Virtualization is not just for geeks anymore. With the advent of cloud computing, virtualization is a big win for any small- to mid-sized business.
That’s where virtual machines come into play. A virtual machine (or VM) is a computer file, typically called an image, that behaves like an actual computer. In other words, creating a computer within a computer. It gives the end user the same experience as they would have on the host operating system itself. The virtual machine is sandboxed from the rest of the system, meaning that the software inside a virtual machine can’t escape or tamper with the computer itself. Pretty sweet, right?
So, what can you do with Azure Virtual Machines?
- Create websites that can grow with your company.
- Add and support new applications that expand your business footprint.
- Run legacy applications.
- Choose to be in the cloud, on-premises or a hybrid of both.
- Get enhanced security and compliance.
Microsoft Azure gives you the flexibility to support many application platforms, and the flexibility to scale to suit your needs. For that reason, you can quickly provision a new virtual machine in just a few minutes.
Keep Your Head (or Your Business) in the Clouds
Almost all new businesses are now “born in the cloud.” Small startups can create a business with Azure because it gives them access to massive amounts of compute power. In the past, they would have to pay for server hardware, the building to house the servers, and a large IT staff to support everything. As a result, the costs would have prevented them from even starting.
But today, it’s easier than ever to dream big. You can get all the compute power you need, and only pay for what you use. Most business decision-makers know they should be looking at the cloud to transform their business. They know there’s a better way to automate business processes and improve workflows. But they aren’t sure where to start.
