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Most businesses already have at least one component of their workforce running in the cloud, whether they’re aware of it or not. Cloud technology environments are typically scalable and reliable, but there are a few other things you need to consider before making a decision on your cloud migration.

Picking the right partner to help drive business growth is important for any cloud strategy. You should be looking for a provider that is flexible, cost-effective, and appropriate for your business’ size.

Benefits of Cloud Technology & Migration
When you’re migrating your data and applications to the cloud, you’ll want to use the cloud services that best meet your needs, and know that you’re getting as many of the advantages of the cloud as possible. Here are the main benefits of migrating to the cloud.

• Faster deployment times
• Greater flexibility and collaboration
• Less complex infrastructure
• Reduced number of data centers
• Greater cost savings
• Built-in status monitoring
• Automatic backup
• Enhanced security features

When working with customers, we ask a series of questions to determine the best solution for you, and regardless of the many different sizes, industries, goals, and needs, we find the answer often points to Microsoft Azure.

Azure is an ideal platform for integrated services, including virtual machines, servers, and storage. It’s based entirely in the cloud, as opposed to on-site, which comes with certain benefits like being easier to maintain and only paying for what you use. Azure provides full and hybrid-based cloud solutions that are flexible, cost-effective migration paths with first-class hybrid support – all to help you migrate your apps, data, and infrastructure at your own pace.

3 reasons to consider Azure for your cloud migration:

Flexible migration with hybrid support
Only Azure enables consistent on-premises and cloud environments during migration, giving you full flexibility. Whether your business requires a hybrid state long-term or only during the migration period, the Azure hybrid approach can support this scenario. For example, Azure Security Center and Azure Active Directory can help customers to manage security and identity assets across on-premises and in Azure. Similarly, Azure SQL Database Managed Instance enables you to seamlessly lift and shift SQL Server apps to Azure without code changes, providing database-level compatibility with the productivity of a fully-managed Azure service.

Most cost-effective, before, during and after migration
Azure offers unmatched value during every stage of the cloud migration journey. Azure Reserved Instances and Azure Hybrid Benefit enables customers with savings up to 67% compared to AWS on Windows Server VMs. Azure has recently extended this same benefit to SQL Server. Once in Azure, there is a powerful cost management tool that is available for free to all Azure customers.  

High confidence, low risk migration
Microsoft is investing in tools that help you plan and migrate, with hybrid support to reduce the risk of an all or nothing approach, a partner ecosystem with advanced migration products and services, and first party services such as FastTrack for Azure. The end goal is to ensure you know your migration options, feel confident during the migration, and ultimately set up your business success. 

If you’re interested in learning more about how you can get the most out of this cloud-based solution, contact us today. We’ll talk more about creating a new and efficient way of doing business.