The Microsoft Azure cloud service offering was the second most popular of its kind in 2021. Tech experts see 2022 as even more successful.The projection involves expectations that the service will become more vertically focused and integrated.
Microsoft Azure – often referred to simply as Azure – is a cloud computing service operated by Microsoft. It was designed for application management via Microsoft-managed data centers. Azure offers software as a service, platform as a service, and infrastructure as a service and integrates well with various programming languages, tools, and systems – whether Microsoft-specific or third-party. Increasingly, organizations are utilizing Azure to supplement or even replace their on-premise servers.
Microsoft works closely with industry-leading tech service providers to bring Azure-managed services to the market. However, the problem with successfully implementing Azure is one of time management – that on-site IT teams can find little time to develop new strategies or try new things, as day-to-day tasks (especially the growing need for cybersecurity) take the majority of their time.
Partnering with an Azure managed services provider can significantly change how an organization handles its business operations. Managed services may include service and financial monitoring, subscription management, operational tasks, and Azure governance assessments.
Introducing Microsoft Cloud
In 2022 and beyond, Microsoft’s plans include building between 50 and 100 new data centers annually. All offerings, products, and services will be compiled under a single name — Microsoft Cloud. At the beginning of the fiscal year 2022, Microsoft Cloud will be official and running as a revenue-generating group for Microsoft. Microsoft Cloud will include:
- Azure and its associated services
- Microsoft 365/Office 365
- Dynamics 365
- Various LinkedIn commercial services
- Enterprise Mobility + Security
- Online versions of SharePoint Server, Exchange Server, cloud database, and analytics services
Regarding Microsoft offerings, Azure has already surpassed Office 365, and analysts expect Azure to become one of the company’s biggest earners, estimating quarterly revenue at $11.8 billion by June 2022.
Microsoft will sell Azure to end-user customers via digital solutions such as Azure Quantum, Azure for Operators (Telecomm), and Azure Space (satellite imagery and related services.) These offerings are separate from Azure Cloud, but Microsoft is betting on them to successfully benefit from Azure Cloud’s popularity.
New Azure Products
Microsoft is using the success of the Azure brand to introduce new products under its umbrella. The company revealed a sneak peek of Azure Static Web Apps, an enterprise-grade edge powered by Azure Front Door. The app will allow websites to load more rapidly and increase reliability with additional security features. A company’s global apps will function without extra code and configurations.
In 2022, Azure is also teaming up with XPeng Motors (Guangzhou Xiaopeng Motors Technology Co Ltd), a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, an endeavor meant to explore the possibilities of AI voice experiences further. The teams will work on text-to-speech and expressive voice, self-service customization, and speaker fidelity utilizing Microsoft’s neural text-to-speech and speech-to-text technologies. (found in Azure’s Cognitive Services for speech system).
Adherents can expect continued enhancements and innovations from Azure and the introduction of more Azure-branded apps and solutions – expected to touch and influence all aspects of your business operations.
Want to learn more? The expert IT professionals at Alliance IT will be happy to explain how Microsoft Azure branded products and services can impact your business. Call today to find out how.
