Cloud based information management continues to be the safest and most efficient way to grow your business. There are many cloud computing platforms available, but a notable front runner is Microsoft Azure. Azure offers flexible, cost-effective, enterprise-grade computing, analytics, database, mobility solutions, storage and networking for businesses of all sizes.

Azure is proving to be a blueprint for cloud computing in the future because it is:

1. Intelligent
   Azure has a variety of AI tools and services to keep your business a step ahead. From cognitive services to data science, you’ll have the machine learning capabilities to make decisions today that will impact your business in the future. Azure also offers faster development, testing, deployment and maintenance functions for software and applications than other cloud providers. Services like Azure Stack and ExpressRoute bring fast-paced innovation and reliable and high-speed internet connections to your time sensitive projects to keep you ahead of the curve.
2. Secure
   Azure keeps security in mind with several features in place to identify, analyze and react to a threat. Additionally, Azure can help you fulfill your security and compliance obligations through its data encryption, network security and compliance certifications. No business is safe from a cyber-attack or a natural disaster. Azure provides Disaster-Recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS) to help your business keep moving forward after a major loss. Cloud computing removes the headache of on-site servers that need to be routinely updated with a heavy price tag.
3. Scalable
   Azure can handle a little or a lot. No matter what your business needs, Azure has the technology to handle all of your data traffic needs. Your business can integrate everything from the Internet of Things (IoT) to Excel. Azure holds everything you need to carry out your business processes and reduces the risk of integration failure which keeps business continuity and increases efficiency.
4. Flexible
   Azure is designed for all industries and can integrate with your preferred technology tools. Plus, Azure has four ways of cloud computing: infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), software as a service (SaaS) and serverless. With IaaS you have the option to pay-for-what-you-use on a subscription basis. So, you have maximum control over cost without giving up any of the services you need the most.
5. Versatile
   Azure offers a broad range of services allowing users to compute, analyze, store and network all in one place. The platform is also compatible with other Microsoft products and services which can help you leverage your current Microsoft investments. Azure also supports a Hybrid Cloud Model for your less sensitive data to live in the cloud, while business-critical data is on-premise.

Microsoft Azure can be complex, with a carefully planned migration, your business can reach top-notch performance.