Top 10 Microsoft Azure Tools Every Business Should Leverage
Microsoft Azure is like a Swiss Army knife for businesses – packed with tools, each designed to solve a specific problem. But with so many options, figuring out which tools are actually useful for your business can feel like trying to find a pie floater in a sea of meat pies.
At Gray Area Consulting, we help Aussie businesses make smart tech choices, and Azure is often front and centre. Whether you’re already in the cloud or just dipping your toe in, here are the top 10 Azure tools we reckon are worth your attention.
1. Azure Active Directory (AAD)
Think of AAD as your digital bouncer. It manages user identities and controls access to resources. With features like multi-factor authentication and conditional access, it’s essential for protecting your business from unauthorised access. It also plays a key role in Identity and Access Management, a must-have in any modern cybersecurity strategy.
2. Azure Backup
We always say, if your backup plan is just crossing your fingers – you’re in trouble. Azure Backup offers automated cloud backups with built-in encryption and long-term retention, making it perfect for businesses that want to protect their data without the hassle of managing hardware. Learn more about smarter backup strategies in our article on Backup & Disaster Recovery.
3. Azure Site Recovery
When disaster strikes (and it eventually does), this tool helps keep your business ticking. Azure Site Recovery replicates your workloads across regions, letting you restore services quickly if things go pear-shaped. It’s a key component of any Disaster Recovery Plan.
4. Azure Monitor
Staying on top of your systems is easier with Azure Monitor. It gives you a bird’s eye view of performance and diagnostics across applications and infrastructure. It’s like having a mechanic watching your engine while you drive – handy for spotting issues before they become breakdowns.
5. Azure Security Centre
Cybersecurity isn’t just about firewalls anymore. Azure Security Centre offers real-time threat detection, compliance management, and security recommendations tailored to your environment. If you’re working towards aligning with the Essential Eight Framework, this tool is a solid starting point.
6. Azure Logic Apps
Need to automate repetitive tasks without writing code? Logic Apps lets you link services like Outlook, SharePoint, and Teams to automate workflows. For instance, you could automatically save email attachments to OneDrive or notify your team when a task is completed – saving hours every week.
7. Azure Virtual Desktop
Remote work is here to stay, and Azure Virtual Desktop makes it secure and seamless. Staff can access their desktop and apps from anywhere, without compromising security. Combine it with Windows 365 Cloud PC for a powerful, flexible workplace setup.
8. Azure DevOps
If your team is into software development, Azure DevOps is a game-changer. It offers tools for planning, testing, and deploying code. Even if you’re not a software company, more businesses are building internal tools or apps – and this platform makes the process smoother.
9. Azure Cost Management and Billing
No one likes bill shock. Azure Cost Management helps you keep track of your cloud spend, set budgets, and forecast future costs. It’s especially helpful for small businesses trying to make every dollar stretch further.
10. Azure AI and Machine Learning
AI isn’t just for the big end of town. Azure’s AI tools let you build smart apps, automate processes, and even analyse customer feedback. If you’re curious about how AI can benefit your business, we’ve covered a few practical ideas in our post on Generative AI for Small Business.
How to Get Started
Azure can be as simple or as complex as you make it. Some businesses just need the basics like backup and security. Others want to dive into automation and AI. Either way, the key is matching the right tools to your goals.
If you’re not sure where to start, our team at Gray Area Consulting can help you assess your current setup and recommend a path forward. Whether it’s Managed IT Services or a custom cloud migration plan, we’ve got the experience to get you where you need to go – without the tech jargon or the runaround.
Want to chat about how Azure can power up your business? Reach out today and let’s have a yarn.
