Microsoft Azure represents a cloud computing platform that allows companies to develop applications, empower data centers, or use it as their sole IT environment. The secret of its popularity lies within the platform’s hybrid features and a powerful combination of services to build, deploy, and manage high-performance applications. That technological paradigm helps even small companies and startups to appear on equal footing with large corporations.
Microsoft Azure can be quickly scaled to meet various requirements, so the customers only pay for the platform’s actual use. A per-minute reckoning for infrastructure services such as computing power, storage, and data movement speed in the data center guarantees the best price for the resources used. Nowadays, Microsoft Azure is used extensively in various domains such as:
- Big Data analytics;
- BI (Business intelligence);
- The development of web, mobile, and hybrid apps;
- Serverless computing;
- IoT services.
The platform relies on a growing global network of data centers managed by Microsoft. This approach enables clients to run high-performance applications targeted at users from around the world. Microsoft Azure supports numerous operating systems, languages, tools, and frameworks, from Windows to Linux and SQL Server to Oracle. The biggest benefits of Microsoft Azure services include:
- scalability;
- flexibility;
- reliability;
- data integrity;
- security.
The platform provides the best out of the Windows ecosystem and enables you to create apps and services that run on any device. In this article, we're going to find out what Azure is, so you can better understand its basics when deciding to adopt the platform.
Microsoft Azure or AWS?
Before we plunge into Azure services, let's touch upon a vital question. Amazon Web Services (AWS) vs. Microsoft Azure - which one is better?
There's no definitive answer: both Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure are worth every dollar spent. In the majority of cases, the choice boils down to the specific requirements of a business. If you're looking for a reliable Platform-as-a-service (PaaS) provider, choose Azure. If Windows integration is a necessity, the answer is the same. On the other hand, AWS would be the preferable choice if a business needs a robust infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS).
Both AWS and Azure have a large list of IaaS and PaaS offerings. However, it would be fair to say that choosing Azure would be wise for big players, while AWS is the choice for SMBs (especially US-based ones). Vlad Yanum, Cloud and Big Data architect at Akveo, suggests basing your choice upon the following aspects:
- Current usage of the CSP;
- Availability of the needed services (mainly PaaS);
- Familiarity with the toolset;
- Vendor lock-in vs. open-source tech support;
- Pricing;
- Regulatory/industry compliance;
What types of cloud services exist?
Microsoft Azure includes three primary services: Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).
Platform as a Service (PaaS): This service provides infrastructure and tools to develop your software from scratch. With PaaS, you don't have to care about hardware at all. Instead, you get everything you need to start creating your application right away, from programming language execution environments and databases to an operating system.
PaaS may be preferable for companies with an IT infrastructure in place. Sure, employees will have to configure the PaaS platform software themselves. Still, in return, the organization will have greater control over the development processes when delivering the finished software to customers.
Software as a Service (SaaS): With SaaS, you can access an application available to the general user audience on the Internet. The idea behind this service is easy: think Office 365, Gmail, Salesforce, or GoToMeeting. In other words, an app is ready for work once you've logged in.
SaaS services work best for organizations that can't afford to buy on-premise solutions. In their turn, large companies can use this model for short-term projects that require fast, simple, and reliable solutions.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): This service offers an infrastructure to store data or deploy and run applications. With IaaS, the client can choose data storage, virtual servers, machines, operating systems, networks, and load balancers.
If you don't want to maintain your own on-premises data center, such a service is a perfect match for your business. IaaS services are a cost-effective alternative to buying equipment and creating local infrastructure. In simple terms: migrating to IaaS saves time and money in the long term.
What’s more, Azure provides an array of SDKs and tools for managing and interacting with Azure services. Check out the whole list from the official website:
What products does Azure include?
It's worth saying that Microsoft has fully embraced the open-source movement. Using Azure HDInsight, it's possible to run open-source frameworks such as Apache Hadoop, Spark, Kubernetes (AKS), Hive, Kafka, etc.
The support of open-source tools allows businesses to avoid vendor lock-in solutions. This basically means that customers might migrate to/from Azure from other CSP/on-premise easier.
To supplement its services, Microsoft Azure comes with a rich product line that offers a solid base for web/mobile apps, networking, computing, storage, databases, big data analytics, security, etc. Let's check some of these products in detail.
The platform provides tools for building, deploying, and testing both web and mobile applications. Plus, Microsoft Azure provides full support for APIs. Azure Web App Service allows developing and deploying robust web applications using the language of your preference. The service supports Windows and Linux environments and automatically deploys applications created using .NET, PHP, NodeJS, Java, Python, etc., frameworks through VSTS and GitHub. Azure Mobile App Service allows developers to create native Android, iOS, and Windows smartphone apps. It also supports hybrid cross-platform applications developed with Cordova or Xamarin.
As data is only growing globally, storage space is one of the most critical requirements for businesses of any size. Azure Storage Service provides storage options such as disk, file, blob, and queue, not to mention backup and recovery mechanisms. What's even more important is that all the user data stored using Azure Storage Service is secure and durable.
And what about database storage? Microsoft Azure allows storing large volumes of structured data using several types of database-storage options. These database-as-a service services include:
- Azure MySQL and PostgreSQL Database;
- Azure SQL Database;
- Maria DB;
- Table Storage;
- Azure Cosmos DB;
- Redis Cache.
Undoubtedly, security is a vital concern for any business, especially in today’s circumstances. Azure Identity provides single sign-on and multi-factor authentication to help protect users from 99.9% of cyber attacks. Azure Key Vault service offers security and control over keys and passwords and strengthens data protection and compliance. Multi-Factor Authentication Service offers a two-step authentication access to the simple sign-in process. With a supplementary layer of user verification, the app you're using becomes more secure.
AI, Machine Learning, and chatbots services are also available. These Azure services allow the creation of top-notch analytics solutions and ML & AI models to deploy via the cloud. As for the creation of chatbots, Azure Bot Service gets you fully covered.
What is Microsoft Azure consulting?
So why does one need to resort to Microsoft Azure consulting? The answer is rather simple: such services help companies proceed with successful Azure migration and carry out reliable cloud-native development and environment optimization.
Usually, Azure consultants start with pre-assessment and strategic planning to move further to Azure deployment itself. Overall, with Microsoft Azure consulting services, it gets a lot easier to accelerate the digital transformation for a business of any size.
How can Akveo help with Azure consulting?
Here at Akveo, we help businesses across business domains renovate their infrastructure, operational processes, and business applications. Our Microsoft Azure consulting services include everything you need to take towards successful and cost-effective Microsoft Azure migration. From a step-by-step strategic plan to implementation and further maintenance, we're here to support your digital transformation. The team of industry-leading Microsoft Azure consultants will convert your vision into reality.
Our certified Azure experts can help you implement a secure, scalable, and easy to manage cloud infrastructure. It's possible to hire our experts on a full-time, part-time or temp-to-hire basis. Contact us today to discuss your project.
To sum up
Over the last five years, many industry professionals have seen the rise of cloud computing as "unprecedented." In 2020, the public cloud services market grew 24.1%, with the IaaS and PaaS segments growing at an even faster pace. This growth means that companies are increasingly relying on cloud infrastructure and cloud-native platforms for application deployment.
Nowadays, the Azure platform is gradually becoming a household name in industries worldwide. According to the report by Business Quant, Azure made up to as much as 10.5% of Microsoft’s total revenue in 2019. What's more, Gartner predicts public cloud spendings to increase by 18% internationally in 2021. As many as 70% of companies will increase their cloud spending due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This way, it would be fair to conclude that Azure is a match made in heaven for businesses of any size, from aspiring startups to established corporations. Our certified team of Microsoft Azure consultants, solution architects, and engineers will help you get the best out of Azure migration consulting, development, and optimization. Contact us at contact@akveo.com, and let's start your journey towards digital transformation today.
Billing Automation for a SaaS Company with Low-Code
Our client needed a robust billing solution to manage hierarchical licenses, ensure compliance, and automate invoicing for streamlined operations.
The solution:
We developed a Retool-based application that supports multi-tiered licenses, automates invoicing workflows, and integrates seamlessly with CRM and accounting platforms to enhance financial data management.
The result:
- Achieved 100% adherence to licensing agreements, mitigating penalties.
- Automated invoicing and workflows reduced manual effort significantly.
- Dashboards and reports improved decision-making and operational visibility.
Retool Dashboards with HubSpot Integration
Our client needed a centralized tool to aggregate account and contact activity, improving visibility and decision-making for the sales team.
The solution
We built a Retool application integrated with HubSpot, QuickMail, and Clay.com. The app features dashboards for sorting, filtering, and detailed views of companies, contacts, and deals, along with real-time notifications and bidirectional data syncing.
The result
- MVP in 50 hours: Delivered a functional application in just 50 hours.
- Smarter decisions: Enabled data-driven insights for strategic planning.
- Streamlined operations: Reduced manual tasks with automation and real-time updates.
Lead Generation Tool to Reduce Manual Work
Our client, Afore Capital, a venture capital firm focused on pre-seed investments, aimed to automate their lead generation processes but struggled with existing out-of-the-box solutions. To tackle this challenge, they sought assistance from our team of Akveo Retool experts.
The scope of work
The client needed a tailored solution to log and track inbound deals effectively. They required an application that could facilitate the addition, viewing, and editing of company and founder information, ensuring data integrity and preventing duplicates. Additionally, Afore Capital aimed to integrate external tools like PhantomBuster and LinkedIn to streamline data collection.
The result
By developing a custom Retool application, we streamlined the lead generation process, significantly reducing manual data entry. The application enabled employees to manage inbound deals efficiently while automated workflows for email parsing, notifications, and dynamic reporting enhanced operational efficiency. This allowed Afore Capital's team to focus more on building relationships with potential founders rather than on administrative tasks.
Retool CMS Application for EdTech Startup
Our client, CutTime, a leading fine arts education management platform, needed a scalable CMS application to improve vendor product management and user experience.
The scope of work
We developed a Retool application that allows vendors to easily upload and manage product listings, handle inventory, and set shipping options. The challenge was to integrate the app with the client’s system, enabling smooth authentication and product management for program directors.
The result
Our solution streamlined product management, reducing manual work for vendors, and significantly improving operational efficiency.
Building Reconciliation Tool for e-commerce company
Our client was in need of streamlining and simplifying its monthly accounting reconciliation process – preferably automatically. But with a lack of time and low budget for a custom build, development of a comprehensive software wasn’t in the picture. After going through the case and customer’s needs, we decided to implement Retool. And that was the right choice.
The scope of work
Our team developed a custom reconciliation tool designed specifically for the needs of high-volume transaction environments. It automated the processes and provided a comprehensive dashboard for monitoring discrepancies and anomalies in real-time.
The implementation of Retool significantly reduced manual effort, as well as fostered a more efficient and time-saving reconciliation process.
Creating Retool Mobile App for a Wine Seller
A leading spirits and wine seller in Europe required the development of an internal mobile app for private client managers and administrators. The project was supposed to be done in 1,5 months. Considering urgency and the scope of work, our developers decided to use Retool for swift and effective development.
The scope of work
Our developers built a mobile application tailored to the needs of the company's sales force: with a comprehensive overview of client interactions, facilitated order processing, and enabled access to sales history and performance metrics. It was user-friendly, with real-time updates, seamlessly integrated with existing customer databases.
The result? Increase in productivity of the sales team and improved decision-making process. But most importantly, positive feedback from the customers themselves.
Developing PoC with Low Code for a Tour Operator
To efficiently gather, centralize, and manage data is a challenge for any tour operator. Our client was not an exception. The company was seeking to get an internal software that will source information from third-party APIs and automate the travel itinerary creation process. Preferably, cost- and user-friendly tool.
The scope of work
Our experts ensured the client that all the requirements could be covered by Retool. And just in 40 hours a new software was launched. The tool had a flexible and easy-to-use interface with user authentication and an access management system panel – all the company needed. At the end, Retool was considered the main tool to replace the existing system.
Testing New Generation of Lead Management Tool with Retool
Our client, a venture fund, had challenges with managing lead generation and client acquisition. As the company grew, it aimed to attract more clients and scale faster, as well as automate the processes to save time, improve efficiency and minimize human error. The idea was to craft an internal lead generation tool that will cover all the needs. We’ve agreed that Retool will be a perfect tool for this.
The scope of work
The project initially began as a proof of concept, but soon enough, with each new feature delivered, the company experienced increased engagement and value.
We developed a web tool that integrates seamlessly with Phantombuster for data extraction and LinkedIn for social outreach. Now, the company has a platform that elevates the efficiency of their lead generation activities and provides deep insights into potential client bases.
Building an Advanced Admin Portal for Streamlined Operations
Confronted with the need for more sophisticated internal tools, an owner of IP Licensing marketplace turned to Retool to utilize its administrative functions. The primary goal was to construct an advanced admin portal that could support complex, multi-layered processes efficiently.
The scope of work
Our client needed help with updating filters and tables for its internal platform. In just 30 hours we've been able to update and create about 6 pages. Following features were introduced: add complex filtering and search, delete records, styling application with custom CSS.
Together, we have increased performance on most heavy pages and fixed circular dependency issues.
Creating MVP Dashboard for Google Cloud Users
Facing the challenge of unoptimized cloud resource management, a technology firm working with Google Cloud users was looking for a solution to make its operations more efficient. The main idea of the project was to create an MVP for e-commerce shops to test some client hypotheses. Traditional cloud management tools fell short.
The scope of work
Determined to break through limitations, our team of developers turned Retool. We decided to craft an MVP Dashboard specifically for Google Cloud users. This wasn't just about bringing data into view; but about reshaping how teams interact with their cloud environment.
We designed a dashboard that turned complex cloud data into a clear, strategic asset thanks to comprehensive analytics, tailored metrics, and an intuitive interface, that Retool provides. As the results, an increase in operational efficiency, significant improvement in cost management and resource optimization.
Elevating CRM with Custom HubSpot Sales Dashboard
Our other client, a SaaS startup, that offers collaborative tools for design and engineering teams, was on a quest to supercharge their sales efforts. Traditional CRM systems were limited and not customizable enough. The company sought a solution that could tailor HubSpot to their workflow and analytics needs.
The scope of work
Charged with the task of going beyond standard CRM functions, our team turned to Retool. We wanted to redefine how sales teams interact with their CRM.
By integrating advanced analytics, custom metrics, and a user-friendly interface, our developers provided a solution that transformed data into a strategic asset.
In 40 hours, three informative dashboards were developed, containing the most sensitive data related to sales activities. These dashboards enable our customer to analyze sales and lead generation performance from a different perspective and establish the appropriate KPIs.
Building a PDF Editor with Low-Code
Our client, a leading digital credential IT startup, needed a lot of internal processes to be optimized. But the experience with low-code tools wasn’t sufficient. That’s why the company decided to hire professionals. And our team of developers joined the project.
The scope of work
The client has a program that designs and prints custom badges for customers. The badges need to be “mail-merged” with a person’s info and turned into a PDF to print. But what is the best way to do it?
Our developers decided to use Retool as a core tool. Using custom components and JavaScript, we developed a program that reduced employees' time for designing, putting the data, verifying, and printing PDF badges in one application.
As a result, the new approach significantly reduces the time required by the internal team to organize all the necessary staff for the conference, including badge creation.
