Updated: May 31, 2023 (December 6, 2017)
Analyst ReportExecutive Considerations for Azure Adoption
(NOTE: An up to date version of this report is available at: https://www.directionsonmicrosoft.com/update/secured/2023/01/executive-focus-realities-azure-adoption.)
Azure-hosted services and products have the potential to help organizations reduce cost and deploy services faster than possible in most on-premises data centers. In addition, Azure provides scaling, security, data governance, global reach, and other advanced features, such as machine learning, that many organizations struggle to deliver independently. However, not all workloads are suitable for Azure, and developing the skills to deploy and manage Azure services can increase cost. Migrating to Azure can be a difficult process that requires additional technology, management, and process changes with IT to keep pace with the rapid update cadence demanded by Microsoft.
Azure Overview
Azure is a collection of hosted services that is designed to replace on-premises data centers. It includes traditional data center capabilities, such as servers, networks, storage, and Web components that enable organizations to put their workloads in Microsoft data centers. It also provides advanced capabilities, such as machine learning, Big Data management, and Internet of Things (IoT) connections, and other management services that can be used in conjunction with on-premises environments. (For a high-level comparison of Azure services, see “A High-Level Summary of Azure Services“.)
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