Explore the Microsoft Cloud

“The cloud” is one of those trendy tech terms a lot of people use but can’t clearly define. The first thing you should understand about the cloud is that it is not a physical thing. The cloud is a network of servers, and each server has a different function. Some servers use computing power to run applications or “deliver a service.”

You’re probably using the cloud today and don’t even realize it. For instance, when you take a picture on your smartphone, it is stored on your phone’s internal memory drive. However, when you upload the photos to Instagram, you are uploading it to the cloud.

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing as a service rather than a product, whereby shared resources, software, and information are provided to computers and other devices as a utility (think of it as an electricity grid) over a network (typically the Internet). Clouds can be classified as public, private or hybrid.  We’ll review that in a separate Blog post.

Most of our customers’ decisions to “move to the cloud” is financially motivated. Companies used to have to buy their own hardware equipment, the value of which depreciated over time. But now with the cloud, companies only have to pay for what they use.

Here at ConQuest Technology Services we’re solely focused on core Microsoft® communication technologies.  As a multi-award winning preferred Microsoft Partner we have strong competencies with deep knowledge and expertise in such technologies as Microsoft Office 365™ cloud services, Microsoft Windows Azure™, Microsoft Exchange, and the powerful new unified communications suite Microsoft Lync®.

Considering we’re helping our customers unleash their potential with Microsoft solutions, let’s explore some of the top four reasons Microsoft cloud makes sense for your business.

 Insights

Transform data into action. No matter how much business and customer data you need to wrangle, the Microsoft Cloud can handle it. Power BI for Office 365 scours data to uncover meaningful business insights that fuel innovation. And with Microsoft Dynamics CRM, a unified customer view helps create better customer experiences.

Productivity

Unleash your workforce. With Office 365, the Microsoft Cloud helps our customers collaborate from virtually anywhere, at any time, using software everybody already knows, protected by enterprise-grade security. So no matter where business takes your people, they get things done faster and more efficiently.

Social

Listen, adapt and grow. The Microsoft Cloud helps companies like yours make the most of the conversations between employees and customers.

Social tools like Yammer® and Lync make it easy for employees to connect, share ideas, and build teams. Office 365 breaks down barriers between departments, enabling collaboration from virtually anywhere. And Microsoft Dynamics CRM helps companies give customers a better, more responsive experience.

 Platform

Hybrid cloud flexibility. You’re only as agile as your platform. The Microsoft Cloud, with Microsoft Azure, Windows Server, and Microsoft System Center, offers a platform that can span your on-premises datacenter and the cloud. So you’re free to scale up, scale down, and innovate at the speed you need.

I wanted to share with you a few videos that will highlight how companies are benefitting from Microsoft Cloud. I’m hoping that they will give you insights and help you make an informed decision when (not if) but when you move your business to the cloud:

Respawn Entertainment uses the Microsoft Cloud to deliver Titanfall, a next generation gaming experience

http://www.microsoft.com/enterprise/microsoftcloud/default.aspx#fbid=_rKHcYZM9hB

 Lotus F1 Team uses the Microsoft Cloud to make the calls that make the difference.

http://www.microsoft.com/enterprise/microsoftcloud/default.aspx#fbid=_rKHcYZM9hB

 The City of Barcelona uses the Microsoft Cloud to turn chaos into clockwork. http://www.microsoft.com/enterprise/microsoftcloud/default.aspx#fbid=_rKHcYZM9hB

We will run your communications system in our cloud so you don’t have to buy hardware and software for it, set it up, maintain it, upgrade it, or train your people to manage it. We focus on keeping you constantly connected so that you don’t have to……not to mention save you potentially thousands and depending on the size of your business millions.

Contact us http://www.conquest247.com/contact or 305-374-8788 so we can explore your options. We can help you reduce spend on travel, telecommunications and more. Improve productivity by leveraging communication tools. Use your mobile devices or tablet to collaborate on the go. We totally understand communication tools are critically important but they probably aren’t the focus of your business. You clearly have other pressing matters to address to sustain and grow your business. That’s where Conquest comes in to partner with you.

 

Debbie Brandt

ConQuest Technology Services

Marketing Manager

dbrandt@conquest247.com

August 11, 2014

Microsoft vs. Cisco Unified Communications

Many companies are finding the great value in having a Unified Communications (UC) solution.  We read about companies, such as Weiss in South Florida , deriving many benefits and drastically reducing cost  from a Microsoft UC based infrastructure.  No doubt this has helped other companies in their decision to move forward towards a communications overhaul.

In this short write up, Scott Long, Director of Managed Services of ClearPointe, expresses it nicely.  Cisco just doesn’t compete!

http://www.clearpointe.com/why-are-businesses-dropping-cisco-for-lync/

International Association of Microsoft Certified Partners: Who are they? Why join?

The IAMCP is an excellent way to grow your business.  Conquest’s president, Jon Sastre is also president of the South Florida International Association of Microsoft Channel Partners (IAMCP) chapter.

The IAMCP represents Microsoft´s influential partners from around the globe. Formed in 1994, the IAMCP provides Microsoft Partners a voice into Microsoft programs and to the IT community at large.  It encourages and facilitates mutual growth and business development among partners. Today the IAMCP includes 4,000+ companies in 30+ countries and over 100 chapters (with more than 35 in the US) worldwide.  Through membership meetings, social networking events and local websites, IAMCP link members with each other and with industry news from Microsoft.

Please check out the video “Why Join the IAMCP?”

Cisco is spooked by Microsoft Lync/Skype

“Cisco worries about Skype, Microsoft Lync integration”

Very intersting article on how Cisco is seeking standards for interoperability for video calling so Microsoft can’t use proprietary protocols that could shut out rivals.

“On the corporate front, one of Cisco’s biggest worries is that Microsoft integrates Skype with its Lync unified communications platform exclusively. That Skype-Lync connection “could lock-in businesses who want to reach Skype’s 700 million account holders.”

http://zd.net/ciscovsmsft