Examples for Cloud Deployment Models in a Business Environment
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updates, patches, security and compatibility, as it is done in the cloud and
provisioned to the user.
8.2.1
Potential Benefits & Risks of Microsoft Windows Azure
Windows Azure is based on the Windows family, thus the familiarity aspect comes
into effect. Users are not required to reorganize or learn new techniques.
Furthermore applications and software designed for the Windows architecture can
be executed natively. Another advantage is scalability and flexibility. The license
models are based on per workplace usage and thus provide straightforwardness to
the company. Due to the similarity to other Windows products, Azure also provides
access to the comprehensive MSDN help center (Shinder, 2010).
Companies, which deploy proprietary ERP systems, are at a disadvantage
compared to those, that use an integrated IT solution from Microsoft like for example
Dynamics. Azure is meant to collaborate with Microsoft infrastructure. Hence it might
be necessary for companies to either switch to such a solution or to implement a
proper API.
8.3
Microsoft Office 365
Office 365 is a Software-As-A-Service, which combines Exchange, SharePoint,
Lync, as well as the client applications Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It is possible
to license sole parts of the service or as a bundle. Microsoft guarantees a 99.9%
uptime, the current version with all available updates and patches, as well as
intrusion prevention, and backup. An advantage for the consumer is that as soon as
there is a new version available, the consumer is immediately migrated to this
version. For an exchange server in the cloud, a company has to pay about € 4.75
per user and per month, providing a 25 GB mailbox. Another benefit is the online e-
mail retention, which automatically archives e-mails with unlimited storage capacity.
SharePoint Online is also priced at € 4.75 per user and per month. Lync, in its
smallest configuration level, is about € 1.75 per user and per month. When a
company decides to buy the complete bundle (including local Microsoft Office
