Ever wonder why Windows Server and SQL Server Customers choose Azure?
Over the last quarter century, companies of all sizes have been trusting Windows Server and SQL Server to run their mission-critical workloads. Did you know that over 70 percent of on-premises server workloads run on Windows Server1 today?
Yes, you read that correctly. As more customers rely on the cloud for innovation and digital transformation, the first step is typically migrating existing Windows Server and SQL Server applications and data to the cloud. In a recent blog post, Microsoft Corporate Vice President Julia White shared the top three reasons customers choose Microsoft: staying with the vendor they trust. Here they are:
Reason #1: Pay less with Azure
Did you know that, on average, AWS is 5x more expensive for Windows and SQL Server users looking to move to the cloud?
Moving to the cloud must make sense for you regarding time and budget. AISN and Microsoft are committed to making Azure the most cost-effective of clouds for your Microsoft workloads.
However, these savings do not come at the expense of quality. Azure offers a uniquely functional hybrid cloud and built-in top-of-the-line security and compliance, perfect for transitioning from your on-premises servers to the cloud. Julia makes the additional point, “The Azure Hybrid Benefit for Windows Server and SQL Server and reservation pricing have been helping customers save when moving to Azure. We are committed to keeping your server workloads secure, and Azure now offers free Extended Security Updates for Windows Server and SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2. When you add it all up…with savings like this, why would you run these workloads anywhere else?”
In addition, Azure cost management, accessible to all Azure customers, helps you monitor and optimize what you spend in Azure. All these savings help your bottom line and free up the budget to innovate with cloud services, create new business value, and compete more effectively in your industry.
Reason #2: Azure delivers unmatched security
Microsoft invested over $1 billion into developing top-notch security for their cloud, so you don’t have to. With that in mind, when you migrate Windows Server and SQL Server to Azure, you also benefit from that investment. You can trust Azure to run your most critical applications and data.
Azure can help you gain security benefits through operational best practices and a global team of over 3,500 cybersecurity experts. As Julia points out, here are a few examples of unique Azure security features:
- Azure SQL Database’s Intelligent Protection proactively monitors potential threats and vulnerabilities around the clock.
- Azure Security Center can monitor for threats and provide alerts for servers running across your hybrid environment.
- Azure has more certifications than any other cloud provider and leads the industry in establishing clear security and privacy requirements.
- Included at no charge, Azure governance can help set up “blueprints” to control policies and compliance across all your Azure services, speeding up the overall governance process.
Reason #3: Azure is the only consistent hybrid cloud
Some applications and data make sense to migrate to the cloud today, while others must stay on-premises. As Julia points out, Microsoft’s engineering teams work closely to deliver unique hybrid capabilities unavailable on any other cloud. Here are a few examples that she gives:
- Identity is critical to your hybrid cloud strategy. With Azure, you can easily connect your on-premises Active Directory to Azure Active Directory for seamless directory services for all Office 365 and Azure services.
- Use Windows Admin Center to protect your on-premises servers and data with Azure Backup and Azure Site Recovery. Use it to start your backup from on-premises servers in less than five clicks!
- Take advantage of bottomless storage in Azure by replicating files from your on-premises Windows Servers to Azure using Azure File Sync.
- Create your own private Azure region with Azure Stack. Use it to run IaaS – Windows Server and Linux Virtual Machines – and other Azure services in your data center.
Why run Windows Server and SQL Server anywhere else?
The answer is clear: migrating your workloads to Azure can yield significant savings and enhanced security. Why would you pay 5 times more for Windows Server and SQL Server on AWS? Finally, don’t overlook the value of a single support point, such as AISN, across your hybrid cloud. When issues arise, you get resolution faster with a single vendor to call.”
Interested in asking some questions about Azure? Why not contact us and learn how we can help?
Laurie Head is co-owner and CMCO of AIS Network.