As we evolve into a new era of digital transformation, businesses are dealing with so much data and information that it is essential to have a place to store it all. This location must also be accessible to all employees both on and off-premises.
Microsoft Azure describes the cloud, not as a physical entity, but a vast network of remote servers around the globe that are hooked together and meant to operate as a single ecosystem.
Storing data in the cloud has been the go-to for many businesses since inception and has become a billion-dollar industry. The two companies at the top are Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure. Different companies require different cloud solutions, so your best fit could be AWS or Azure, and we can also help you decide whether you want to integrate your entire infrastructure or use a Hybrid Cloud model.
Amazon Web Services
The most adopted platform that has grown into the biggest cloud solutions provider by being first to market.
Pros of AWS:
- More storage capabilities with Simple Storage, Elastic Block Storage, and Elastic File System
- Pay-as-you-go: users are charged hourly without any long-term commitments
- Control: AWS users can choose various combinations of CPU, memory, disk, and networking
Cons of AWS:
- Enterprise-grade support not included
- Many customers find it difficult to understand AWS’s complex pricing structure
Microsoft Azure
The biggest competitor for AWS with exceptional cloud infrastructure.
Pros of Azure:
- Azure naturally links well with popular Microsoft on-premises systems such as Windows Server, System Center, and Active Directory
- Strong hybrid options
- Azure takes privacy very seriously and has multiple security tools built-in
Cons of Azure:
- Taking data out is expensive: users may find hidden or unexpected costs when recovering data
- Requires management and platform expertise to ensure all moving parts work together efficiently
Hybrid Cloud
No matter which vendor you choose, you will need to decide whether you want a computing environment that is entirely in the cloud, or one that combines a public cloud (traditionally ran off-premises) and a private cloud (traditionally ran on-premises).
Why choose a Hybrid Cloud?
With a Hybrid Cloud Model, organizations gain the flexibility and computing power of the public cloud for less-sensitive computing tasks, while keeping mission-critical applications on-premises, safely behind a firewall.
Pros of a Hybrid Cloud:
- Recommended for long-term optimization goals
- Allows companies to lift and optimize their cloud migration, not just lift and shift
- Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) overall
Cons of a Hybrid Cloud:
- Difficulty keeping track of multiple platforms and vendors
- Lack of visibility as to where data is stored
As you can see, when choosing a cloud option, it depends on your specific organizational needs and budget. Curious to learn more about what cloud solution is right for you? Contact Crayon about AWS or learn more about our cloud economic assessment, a tool to help you determine which cloud provides the best return on investment for your technology investments.
Mackenzie Ottman
- Marketing Coordinator
Mackenzie is a Marketing and Management graduate from the University of Montana.
