Cloud Computing

This Article was written by ActionPoint’s Head of Microsoft Cloud Solutions, Finian Nally.

When we break Azure down to its simplest terms, how can we describe it? It is a cloud computing service created by Microsoft in 2010 for building, deploying, testing and managing applications and services through a global network of Microsoft-managed data centres. Fast-forward almost 10 years, Azure is used by almost 70% of ActionPoint clients. The question therefore is, why? With numerous competitors such as Google and Amazon Web Services available, there are some blurred lines as to whom really has the best service. 

For ActionPoint, the answer has become quite clear through the years. Microsoft Azure combines infrastructure, platform and management services. This combined with their commitment to security, data privacy, trust and overall mission to empower every person and organisation to achieve more is at the forefront of choosing Azure. Furthermore, Azure incorporates cutting edge IoT, AI and Cognitive Services into its platform, which enable better-quality customer service, ultimately saving company resources and creating new business opportunities.

Flying High: Barry Fitzgerald, CTO of Cloud Cards receives the Best Innovative Start-up Award at the Limerick Chamber Awards last November.

CloudCards, an award-winning Limerick-based asset management company formed in April 2013 is a prime example of how beneficial cloud computing has been in transforming the workplace. CloudCards has been a client of ActionPoint since 2016. They came to ActionPoint with the aim of building their latest Asset Management System (AMS) on Salesforce. However, due to many technical limitations combined with their future global expansion plans and requirements for high degrees of security and data protection; ActionPoint advised CloudCards to use Azure. Azure is the most certified cloud that is available on the market and is leading the way in relation to complying with many global regulations including GDPR which was implemented on the 25th of May 2018.

ActionPoint advised using Azure because it’s scalable, secure and would allow them to grow their business internationally with ease. By building on the Azure platform CloudCards was able to expand their business. In February 2018, the company announced their expansion into the Chinese and South Korean Markets. Having a proven track record of excellent employee experience where-ever implemented, ActionPoint knew that Azure would provide valuable insight and information for CloudCards customers and employees.  

But what is the future of Microsoft Azure? In 2018, cloud consumption is growing at a rapid pace. According to Microsoft, “Azure is a growing collection of integrated cloud services—analytics, computing, database, mobile, networking, storage, and web—for moving faster, achieving more, and saving money.” At the beginning of 2018, Microsoft Azure’s share of the total cloud market was 31% with a projected commercial cloud annual run rate of $20million. Despite this expeditious pace of growth, what we admire about Microsoft Azure is that there’ll always be an emphasis placed on the customers “usability, security, productivity and intelligence.” 

As Microsoft look more to the world of AI and intelligent technology, the idea of the “intelligent edge” is a huge factor as to why Azure will continue to grow immensely in the coming years. As Microsoft Azure currently offers 62 compliance offerings, this makes it the platform with the largest portfolio in the world. It gets 120,000 new subscribers per month and is trusted by 90% of Fortune 500 companies. For ActionPoint, Azure has offered 70% of our clients effective and secure solutions. With the growing need for customer solutions to be provided in a secure manner, it’s a win-win for us and our clients.   

More Information:

To talk to ActionPoint about using Azure as part of your technology stack, click here.

 

Edited by Sarah Hayes, Digital Content Manager.

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