Modern businesses need the right tools to grow sustainably, reduce overhead costs, and innovate without the burden of managing complex IT systems. Cloud computing is the most scalable and cost-efficient solution for many businesses – but which cloud environment is right for you?
Among the leading platforms in this space is Microsoft Azure, a cloud computing service that offers a comprehensive suite of tools to help organisations thrive. From start-ups to large enterprises, Azure provides the infrastructure needed to support innovation, business continuity, and collaboration on a global scale.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Azure—security and compliance, service models, features and benefits, and how it can transform your business.
What is Microsoft Azure?
Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing platform designed to help businesses manage, store, and analyse data, run applications, and scale their operations seamlessly. Its cloud computing management services allow businesses to leverage virtual infrastructure, application hosting, and software deployment without the need for extensive on-site hardware.
One of the key advantages of Microsoft Azure is its seamless integration with Microsoft 365. This allows users to access Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and other Microsoft 365 applications from any location, and on any device.
With data centres in over 60 regions worldwide, Azure provides reliable and scalable solutions to businesses, offering flexibility that allows companies to grow at their own pace.
Azure Service Models:
Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS): Enables businesses to rent virtualised computing resources, such as virtual machines and storage, without needing to manage physical hardware.
Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS): Provides a managed environment for developers to build, test, and deploy and manage applications without worrying about underlying infrastructure.
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS): Allows organisations to access software applications over the internet, offering convenience and eliminating the need for local installation.
Core Microsoft Azure Services
Microsoft Azure offers a wide range of services designed to help businesses achieve their IT goals, from application development to data management and cyber security.
Azure Compute
Azure Compute provides on-demand resources to run web applications and workloads in the cloud. It offers flexible computing power through virtual machines (VMs), containers, and Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS). These resources allow businesses to scale their applications without the need to invest in physical hardware, giving them the flexibility to handle varying levels of demand.
Azure Storage
Azure’s cloud storage services are designed for scalability, durability, and security. Azure Storage offers different types of storage solutions, including Blob storage for unstructured data, File storage for cloud-based file shares, and Queue storage for reliable messaging between applications. These options allow businesses to choose the right storage model for their data, whether they need high-performance access or long-term archival solutions.
Azure Networking
Azure Networking allows businesses to create robust, secure connections between their virtual environments and on-premises infrastructure. Tools like Azure Virtual Network, VPN Gateway, and Load Balancer allow companies to securely extend their networks to the cloud and manage traffic efficiently. Azure also offers Content Delivery Network (CDN) services to improve the delivery of web content and reduce latency for users around the world.
Azure Active Directory (Azure AD)
Azure AD is a comprehensive identity and access management solution, enabling businesses to manage user identities, access control policies, and security controls. It also allows organisations to enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA), manage single sign-on (SSO) for applications, and ensure secure access to Azure resources, helping to mitigate the risk of data breaches.
Azure DevOps
Azure DevOps provides a suite of development tools that enable teams to collaborate efficiently on projects. These tools support continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD), allowing developers to build, test, and deploy web and mobile applications faster and with greater consistency. Teams can manage code repositories, track work items, and automate workflows, keeping software development on track and within scope.
Azure Security and Compliance Features
As businesses move critical operations to the cloud, security and compliance need to be prioritised. Microsoft Azure provides industry-leading security features and compliance tools to ensure that businesses can protect their data and comply with global regulations.
Azure Security Centre
The Azure Security Centre offers a unified security management system that allows businesses to assess and strengthen the security of their cloud environments. It continuously monitors for vulnerabilities, providing actionable recommendations to improve security. Organisations can detect and respond to threats quickly, ensuring their operating systems remain protected from cyber-attacks.
Compliance with Global Regulations
Azure helps businesses meet the stringent requirements of global regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), ISO 27001, and various industry-specific compliance standards. Azure’s compliance offerings provide built-in templates, audits, and reporting tools, simplifying the process of maintaining regulatory compliance.
Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)
Azure offers multi-factor authentication (MFA), an essential security feature that adds an extra layer of protection to user accounts. By requiring users to verify their identity through a second method (such as a code sent to their phone), MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access to sensitive data. This feature is critical for protecting both employee and customer information.
Advanced Threat Protection
With Azure Advanced Threat Protection (ATP), businesses can detect and mitigate sophisticated threats in real time. ATP uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to analyse data patterns and identify unusual behaviour across networks. This proactive approach enables businesses to act swiftly in response to potential security breaches, reducing the damage from ransomware and other types of attacks.
Step Into the Future of Cloud Computing with Expert Guidance
The robust security, global compliance capabilities, and future-focused technologies make Azure the ultimate choice for businesses seeking a reliable and scalable cloud platform.
As a certified Microsoft Partner, National IT Solutions has the resources and expertise to deliver the cloud solutions your business needs. From enabling seamless collaboration and reducing IT complexity to providing reliable security and disaster recovery solutions, our team of experts is ready to help.