We Need Microsoft Licenses, Let's Go to Azure - or Not?
Obsah
Getting your clouud infrastructure from the license provider can seem like the most efficient solution.
The problem is that you are paying for much more than just the licenses. And with all the items, the business model of the provider and the limitations he decides to impose also play their role.
In this article, we will ook at 4 aspects that you have to take into account when you are looking for cloud and you need Microsoft licenses (for example for your server or terminal). Azure seems like a clear choice but because each company is unique, there is no saying without an analysis if that will be the case or not. And the analysis in your company can begin with these areas – price for all components, minimal service limits, business conditions and simplicity.
Finances
cost of computing resources
When a company needs for example a server with the WIN operating system, it might seem that that exact cost item will be the decision-makes – the lowest price wuns. And since it is the product owned by Microsoft, Azure wins.
But – Microsoft has its pricing policy that automatically doesn’t suggest your company should use it. You wouldn’t buy a specific car just because the color is without additional fees.
Operating a cloud architecture includes much more than license costs. It could happen that a solution you select will be cheaper somewhere else – even including the licenses. The price is mainly derived from computing resources and additional resources the provider decides to invoice. Such as the following categories.
Data transfers
One of the items you need to take into account in Azure is the data transfer. As soon as anything happens in your environment, the cash register goes chink.
This item is sneaky because it is virtually inpredictable. Each company goes through the transfer of quantities of data and each company has a different size of the quantities. This holds true not only compared to other companies but also compared to a different time period in the same company.
This item is a red flag and either you risk it or select a provider and a solution that doesn’t charge anything for data transfer (CLOUDPOINT included).
Partner program
One of the options of a good bargain service package is the Microsoft partner program. Various names and versions offer companies a combination of services at a discounted price. The list is long and you have to understand the slang to fully comperehend the benefits. It is a good call to ask for help with the understanding of the packages because are are talking big bucks – tens of thousands of crowns.
It is also a good call to ask for a consultation because it could happen that the type of architecture included in the partner package doesn’t fit the needs of your company. Firms can get into a situation when they have virtual servers but a mmuch better decision would be the virtual data center. Consultation regarding the architecture is always a good start (and we coincidentaly offer it for free).
Service Limits
Within the Azure platform, you will encounter the limitations in the form of predefined configurations and minimal storage sizes. These limits can result in cloud waste due to an insufficient adaptability to your needs.
server configuration
Applications and systems have their requierments for server sizes they run on and not always is it possible to find the exact match for the configuration in question. Sometimes you just have to settle for the nearest larger configuration.
As soon as you would need to scale, another server is on its way, not just edits to your current configuration. If that is the case, virtual data center is a gain a better option.
storage size based on speed
Drives have undergone development in their lifetime – first we had the platter HDDs then the SSDs came and now we have moved to the upgraded version of SSD NVMe. These drives differ among many things in the speed of writing. Some activities need a high speed, others not so much.
But within the Azure platform, you hit an obstacle – if you need to use the speeds of SSD NVMe, then you have to purchase at least 8 TB of the storage space. This is a lot and in majority of cases several times more than is necessary.
Terms and Conditions
Another good area to check are the terms and conditions and pricing policy approach. Microsoft has announced changes in its approach and this year marks the beginning of the semi-annual cycle of price optimization based on the development on the markets. This could mean that prices go up or that prices go down. Imagine the insecurity in planning your budget. Another alternative could be a provider that charges you in local currency – crowns for example – so there are no changes depending on the exchange rates.
Simplicity
The total cost of environment also needs to include an item that is not really visible at first sight – training of technicians. Your tech department has to become one with the environment, they have to understand it and have it as a part of their body. And the same has to go for the manager and invoicing.
Azure – Yes or No?
That decision is up to you. It should be based on a well-prepared needs analysis and architecture so that it doesn’t happen to you that you receive licenses with a discount but overall you will pay much more than if you got the solution from another provider. A detailed analysis can begin with a free consultation.
