Microsoft Azure: Powering Dynamics 365 for Enhanced Business Performance

What is Microsoft Azure?

Microsoft Azure is a public cloud computing platform that serves as an online portal, enabling users to access and manage cloud services and resources provided by Microsoft. It includes everything a business needs to run computing operations online seamlessly—from servers and data storage to networking and analytics. Users can select the services they need, paying only for what they use with a subscription-based, pay-as-you-go model. Once subscribed, you gain access to the Azure Portal and its extensive range of services, including offerings from third-party vendors directly through Azure.

Azure CRM with Dynamics 365

Azure is more than just a cloud platform; it's a robust tool that maximizes the potential of your CRM and ERP solutions. With compatibility for open-source technologies, users have the flexibility to use their preferred tools and technologies. Azure is particularly well-suited for building, deploying, and managing Dynamics 365 applications, as Dynamics 365 is specifically built for and on Azure. Together, these products drive business growth by integrating ERP, business intelligence, infrastructure, computing, and database services into a single, flexible platform. Azure’s support for hybrid solutions allows organizations of all sizes to adopt Dynamics 365 at their own pace, combining on-premise and cloud deployment to avoid significant disruptions. For example, a company may choose to implement Dynamics 365 with an on-site database while running the rest of their CRM and ERP in the cloud.

Tools That Are Built for Each Other

As part of the Microsoft ecosystem, Dynamics 365 and Azure offer tremendous benefits. Hosting Dynamics 365 on Microsoft Azure ensures seamless integration without the need for custom links between applications. Out-of-the-box, your applications will work together smoothly, reducing implementation costs and increasing the likelihood of a successful rollout. Additionally, Azure and Dynamics 365 provide continuous, uninterrupted system access with secure connections via web browsers on smartphones, tablets, or computers. Leveraging Microsoft’s global data centers, your data is safeguarded with a 99.9% availability guarantee.

Easy Access Control

With Microsoft Dataverse, Dynamics 365 securely stores data, allowing business applications and processes to interact with a unified set of data and business logic. Azure then manages the accessibility of this information, offering robust access control features to protect your data, reports, and overall ERP and CRM activity. Azure’s access control allows you to restrict access to specific elements of the cloud environment. By using Azure Active Directory in Dynamics 365, you can assign roles and ensure users only have access to the information they are authorized to see.

Secure Encryption Options

Microsoft Azure is renowned as the most trusted cloud platform, particularly for its encryption options and extensive compliance coverage. Unlike other cloud platforms, Azure allows customers to easily manage, store, back up, and control access to Dynamics 365 data. Fully compliant with ISO 27018, Azure ensures your data is protected while remaining accessible from anywhere. It also offers industry-specific encryption standards, including FedRAMP High Authorization (for 18 Azure services) and more than 70 compliance certifications, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Service Models That Meet Your Requirements

Azure is designed to accommodate businesses of all sizes and budgets, offering flexibility in how you build, scale, and develop products and services. It provides three service models:

• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Azure’s IaaS model includes essential physical data centers, computing, networking, and storage resources. Your infrastructure is moved from your servers to Microsoft’s backend, with your team responsible for managing the operating system, while Microsoft manages networking and virtual aspects.

• Platform as a Service (PaaS): In the PaaS model, Azure offers a complete development and deployment environment in the cloud, including development tools, business intelligence (BI) services, and database management systems. This model simplifies and reduces the cost of building, scaling, and developing products and services. Microsoft manages the services, while your team handles data and applications.

• Software as a Service (SaaS): With SaaS, Microsoft provides everything needed to build, deploy, and scale applications. Users can access data from any device while connecting to and using cloud-based apps like email, calendaring, and office tools (e.g., Microsoft Office 365). Microsoft manages hardware, software, availability, and security, enabling users to quickly deploy new apps at minimal cost.

Azure is also available in a traditional On-Premises model, where your team is responsible for maintaining and operating the entire system without cloud capabilities.

Are You Ready for Azure CRM?

When combined with Dynamics 365, Microsoft Azure enables organizations to remain competitive by fully leveraging their CRM and ERP solutions. This cost-efficient platform also offers significant savings when moving to the cloud. For instance, the PaaS model eliminates the need for maintaining and refreshing servers and hardware, reducing electricity costs and minimizing the need for dedicated IT staff. Additionally, Azure’s subscription-based model allows for accurate cost prediction, with the flexibility to scale your system as your needs or workload change.

If you’re considering moving your ERP or CRM solution to the cloud, Microsoft Azure is the way to go.

Want to Implement Azure? Contact our Team and let us help you!