Business Intelligence (BI) software converts data into valuable information. Companies of all sizes are extracting important business intelligence with the help of emerging cloud delivery models. Today’s cloud resources make it possible for smaller companies to support data analytics and data warehousing. Now with cloud outsourcing a single individual can do work previously requiring five to 10 staff members. In times of economic austerity, BI is seen as a way to increase productivity. Cloud hosting is increasing opportunities to get more valuable BI information through Infrastructure as a Service and SaaS-based BI applications.
Developing Multi-tenant Cloud Applications
With infrastructure available on a pay as you go basis, it’s possible to creating massively scalable, mobile applications regardless of your company’s size. Cloud development provides your company with the opportunity to write more applications and support larger scale projects with minimal staff increases while benefiting from scalable storage and computation. If you are proficient in Microsoft Visual C#, LINQ, Microsoft Visual Studio, Microsoft.NET Framework, ASP.NET and SQL Server, you can learn how to create multi-tenant, SaaS applications for the cloud with Windows Azure.
Windows Azure storage allows you to develop applications using BLOB, tables, queue and drive services. Developers can choose the right storage option for the job. Context for a given business case will inform you of the best storage service to choose. Relational tables or Windows Azure tables are possibilities for data solutions.
Windows Azure Mobile Cloud Development
Microsoft has just added services for mobile and web development. At its 2013 developer conference in San Francisco, Azure Mobile Services for creating back-end mobile applications was announced. Windows Azure functionality for creating and managing business-quality web applications is now available. Developers can also avail themselves of SDK for Windows Phone, Windows Store, REST APIs, Google Android and Apple iOS. Websites support Python, PHP, Node.js and ASP.net.
Open Microsoft and Embedded BI
Microsoft Open Technologies, Inc. is a Microsoft subsidiary working towards providing open source software for the Windows Azure platform. Jaspersoft is partnering with them. Their demo video of the offering illustrates their functionality. A MongoDB cluster in Windows Azure supports this software.
CTO of CampBrain, Shane Miskin, is already making use of Jaspersoft’s embedded BI suite available through Windows Azure. Feature-filled reporting, convenience and speed of a Web application provides the security, scalability and efficient operation CampBrain requires.
How to Minimize your Website’s Down Time
Having an impressive website ensures that your first impression is satisfactory. Now that you’ve got a potential client’s attention, you have to do all the hard work. Good customer service is essential. That means providing reliable service 24/7. Long delays and downtime will cost you money.
When you are choosing a web hosting company, the packages they offer are likely to differ. Many are based on Windows, Linux and ColdFusion hosting and their monthly rates also vary by the platform. The characteristics of available packages together with feedback from existing clients will help you to make a better host selection. Availability of 24/7 technical support is one of the most important criteria that businesses should consider. In case of technical emergency during off peak hours, such support can save you from downtime. Your host company may even be able to help you launch a start-up business.
Scalable and affordable, Windows cloud environments offer the opportunity for developers to work with multiple data services, develop mobile applications, create business intelligence applications and to build and manage professional web sites. A Windows Cloud Development environment on a secure platform provides you with the opportunity to use the latest tools in a state of the art environment without cumbersome initial outlays.