Azure app modernization: Benefits of migrating to Microsoft 

More and more businesses and non-profits are moving their digital workloads to the cloud. This migration is fuelled by the need for low-cost, versatile, powerful, and convenient computing capabilities. The cloud is an ideal solution for information management in a data-centric business world and for keeping up with trends. In the realm of application modernization, Azure stands out as a beacon of innovation and efficiency.  

Microsoft Azure is the go-to cloud solution for organizations of all kinds. Ninety-five percent of Fortune 500 companies use and trust Azure. Microsoft Azure is among the leading cloud infrastructure services, with a 21 percent share of the global cloud market. 

In this article, we delve into the compelling reasons behind choosing Azure app modernization. From enhanced scalability to cutting-edge features, the Microsoft Azure ecosystem offers a comprehensive solution for organizations keen on optimizing their applications and staying ahead in the dynamic world of digital solutions.  

What is Azure application modernization? 

Application modernization is the process of updating current apps and data to a cloud-first model to align with business needs. Migrating to the cloud might be a part of the process, and Azure Cloud is one of the services, well-known for its agility and scalability. 

Benefits and challenges  

Azure Well-Architected Framework has five architectural pillars that can be used for app modernization: 

• Reliability: The ability of a system to recover from failures and continue to function. 
• Security: Protecting applications and data from threats. 
• Cost optimization: Managing costs to maximize the value delivered. 
• Operational excellence: Operations processes that keep a system running in production. 
• Performance efficiency: The ability of a system to adapt to changes in load. 

Obviously, when a business opts for Azure app modernization, it has clear objectives and expectations. However, it might be difficult to accomplish these goals without the necessary technical expertise. That’s why it’s always better to find a tech partner who helps you prevent potential issues instead of wasting time troubleshooting them. If you are looking for Cloud migration and modernization with Azure, drop us a line. 

Strategies for Azure application modernization 

Microsoft scopes Azure app and data modernization into three strategies. They provide the maximum value for the business and require the least possible effort. 

Process modernization: Adopt a DevOps methodology to modernize your development and operations. Process modernization is essential for getting the maximum value out of your modernization efforts. It’s recommended to start with process modernization if you’re not already using a DevOps methodology.  

Application modernization:  Adopt PaaS solutions to modernize any application or framework. 

Database modernization: Adopt database PaaS and infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) solutions to modernize any databases. 

Why migrate an application to Azure?  

Microsoft Azure app modernization offers a plethora of benefits. It contributes to improved performance, scalability, and overall efficiency. Here are some reasons why organizations choose to migrate their applications to Azure: 

Scalability and flexibility: Azure provides on-demand scalability, allowing organizations to easily scale resources up or down based on changing workloads. This flexibility ensures optimal performance and cost-effectiveness. 

Cost savings: By moving to Azure, organizations can leverage a pay-as-you-go model, only paying for the resources they consume. This eliminates the need for large upfront investments in hardware and infrastructure. 

Global presence: Azure has a vast global network of data centers, enabling organizations to deploy applications closer to their end-users for lower latency and improved user experience. This global reach is crucial for businesses with an international presence. 

Security and compliance: Azure offers robust security features and compliance certifications, adhering to industry standards and regulations. With advanced threat protection, encryption, and identity management, Azure provides a secure environment for applications and data. 

Hybrid capabilities: Azure supports hybrid cloud scenarios, allowing organizations to seamlessly integrate on-premises data centers with the cloud. This flexibility is beneficial for businesses with existing infrastructure investments. 

Integrated development tools: Azure provides a comprehensive set of tools and services that integrate seamlessly with popular development frameworks. This includes Azure DevOps for streamlined development and deployment processes. 

AI and ML services: Organizations can leverage Azure’s AI and machine learning services to gain valuable insights from their data. This includes services like Azure Machine Learning and Azure Cognitive Services, empowering businesses to make data-driven decisions. 

Managed services: Azure offers a wide range of fully managed services, such as Azure SQL Database, Azure App Service, and Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS). These services reduce the operational burden on organizations, allowing them to focus on building and enhancing their applications. 

Data services and analytics: Azure provides a suite of data services and analytics tools, including Azure Synapse Analytics and Azure Cosmos DB. These services enable organizations to store, analyze, and derive actionable insights from their data. 

Continuous innovation: Microsoft invests heavily in Azure, ensuring a constant stream of new features and updates. Organizations migrating to Azure can take advantage of the latest technologies and innovations, staying ahead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. 

Reliability and high availability: Azure’s globally distributed data centers and redundancy features contribute to high availability and reliability. This ensures that applications remain accessible and performant, even in the face of unexpected events. 

Community and support: Being a widely adopted cloud platform, Azure benefits from a large and active community. Organizations can tap into this community for support, best practices, and shared knowledge. 

How to get started with Azure application modernization? 

Embarking on the journey of Azure application modernization involves a strategic approach to ensure a seamless transition and optimal outcomes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started: 

Assessment and planning: Begin by assessing your existing applications, infrastructure, and business processes to identify areas that need improvement. Clearly outline your objectives for modernization. It might be improving scalability, enhancing performance, reducing costs, or adopting new features. Choose the strategy and services that fit best. 

Implement DevOps practices: Adopt DevOps methodologies to streamline collaboration between development and operations teams. This facilitates continuous integration and delivery, and faster release cycles. 

Security and compliance: Prioritize security by implementing Azure security best practices. Leverage Azure Security Center and Azure Policy to enforce compliance with organizational standards. 

Data migration: Plan and execute data migration strategies. Azure provides services like Azure Database Migration Service to simplify the migration of databases. 

Testing and validation: Conduct thorough testing of applications in the Azure environment to ensure they function as intended. Implement performance testing, security testing, and user acceptance testing. 

Training and skill development: Equip your teams with the necessary skills for Azure. Microsoft provides various training resources, including documentation, tutorials, and certifications. 

Monitoring and optimization: Implement robust monitoring solutions using Azure Monitor to gain insights into application performance. Continuously optimize resources and costs based on usage patterns. 

Documentation and knowledge sharing: Document the entire modernization process for future reference. Share knowledge within your organization to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding the new Azure environment. 

Continuous improvement: Embrace a culture of continuous improvement. Regularly reassess your applications and infrastructure to identify areas for enhancement and stay aligned with evolving business needs. 

Conclusion 

Microsoft Azure is a completely scalable and cost-effective means by which businesses and enterprises can modernize their legacy apps and migrate them to the cloud. The benefits of azure application modernization are multifold as it can increase your application’s security and functionality while also reducing end-to-end app lifecycle costs. However, you have to carefully analyze your business needs and priorities to make sure that you’re using the correct migration strategy. 

Azure application modernization With Blackthorn Vision 

From planning to implementation and beyond, we assure a seamless azure app modernization, keeping in focus your expectations and business needs. As a leading Microsoft Azure Consulting Services provider, Blackthorn Vision experts bring profound expertise across various Microsoft Azure competencies. We utilize numerous microservices offered by Azure to fulfil your business’ cloud modernization needs.  

Contact us for a consultation and we will provide you with detailed information about azure app modernization and answers to all your questions.