Microsoft invests in SA cloud computing
Microsoft’s newly launched Africa Hyperscale Cloud Data Centres open up a world of possibilities for South African enterprises – and BUI is ready to be a leading cloud-migration partner.
Microsoft South Africa MD Lillian Barnard announced the official opening of Microsoft’s Africa Hyperscale Cloud Data Centres today. Speaking from Microsoft South Africa’s head office in Johannesburg, Barnard said the state-of-the-art facilities, located in Cape Town and Johannesburg, will offer Azure immediately, and Office 365 and Dynamics 365 in the near future.
“We are extremely excited to announce the opening of our new enterprise-grade data centre regions based in Cape Town and Johannesburg. This world-class cloud infrastructure will power emerging cloud, artificial intelligence and edge computing innovations across the continent,” Barnard said, to enthusiastic applause.
The launch makes Microsoft the first global provider to deliver cloud services from data centres on the African continent. The Cape Town and Johannesburg Azure regions join Microsoft’s 54 available and announced regions around the world, and represent a significant local investment by the technology titan.
Organisations across Africa have realised the significant benefits of operating in the cloud. Research indicates that cloud usage among medium and large enterprises more than doubled from 2013 to 2018. South African companies, in particular, have looked to capitalise on the benefits of the cloud, including scalability, speed and adaptability.
With locally delivered cloud services from data centres on South African soil, businesses now have the option to migrate to the cloud while maintaining security and meeting compliance needs. With legislation like the Protection of Personal Information Act and evolving laws around data protection, local cloud services represent a significant opportunity for enterprises engaged in digital transformation.
As Microsoft’s top cloud partner in South Africa, BUI is proud to introduce a customised cloud-migration service to help local businesses transform their operations with digital technology.
The Azure Data Centre Migration Service by BUI is an end-to-end solution for moving on-premises servers and applications to the Microsoft Cloud environment.
BUI designed the Azure Data Centre Migration Service to make cloud migration simpler and more manageable for mid-market and enterprise-level organisations across the South African business landscape.
A step-by-step process
The Azure Data Centre Migration Service by BUI focuses on four key stages in the cloud-migration journey:
- Readiness assessment. A thorough examination of the client’s existing IT infrastructure.
- Road map. A detailed analysis of the client’s specific business goals and compliance requirements.
- Deployment of cloud architecture tailored to meet the client’s needs.
- Comprehensive technical assistance from certified cloud specialists.
BUI’s cloud architects are skilled in a range of Microsoft Cloud technologies and can offer strategic insight regarding the business applications best suited for the Azure platform. “Our focus is always on our customers. We want to help them solve their business problems with technology, now and into the future,” says Technical Director Willem Malan.
It’s the right time to consider cloud migration
Microsoft announced the official launch of its long-awaited Africa Hyperscale Cloud Data Centres today. The two facilities – located in Cape Town and Johannesburg – enable the delivery of Microsoft’s intelligent cloud services. Azure is available immediately via the local data centres, and will be followed in the future by Office 365 (Microsoft’s cloud-based productivity solution) and Dynamics 365 (Microsoft’s next generation of intelligent business applications).
Data residency will be a key benefit for local businesses bound by the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act and other privacy regulations. “Data privacy and data protection are critical today,” says General Manager Thys Janse van Rensburg. “There’s a new headline about cybercrime almost every week. Microsoft Azure is a compelling cloud solution for businesses that are serious about digital security.”
Microsoft Managing Director Lillian Barnard announced the launch of the South African data centres during a press conference at Microsoft South Africa’s head office in Johannesburg. “We are extremely excited to announce the opening of our new enterprise-grade data centre regions based in Cape Town and Johannesburg. This world-class cloud infrastructure will power emerging cloud, artificial intelligence and edge computing innovations across the continent,” Barnard said.
BUI Managing Director Ryan Roseveare is thrilled that Microsoft has made such a significant investment in local infrastructure, and says BUI is perfectly positioned to guide businesses at every stage of their cloud-adoption journey. “BUI is always on the leading edge, especially in the cloud space. We’ve won Microsoft’s Cloud Platform Partner of the Year award five times… I think that reflects the strength of our practices and processes, but I also believe we have the best people here,” says Roseveare.
BUI is consistently recognised for its premier abilities in cloud technology. In-house teams have helped leading brands to modernise their systems and empower their people.
The Azure Data Centre Migration Service by BUI is available now. Book an assessment with our cloud specialists today.
