by noah | Dec 6, 2021 | Database, Uncategorized
Azure SQL database is a relational, managed cloud database provided as part of Microsoft Azure. It is fully managed by Microsoft so all you need to do is provide the data. Everything else – the infrastructure, security, services and maintenance – are managed by Microsoft. Also included with Azure SQL are frequent and timely updates.
Thinking about migrating your objects and data from Access to Azure SQL? Below are the top five benefits to expect by making this transition.
1. No Physical Hardware
Since Microsoft hosts Azure SQL, you don’t have to worry about infrastructure costs or maintaining the server. All of this is managed on your behalf so that all you need to do is provide the data. And, as your database grows, you can upgrade your plans or add new applications without the need for additional hardware.
2. Scalable and Cost Effective
Speaking of growing your database, Azure SQL is a scalable database that can fit the needs of small and large businesses. Thanks to a flexible pricing structure, businesses can save up to 80 percent by migrating to Azure SQL. And if you start today, Microsoft is offering 12 months of free services.
3. High Speed and Minimal Downtime
When your technology can’t keep up with your business needs, you’re going to suffer downtime. But this doesn’t have to be the case when you have a database like Azure SQL. With high-availability architecture, you get high-speed connectivity and data retrieval, along with less downtime.
4. Improved Usability
If you don’t have a strong background in coding, that’s okay! Azure SQL database is easy to learn and use. Using standard SQL, you can manage your database system without having to write or update a lot of code. And, if you do end up needing a bit of help, working on Azure SQL is the same as SQL Server and will be familiar to any SQL developer.
5. Reliable and Available
Azure SQL database is managed by Microsoft and your data is spread across data centers. In fact, Microsoft’s Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for Azure services guarantee 99 percent availability. You can learn more about Microsoft’s SLAs here. Also, if you end up running into trouble, rest assured that Microsoft has 24/7 customer service.
These are just some of the benefits to expect by migrating to Azure SQL database. When you schedule a consultation with Arkware, we’ll be happy to go into more detail regarding the advantages to Azure SQL such as data loss prevention, multiple layers of security and data syncing. Contact us today to find out if Azure SQL is right for you.
by noah | Dec 16, 2020 | Database
There are over 30 million small businesses in the U.S., and without a doubt, they are the backbone of our economy. These businesses provide job opportunities and facilitate growth and innovation. However, small companies must be creative with their resources, as they don’t have the same financial cushion as their larger counterparts.
One of the most difficult decisions that small businesses have to make is what technology to use. Some technologies aren’t necessary but others are. And cloud computing is one of them. If your business is considering migrating to the cloud, there are many benefits to consider.
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing is the delivery of various services through the internet. It’s a great way for small businesses to rent computing power, reduce costs and increase productivity.
Some companies have moved everything to the cloud, while others follow a hybrid approach that combines both a local server and cloud computing. Dedicated servers refer to physical hardware that serves only your company, while cloud servers are located in a third-party data center.
What are the Advantages of Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing is a major shift from how businesses traditionally think about IT resources. Here are the main benefits of adopting cloud computing like Microsoft Azure into your business.
- Reduced cost. Cloud computing eliminates the expense of buying hardware and software programs, running data centers, paying IT experts for managing infrastructure and more. Instead, everything is outsourced to the third-party data center.
- Greater efficiency. Most cloud computing services are on demand, so the resources you need can be supplied when you need them. This gives your business the flexibility it needs.
- Enhanced productivity. Rather than having your IT staff deal with software patching, hardware setup and more, they can spend their time achieving more important business goals.
- Stronger security. Many cloud providers, including Microsoft Azure, offer a broad range of policies, technologies and controls that will make your business more secure. All data is maintained at a central location, which is better than having it spread across many devices.
- Improved reliability. Cloud computing makes everything easier – data backups, disaster recovery, business continuity and more. And, if your business grows and you need additional IT hardware, it’s quick and easy to scale up your cloud solution.
Microsoft Azure and Cloud Computing
Migrating to the cloud is a big decision, but it’s something worth considering for your small business. You don’t have to move everything to the cloud – you may find it best to follow a hybrid approach. To learn more about Microsoft Azure and how it can benefit your business, contact Arkware today.
by noah | Jul 14, 2020 | Database
Have you heard about Microsoft Azure and are wondering what it can do for your business? This is a great question to ask, as Azure opens the door for cloud-computing potential for any size business. Whether you’re looking to migrate to the cloud, streamline your operations or better serve your customers, Azure will help you reach your goals.
What is Microsoft Azure?
Azure is a cloud computing service created by Microsoft for building, testing and managing services and applications from anywhere. It includes solutions like Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS) that can be used for storage, networking and analytics.
What are the Benefits of Using Azure?
Azure is praised for being affordable, flexible and reliable. It offers 24/7 tech support and supports almost any OS, language, tool or framework. Better yet, you only have to pay for the features you use. As an example, if you choose to use Azure and Microsoft Access together, you can have a powerful database solution with cloud features for a fraction of the price.
Here are some benefits of using Azure for your business:
- Security and privacy are built into the platform
- Supports all open source technologies, not just Window apps
- No upfront costs – pay for what you use
- Solutions available for all industries
- Only consistent hybrid cloud on the market
- Meets GDPR requirements, as well as other compliance offerings
How Can I Use Azure for My Business?
Now that you know some of the biggest benefits of Azure, let’s look at some of the ways you can use this software for your own business.
- Back up your data. Azure can back up your data in almost any language from any location. You can also determine your backup schedule – daily, weekly, monthly, etc.
- Host and develop apps. Azure offers patch management, a feature that adjusts your resources based on customer web traffic. This way, you have the resources you need when traffic is high.
- Support a digital transformation. If your business is looking to move to the cloud, Azure will help you reach your goals. You can connect your devices to the cloud, plus take advantage of the SQL Database in Azure.
There’s a lot to learn about Azure, so give Arkware a call and we’ll be happy to explain this cloud platform to you. When coupled with a database program like Access, you can build a powerful cloud database that meets your company’s highest expectations.
