How Can The Cloud Enhance Your IT Infrastructure?

Published on 29 December 2020

Cloud services have played a big part in the transition to home working, but it also offers many other benefits.  Increased efficiency and security, with lower costs, are just a few of the ways cloud IT can improve your existing infrastructure. The trend towards cloud services is definitely on the up. In this blog, we take a look at how the cloud can enhance your IT infrastructure.

Types of Cloud Services

Here at Bluebell, we offer cloud services from Microsoft (365 and Azure) and AWS (Amazon Web Services).

Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services are globally two of the largest public cloud providers. They both offer similar services to help businesses scale up and grow. It can be confusing to know which one you should choose for your business.

Security and cost will need to be considered. Additionally, your choice will depend on what your business wants to do within the cloud environment as well as your existing IT infrastructure.

With both AWS and Azure it’s difficult to put one above the other. So, it’s more a question of which one is best for your business. The Bluebell team will help you by auditing your current network and its applications with an open-mind so that you get the best possible outcome.

Brief Overview of Cloud IT

Here are the main services of AWS and Microsoft Azure and some things to consider.

AWS:

Includes, compute, storage, database, analytics, networking, mobile, developer tools, management tools, IoT, security and enterprise applications.

Its advantages are that it operates globally, it has mature networking capabilities and it operates well within a Linux environment.

The main drawback with AWS is that there is more of a learning curve than with Microsoft.

Azure:

Includes compute, storage, database, networking, analytics, blockchain, AI, machine learning and developer tools.

The advantages are familiarity because the operation is similar to existing Microsoft products. It also works well within a Windows environment. There is stronger support for hybrid cloud services and it has more global coverage.

The drawback for Microsoft Azure is that it needs to be managed carefully (ie server monitoring/patching).

Microsoft Office 365:

The Microsoft 365 bundle is packed full of features including communications apps, file storage, the complete Office suite and security.

Advantages are that you can work securely from anywhere that has an internet connection. You no longer need to worry about updating and rebooting your software as this is done automatically at regular intervals.

It also offers advanced security features, such as two-factor authentication for users.

One minimal drawback to Microsoft 365 is if the clients you work with don’t use cloud systems or they have different software. That said, it’s becoming increasingly unlikely that will be the case and there are usually ways around these small hiccups.

How Cloud Services Can Help Your Business

One of the most important functions in cloud IT, especially in today’s world of remote working, is the ability to communicate instantly. Microsoft Teams is a business communication platform within Microsoft 365. It will enable your team to send messages, set up virtual meetings and access all your files securely from anywhere. Additionally, you’ll have access to all the latest versions of Word, Excel and Powerpoint. And, you get 1,000 gigabytes in which to store all your files.

Azure has some remarkable features, too. Its pay-as-you-go model is suitable for both small and large businesses, scaling up or down accordingly with real-time functionality. This is the type of technological advancement we come to expect from Microsoft. It continues to provide even more flexibility and control than ever before.

AWS is not without massive benefits too, though. Security from hackers is vital to any business and AWS take this very seriously. Large organisations such as Dow Jones and Adobe are convinced enough of this to use their services. Furthermore, the flexibility that AWS offers means it is also suitable for both small and large businesses. It can provide the computing needs for a start-up adapting quickly if the company grows.

Its pricing structure is also extremely accurate and is based on pay-as-you-go, with charges calculated by the minute.

As cloud services continue to evolve, so the features and functions also improve. If you would like to find out more about how cloud services can enhance your IT infrastructure, contact us today on 01908 044202. Alternatively, you can send a message via our contact page.