: add users, deploy desktop apps, configure network settings and activate security measures – it’s all possible in just a few clicks.

Virtual computers

A virtual computer or machine (VM) offers companies the opportunity to optimize their infrastructure and save costs. Migrating business workloads and mission-critical workloads to the Azure infrastructure can improve operational efficiency by running diverse software (e.g., SQL Server and SAP) on the virtual machine and by using preferred servers (e.g., directly in Switzerland). Confidential data can be easily encrypted to protect it from attacks and threats. What’s more, using VM is cost-effective – thanks to per-second billing, you retain full cost control. Alternatively, Azure also offers runtime pricing to run interruptible workloads at deeply discounted rates compared to.

Azure Information Protection

This Microsoft product lets you control and secure confidential data anytime, anywhere – whether it’s email, documents, or confidential data shared outside the organization. With Azure Information Protection, it is possible to classify data based on the level of confidentiality in a fully automated way. The controls can also be customized with one click to quickly protect data. Furthermore, it is also possible to work secured together in a team or with partners and customers in and outside Switzerland. Access can be transparently managed and, if necessary, revoked, with activities being traceable at all times.

Azure Offers These Advantages

Extensive offer

With its more than 200 products, Azure is particularly flexible in its application. For SMEs in particular, this broad offering is helpful in finding the best options for their own business and in overcoming current challenges and paving the way for the future. Thanks to this Microsoft Cloud, the entire spectrum of the computer world becomes usable, without the company itself needing large computing power and its own servers.

Pay as you go

Another advantage is the payment model: you can use exactly the tools and frameworks you really need and only pay for the time you spend. The flexible model is thus particularly efficient and cost-saving for SMEs.

Azure Service & Support

At the same time, Azure provides an optimal service for its users. With various support options, you as a company can specify exactly which areas you need support for. This also means that a large, dedicated IT department is not absolutely necessary. Basic support is free for all Azure customers. Dinotronic can also help you create a custom-fit portfolio and make the most of Azure.

Secure and local data centers of your choice

Azure has more than 100 data centers in over 50 countries, as well as millions of servers. Two Swiss data centers have also been involved since 2020. In this way, Microsoft also provides physical security for your data. As a company, it is up to you to decide which services you want to use from which location.

Constant innovations and updates

Azure is not a ready-made platform. Anyone who offers digital services must continuously keep an eye on the latest developments and also threats and react to them. Therefore, Azure also has ongoing innovations and updates. This offers SMEs the advantage that they do not need additional resources for larger internal IT departments or research work for the latest updates.

Conclusion

Microsoft Azure is an incredibly comprehensive cloud solution that enables SMEs in particular to flexibly use tools that would otherwise require specific IT knowledge, resources and funds. With the help of Azure products, Swiss SMEs can strengthen their security status and significantly simplify digital work. With over 200 tools, there is an enormous range, so that every company can find the right settings and products for itself.

Need help selecting your portfolio and implementing Microsoft Azure in your organization? Contact us directly or click here for more information about Microsoft Azure in Switzerland.