Director at a non-profit with 51-200 employees
Real User
Responsive technical support with a good pricing model and useful disaster recover capabilities
Pros and Cons
  • "There is the potential to scale."
  • "In a month, there is a plan to increase pricing, which is something we are not looking forward to."

What is our primary use case?

We primarily use the solution for backups and ASO.

What is most valuable?

The ASO is great.

We enjoy the disaster recovery aspect of the solution, which is very interesting, as we pay when it is on. When it's off we don't pay. 

There is no effort investment. We just pay what is being replicated, that's all.

There is the potential to scale.

The stability is good.

We've found the technical support to be responsive. 

What needs improvement?

In a month, there is a plan to increase pricing, which is something we are not looking forward to.

For how long have I used the solution?

We've worked with the solution since it was first released. We've used it for a while.

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Microsoft Azure
March 2024
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The product is very stable compared to if you are going to employ it in-house. There are no bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze. t's reliable. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The scalability is good. If you need to expand it, you can.

We are in Mauritius. Mauritius is a very small country. We have about 1.2 million inhabitants. We are not that big of a country. I have about 25 clients using it.

How are customer service and support?

We are an indirect reseller. We do have the CSP, the cloud service provider, in Mauritius, with whom we purchase. When we have an issue, we deal with them. They do have engineers that provide support as well.

That said, if there are any big troubles then we contact Microsoft directly. So far, our experience has been very positive. The callback is within 20 minutes. It's fine.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is not simple. You need to be trained. It's not like it's just ready to be implemented - you need to be trained in what you are doing.

The deployment is quick and only takes about one day.

What was our ROI?

We do get an ROI from the disaster recovery aspect of the solution. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The pricing is great, as we only pay for what we use. 

That said, the prices are about to increase in the next month.

We do have some clients in South Africa and some clients in Germany, however, we've noticed that the pricing for Germany is less expensive than South Africa. South Africa has a new data center, which is likely why the price is a bit high.

What other advice do I have?

We implement the solution. We are silver resellers. 

We are using the latest version of the solution.

I'd rate the solution at a nine out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud

If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

Microsoft Azure
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Software Architect at AIOPS group
Real User
Top 5Leaderboard
Powerful and easy to integrate
Pros and Cons
  • "One of the most valuable features of Azure is that it's a very integrated solution. You have to learn how to use it properly, but it's not that hard, and you can define your whole scrum process and deploy it from one place. It was a really nice surprise to see how easily integrated this tool is."
  • "I would say an improvement could be allowing for more external, third-party tools. However, I think that's their vision, how they develop the product."

What is our primary use case?

We have many use cases of Azure. For example, in this project, we usually use Jira for tracking the tasks, stories, etc., but in this case we used Azure. We used it for the whole scrum process. We also used it as our deployment environment for testing the software and production. The production was also deployed on the Azure cloud. 

What is most valuable?

One of the most valuable features of Azure is that it's a very integrated solution. You have to learn how to use it properly, but it's not that hard, and you can define your whole scrum process and deploy it from one place. It was a really nice surprise to see how easily integrated this tool is.

What needs improvement?

I would say an improvement could be allowing for more external, third-party tools. However, I think that's their vision, how they develop the product. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Azure for about a year. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

This solution is stable. We were quite happy with Azure's performance.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Azure is scalable. 

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I have also used AWS. To put it this way, I don't think Azure is worse than AWS—certainly it's not the same, so if you're used to using one, it may initially be different, but it's not hard to learn. Maybe if I use it more, I can give some specifics, but I think Azure is a very good solution. 

How was the initial setup?

Azure is a cloud tool, so the installation is a very easy process. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Their licensing costs might be a little bit lower, compared to AWS, but I'm not sure. I think we get licenses, especially on long-term projects, on a yearly basis. It could be cheaper. 

What other advice do I have?

I rate Microsoft Azure an eight out of ten. There is some hype in the industry around AWS, but I think Azure is quite powerful and could be a really nice alternative to AWS. 

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud

If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

Microsoft Azure
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Microsoft Azure
March 2024
Learn what your peers think about Microsoft Azure. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: March 2024.
767,995 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Real User
Remote data access from anywhere, stable, and scalable
Pros and Cons
  • "The best feature in Microsoft Azure is that I don't have to change computers. I don't have to upgrade or if something breaks or a hard drive crashes. The lack of a physical aspect is the major feature for me."

    What is our primary use case?

    I generally, use Microsoft Azure for storage and to have applications running, such as the Microsoft Suite without having to have a physical desktop or hardware. I could use it wherever I want. I could use it from a tablet, instead of having all that files on a tablet, you can have it stored, saved, everything right there in Azure.

    What is most valuable?

    The best feature in Microsoft Azure is that I don't have to change computers. I don't have to upgrade or if something breaks or a hard drive crashes. The lack of a physical aspect is the major feature for me.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I have been using Microsoft Azure for approximately two years.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    Microsoft Azure is stable.

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    I do not have to worry about scalability because I do not have users other than myself. However, it is scalable.

    How are customer service and support?

    I have not had the need to contact the support, I have not any issues.

    How was the initial setup?

    The installation was easy.

    What was our ROI?

    By using Microsoft Azure you can save money from not having to purchase or maintain infrastructure.

    What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

    The price of the solution could be reduced. There should be a loyalty cost reduction model. If customers have been using the service year after year they should receive a discount.

    What other advice do I have?

    I would advise those thinking about using Microsoft Azure to try it out, especially for businesses. If you know that your office might be moving, instead of having all the cost of physical hardware to either get rid of or repurchase, the cost of the subscription is going to be a lot less than moving all your physical servers, storage devices, and computers. You won't have any maintenance, the need to worry about hardware breaking, hardware crashing, or people breaking any of the hardware. The workstations and connectivity are all they would need to worry about if they decided to move from one spot to the other.

    I rate Microsoft Azure an eight out of ten.

    Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

    Public Cloud
    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
    Head of Business Security Advisory at a retailer with 10,001+ employees
    Real User
    Responsive and dedicated support, and the security is good
    Pros and Cons
    • "The support is responsive and dedicated to SMEs."
    • "Overall, the solution is good but there are some minor technical issues that can be resolved."

    What is our primary use case?

    We use Microsoft Azure for many different things. It depends on the customer's requirements. For some, they use it for tasks, data lakes, and integration. Others use it for Business analytics.

    There are a few easy ones that use it as the ESPs, a few workloads, creating a three-tier application database and web for specific internal clients, or it could be larger with several integration points.

    What is most valuable?

    I worked with one of the largest airlines in the region or perhaps even in the world, and Microsoft service was one of the most prestigious ones.

    What needs improvement?

    Overall, the solution is good but there are some minor technical issues that can be resolved.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I have been using Microsoft Azure for quite some time. Including the previews, it has been five or six years.

    How are customer service and technical support?

    The support is responsive and dedicated to SMEs.

    When there is a new case or, a requirement from the business, we rapidly check with the vendors in our region. We also sometimes work directly with Microsoft.

    Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

    Generally, I work in IT and have experience with some cloud-based solutions.

    There are several products that I appreciate from a security standpoint.

    What other advice do I have?

    I work in security and tend to appreciate security products more.

    I would rate Microsoft Azure a ten out of ten.

    Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

    Hybrid Cloud

    If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

    Microsoft Azure
    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
    IT Projects Manager at a hospitality company with 10,001+ employees
    Real User
    Stable, reasonably priced, and has the ability to scale
    Pros and Cons
    • "We have found the scalability to be good."
    • "The deployment was quite complex."

    What is our primary use case?

    We primarily use the solution as a server for some applications. 

    What is most valuable?

    As a software data center, we can put some pretty cool applications running there.

    The stability is very good. It's reliable. 

    We have found the scalability to be good. 

    The pricing is reasonable. It's not too expensive.

    What needs improvement?

    They develop so fast, it's hard to trace the technology. They have a lot of folders, for example, and it's hard to keep up with changes. 

    The deployment was quite complex. It's not easy to implement. 

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I've been using the solution for about a year or so. It hasn't been that long so far.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    The stability of the product is very good. It doesn't have bugs or glitches and it doesn't crash or freeze. It's been very reliable for the most part.

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    The solution scales well. If a company needs to scale it out, it can do so. It's not a problem at all. 

    How are customer service and technical support?

    We haven't really used support so far. I can't speak to how helpful or responsive they are. 

    How was the initial setup?

    The initial setup isn't exactly straightforward. The deployment is a complex process.

    What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

    We're happy with the licensing pricing in general. It's not overly expensive. 

    What other advice do I have?

    We have a business relationship with Microsoft.

    I'd recommend the solution to other users and companies. We've been largely happy with its capabilities in general. 

    I'd rate the solution at an eight out of ten.

    Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

    Public Cloud

    If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

    Microsoft Azure
    Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
    PeerSpot user
    Pradeep Saxena - PeerSpot reviewer
    Chief Technical Officer at Evangelist
    Real User
    Provides monitoring and security with good performance
    Pros and Cons
    • "Everything is very good by way of performance."
    • "It would be nice to have faster support."

    What is our primary use case?

    We are working with the latest version.

    What is most valuable?

    PaaS is a valuable feature, which allows for management visibility of Microsoft. Everything is very good by way of performance. Many of my customers are using SaaS and PaaS and are happy with its tasks and performance. There are many tools, such as monitoring. The security can change along with your defender. 

    From the perspective of management, the solution has functional apps that are running, SQL as a service. Everything is pretty good. 

    What needs improvement?

    In my role as a service provider the vendor appointment may be required from the Microsoft plan. Occasionally, the response time is inadequate. It would be nice to have faster support. 

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I have been using and providing Microsoft Azure services since 2000. As of 2011 I have been providing PaaS and IaaS services. 

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    The solution is stable under the right circumstances. 

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    The solution is scalable. 

    How was the initial setup?

    The initial setup is not complex. The solution is user-friendly. A good working knowledge enables one to do a pretty good job in comparison with AWS. 

    What other advice do I have?

    Microsoft is in the process of implementing a vast security apparatus. Their security features are really good. The ones that are part of Microsoft Azure allow for vulnerability assessment, with good security features. In the event of someone deploying a red flag or app they get in contact with you and take action. 

    Our customers run the gamut from small, medium to enterprise businesses. SMB comprise our major customers, with two or three being enterprise. 

    As I am a Microsoft partner, I recommend Microsoft exclusively. 

    I rate Microsoft Azure as a ten out of ten. 

    Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

    Public Cloud

    If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

    Microsoft Azure
    Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: partner
    PeerSpot user
    Enterprise architect at a computer software company with 201-500 employees
    Real User
    Has fast cycle development time and good coupling with internal and external tools
    Pros and Cons
    • "The cycle development time is pretty fast, and there's very good coupling within the whole set of Microsoft tools, from database to the ETL engine, ingestion through Azure Data Factory, then modeling Synapse Analytics, and reporting through Power BI."
    • "I think better accelerators and better tools that can be used to migrate and leverage the existing models and data schemas are needed."

    What is our primary use case?

    It could be used for overall migration from on-premises systems for data ingestion to data processing, data modeling, advanced analytics, and high-end reporting. Microsoft Azure can be used to move from conventional, on-premises relational and traditional data systems and big data systems to the cloud.

    What is most valuable?

    I have found cost advantage and faster execution to be valuable features. Overall, Microsoft products are budget-friendly. 

    The cycle development time is pretty fast, and there's very good coupling within the whole set of Microsoft tools, from the database to the ETL engine, ingestion through Azure Data Factory, then modeling with Synapse Analytics, and reporting through Power BI.

    You also have the ability to integrate with external tools if required. For instance, if you don't want to model on Synapse Analytics, which is a Microsoft product, you can use Snowflake. So, it allows customers to adopt a hybrid approach of mix and match when needed.

    What needs improvement?

    As for improvement, I think better accelerators and better tools that can be used to migrate and leverage the existing models and data schemas are needed. 

    Also, on the ETL side, we can convert data pipelines that are already setup on-premises and business tools that already exist. If we can migrate and automate these into Azure faster, it would be great. I think a faster migration path will help. There is a lot of scope for improvement in this area.

    Better reporting capabilities would be good also, because as of now, Microsoft Azure has its own path with Power BI. However, better integration with other enterprise reporting platforms would help.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I've been using Microsoft Azure for two to three years.

    How are customer service and technical support?

    Technical support is good for all cloud platforms since it is at a global level. So, it is very professional.

    How was the initial setup?

    Installation is very fast and can take a few minutes to an hour. A lot of documentation is available, so it could be done in-house.

    What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

    Microsoft Azure comes with a long-term license and trial licenses as well.

    What other advice do I have?

    I would rate this solution at nine on a scale from one to ten.

    The strategy we are employing is to adopt a hybrid approach rather than switching all at once. We are moving in small bits and having both environments for business continuity. Then, once we and the users are feeling more confident, we will totally switch to the cloud.

    Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

    Public Cloud
    Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
    PeerSpot user
    System Administrator at a government with 201-500 employees
    Real User
    Reliable, has easy provisioning, and offers good integration capabilities
    Pros and Cons
    • "The solution offers very good upgrades and updates regularly."
    • "Technical support is lacking right now. It needs to be better."

    What is our primary use case?

    We're using the product as an infrastructure as a service. I'm basically using it to host services.

    What is most valuable?

    The product is very easy to provision. This is one of its most valuable aspects.

    The solution offers pretty good integration capabilities at this time.

    We've found the pricing to be pretty good so far. It's not too expensive.

    The initial setup is very straightforward.

    The stability is quite good. It's a reliable product.

    We have found the scalability to be very good.

    The solution offers very good upgrades and updates regularly.

    What needs improvement?

    The product can be a bit confusing at times. It's not well laid out. The interface, for example, can be a bit hard to figure out and they seem to be constantly changing things on us.

    It's a rather new product and therefore lacks the maturity of other options. There is much they can do to add to it and to improve it. That may likely come with more time.

    Up until two or so years ago, they weren't even accepting customer feedback on the solution. They've just started to do so, and they have given users a sense that improvements will be on the way sometime in the future.

    Technical support is lacking right now. It needs to be better.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    We've been using the solution for more than 12 months at this point. It's been a while.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    The solution is very stable. There are no bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze. The performance, overall, has been rather reliable for our organization.

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    The product has the capability to expand. If a company needs to scale it, it can do so. It's not a problem.

    How are customer service and technical support?

    Technical support needs to be better. We are not quite satisfied with their level of support. They need to be more responsive to use when we have queries. 

    Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

    We actually use Amazon as well. We did use it before, however, we are also still using it. We use both Azure and Amazon at this time.

    How was the initial setup?

    We did not find the initial setup to be too complex. It's pretty straightforward. A company should be able to handle the deployment without too many issues.

    What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

    The pricing is decent. We don't find that they are charging too much. It's pretty fair.

    What other advice do I have?

    As a cloud deployment, the solution is constantly updating itself, therefore we always have access to the latest release.

    We have about 300 to 400 users on it currently. It's a business unit with various users of different job descriptions.

    We are planning to increase the usage in the future.

    I'm not sure if the company will use this solution for the long term or if they are considering trying something new. That is yet to be determined.

    Overall, I would rate the solution at a nine out of ten. We're mostly quite happy with it in general.

    Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

    Public Cloud

    If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

    Microsoft Azure
    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
    Buyer's Guide
    Download our free Microsoft Azure Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
    Updated: March 2024
    Buyer's Guide
    Download our free Microsoft Azure Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.