Microsoft Cloud Platform – An Essential Tool for Corporate Success

Cloud computing has greatly revolutionized the IT departments in terms of novel ideas and effective business strategies. According to financial specialists, outsourcing cloud computing has more advantages for businesses as compared to traditional subcontracting.

There are two types of cloud computing: Public cloud and Private cloud. In the former, cloud-hosting services are offered using the Internet, whereas in case of latter they are provided within a firewall. Private cloud services are usually controlled and managed by the company itself. Let me explain some of the advantages and disadvantages of public and private cloud services:

Public Cloud vs. Private Cloud

• With public cloud, companies have to make a payment for the services every month, whereas in private cloud, companies only pay according to the use of data and bandwidth they require.
• Data is shared among multiple users in public cloud. However, this is not the case with private cloud, where data and applications can only be accessed by the company utilizing the private cloud services. Data can be shared with external parties if the company wishes to do so.
• Data on public cloud can be accessed from everywhere if there is a working Internet connection, while that on private cloud has limited accessibility due to the fact that it operates within a firewall.
• In private cloud, there is a greater risk of security as the physical location of data is easily traceable. In this regard, public cloud holds less risk.
• The startup cost of private cloud is high, which eventually decreases over time. However, with public cloud, it is the opposite case, i.e. initial costs are low but gradually rise as data increases.

Apart from the pros and cons of private and public cloud platforms discussed above, there are a number of other points as well. Here, we take a look at Windows Azure, one of Microsoft’s most popular cloud computing solutions:

Greater Uptime and Availability

Windows Azure guarantees high uptime to its customers, with approximately 99.5% monthly SLA, allowing businesses to store data and applications on the cloud platform without being concerned about the setup and structure.

Publicly Accessible Platform

With Microsoft’s Windows Azure, users can create applications using any kind of language, tool or operating system, thus ensuring that it is open for public.

Unlimited Data Storage      

Ensuring continuous availability, Microsoft’s cloud platform offers unlimited data storage and application scalability as per your requirements. You only have to pay for the resources that are utilized by the application.

Multiple Servers

Windows Azure can be accessed through multiple data centers situated all over the world, allowing customers to utilize cloud services through the data center that is closest to them.

Overview

Cloud computing is expected to yield numerous benefits for businesses in the coming years. For large companies, private cloud is an ideal solution, while for small and medium-sized businesses, public cloud may prove to be beneficial as well as cost-effective. In this regard, Windows Azure comes across as a powerful cloud solution that offers maximum benefits to businesses seeking to manage their operations using public cloud services.