Switching to Azure Windows SQL Server: Benefits and Figures
What is Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft SQL Server is a relationship database management system (RDBMS) used in corporate IT environments, to support the processing of different transactions, as well as analytics and business intelligence applications. It is built starting from the Structured Query Language syntax and connected to Transact-SQL or T-SQL. Of course, the Microsoft implementation proprietary attributes and benefits are updated yearly.
In today’s business environment, Microsoft SQL Server is used primarily for storing and managing information, enabling companies to protect sensitive data, such as credit card and personal details, addresses etc., as well as ensuring a high level of confidentiality and security.
Evenmore, it also allows multiple clients from the same network to use a database concurrently, in a way which is safe, efficient, fast and reliable. Through all these features, businesses which work with Microsoft SQL Server benefit from a reliable back-up system that keeps them safe at all times.
Add-on Microsoft SQL Server services include machine learning, replication, analysis, reporting, notification options etc. All of these bring extra benefits to end-users, making data collection and interpretation easier.
Microsoft SQL Server in the AEC Industry
When it comes to the AEC industry, we, at AECCloud, may confirm that Microsoft SQL Server puts data to work so that businesses benefit from it and gain operational and financial efficiency. Our projects have shown clients how they can leverage technology and apps to do business reporting on spreadsheets, simplify flows and replace manual work.
Indeed, many tools used in the AEC industry have SQL functionalities. Sage Estimating, Sage 100 Contractor and Prolog Manager, for example, are built on the SQL platform, as they are SQL data-driven apps.
Others, as is the case of Primavera P6 Professional, designed for the Oracle XE database, may also be used standalone, on Microsoft SQL. Usually, clients which make such a choice want a simpler experience, in what installing, configuring and backing-up are concerned.
In fact, today’s AEC companies have several options of apps that run on Microsoft SQL Server and, when they don’t find exactly what they need on the market, they may create their home-grown apps that require SQL.
In this context, deciding what to choose between on-premise and Azure Microsoft SQL is a must.
The starting point: on-premise Microsoft SQL
Before cloud computing became an accessible solution, organizations had a standard option: to manage Microsoft SQL on premise. The scenario was good, at the time, as it offered companies the benefits of the system, but it also came with its share of needs and downsides.
Microsoft SQL requires high investments in IT infrastructure, including computing, storage, networks, data centers etc. and involves costs associated with implementation, as well as maintenance and updates. In such a context, longer time intervals are needed between possible changes and adjustments, which limits the company’s agility and often delays the launch of new projects and initiatives.
When deployed as an on-premise model, the system also impacts the development of companies that want to build new, intelligent applications and which find themselves affected by constraints arising from platform incompatibility, insufficient data security, lack of resources etc.
Apart from that, the business’s needs to scale up or down are difficult to meet in an on-premise model, since this implies overprovisioning costs that are justified only in peak periods and which companies try to avoid.
Moreover, on-premise Microsoft SQL requires extensive time from the existing human resources, as database administrators and IT teams have more responsibilities in what planning, provisioning, implementing and managing the environment are concerned. As upgrades, backups, security optimization processes etc. are ongoing activities for on-premise Microsoft SQL, the pressure put on the company’s professionals is enormous. This keeps them from addressing other projects that require their expertise and strategic thinking, such as innovating in the customer experience department.
Switching to Microsoft Azure SQL: the benefits
In one of our previous blog posts, called On-Premise Solutions versus IaaS: Discover What Your Company Needs, we have approached the specifics of each option and showcased why choosing a cloud model over an on-premise one may prove beneficial for companies in the AEC industry.
Here are some of the benefits of working with Microsoft Azure SQL:
Reduced infrastructure costs associated with the deployment of SQL environments and with the necessary infrastructure. Opting for a cloud-based model means that all IT hardware is covered by the supplier and that the end-user has no responsibilities.
Maximum reduction of maintenance IT infrastructure costs, also taken care of by Microsoft Azure SQL, as well as the ability to lock in fees for up to three years, with reservation pricing.
Flexibility to scale up or down, according to operational needs, in just minutes, with minimum efforts, without the need of overprovisioning or updating infrastructure.
Business continuity supported by free SQL Server licenses. This results in both operational and financial advantages.
Data protection, free security updates and higher levels of compliance, ensured by Microsoft Azure SQL.
Better use of human resources and professionals, since database administrators and IT teams are no longer required to perform SQL database-related tasks that require time and effort. This allows them to focus on value-added activities which impact the business and foster innovations.
Greater organizational agility and the ability to respond faster to the market’s needs.
The Total Economic Impact™ Of Migration To Microsoft Azure SQL Managed Databases
According to The Total Economic Impact™ Of Migration To Microsoft Azure SQL Managed Databases, a research performed by Forrester Research for Microsoft, there are several proven advantages to switching to Microsoft Azure SQL.
As the study shows, the surveyed companies benefited from the following:
Avoided infrastructure costs of $5.4 million, associated with replacing the on-premise model with a cloud-based one.
Improved productivity of database administrators $2.2 million, by automating tasks and increasing efficiency by 40%.
Improved productivity of varied IT roles of $2.6 million, due to an increase in human resources efficiency.
Reduced volume of repetitive and time consuming tasks, which contributed to higher workforce efficiency.
AECCloud has over 17 years of experience as a Cloud Solution Provider for the AEC Industry. A Microsoft Partner, our company has implemented complex projects for small, medium and large companies that operate in architecture, engineering, and construction. If you want to benefit from our know-how and expertise, contact us and we will make sure your AEC business benefits from Microsoft Azure SQL. We will cover everything, from offering consultation on the topic, to implementing the full project.