As a dependable supplier of quality software and IT solutions, Microsoft has become the first choice of many companies since it started in 1975. In this article, we examine some of the current online confusion surrounding Microsoft’s Azure and 365, in an attempt to provide clarification between these two cloud applications.

By moving its solutions to the cloud, Microsoft has enabled companies, and individuals to access their software without having to physically go out to make a purchase or to perform regular updates, since these are automatically done in the cloud.

Are Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Azure The Same?

The simple answer is no. When used together, Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Azure complement each other by providing businesses with the powerful IT infrastructure and software that they need to run their business applications from the cloud.

What is Microsoft 365?

Microsoft 365, previously known as Office 365, is a Software as a Service (SaaS), which enables you to access cloud-based software or applications through the internet, without having to upload them to a PC from a disk or manually update them. This is a subscription-based service, and users can log in from any device and any location. Microsoft 365 provides the full MS Office suite of applications including Word, PowerPoint, Excel and the rest of the software family that we are all very familiar with by now.

What is Microsoft Azure?

Microsoft Azure, previously known as Windows Azure, is a public cloud computing platform, which is comprised of hardware and software components allowing users to access the cloud computing model through the internet. Azure replaces or enhances on-site servers and provides, amongst other services, virtual computing, analytics, networking and data storage.

Azure is both an Infrastructure as a Service (Iaas) and a Platform as a Service (PaaS), which allows companies more control over the configuration of their IT hardware and software. Developers can now better manage their IT infrastructure to create and distribute as much cloud computing power as they need.

Microsoft Azure allows companies to select from either public or private cloud, as well as presenting a hybrid option. Azure is best suited to companies that want to connect their existing data centres to the cloud and it is proving to be stiff competition for similar services provided by Google and Amazon.

In terms of Azure’s benefits, it is an excellent means of backup and recovery due to its flexibility and site recovery abilities. Azure also provides a platform for businesses to host or develop applications for either mobile or website use. Azure allows automatic patch updates to be streamed to ensure that companies can focus on their core business, with the distraction of IT issues. Devices can be connected to the cloud and integrate with current infrastructure through Azure. Its enhanced security is also a major draw card to its popularity.

The Azure Active Directory is used by Microsoft 365 to create and manage user identities and can also manage other integrated applications to customise existing Microsoft 365 subscriptions.

As IT technology changes rapidly, companies are able to reduce their dependence on ageing and inflexible hardware by moving their IT infrastructure and software into the cloud. This has the added benefit of reducing costly maintenance, as well as providing businesses with flexible IT solutions that can quickly be scaled according to the company’s business strategy.

As a paid subscriber to Microsoft 365, users automatically have access to a free Azure AD subscription, which is activated by simply completing and submitting an online registration form.

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Westech has transformed the nature of IT Support Services in South Africa with their fast turn-around times, high standard of personalised customer support and the latest hardware and software in IT technology. Since 1994, the company has provided over 225,000 hours of technical support to their customers. This innovative company has designed a mobile application to assist its clients with instant access to an IT Support Desk. Customer satisfaction regarding its fast service, decreased downtime, and reduced costs are recognised through their long-lasting mutual relationships. For additional information, visit Westech.