Azure Cloud Solutions

Azure Cloud Solutions FAQ

• What does the “Cloud” mean/stand for?

  The Cloud is a general term used to describe technology software and services that run in datacenters (not in the office) and are accessible remotely.

• What is included in Cloud services?

  Books could be written to answer this, but generally, cloud services are used to run software applications and provide computing resources for various business use cases (software development, virtual servers, virtual desktops, security, etc.)

• How are Cloud services priced?

  Pricing is specific to the type of service being used. For example, if you are using web-based software called Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) for accounting and bookkeeping, you might be charged per user. 

  
  Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) is a cloud-based service charged per user, a virtual server in Microsoft Azure will be charged based on the actual computing resources the server uses on a real-time basis and charged monthly. Typically, charges will fluctuate monthly based on actual usage.

• What does the Cloud not include?

  It does not include any devices needed to access the cloud. This can include a laptop, desktop, firewall, network switch, printer, and internet service.

• What is something included in the Cloud that most companies don’t realize but get tremendous value from?

  Extreme granularity, adaptability, and scalability. The cloud allows businesses to cater solutions to their specific needs at business, department, and user levels. It is also easier to modify and scale up or down as the business needs dictate without the need to 'throw out' the old solution for a new one. Companies can obtain specific software for specific users working in specific departments and pay only for what they need and use.

• Does the Cloud include help with purchasing new equipment (laptops, etc.)?

  Typically, the focus on the cloud is to find the right software solutions for the business and users and not so much on new equipment. However, if it is deemed new equipment is needed, Fluid IT can assist.

• What is the term of Fluid IT’s Cloud plans/services?

  The term is completely dependent on the type of service being used. Most are monthly based on per user, but there are also many that are annual commitments. 

  
  It is important to understand the specific contract terms for each service being used. It is not uncommon to sign up for a plan believing it is a monthly commit and then find out it is annual when you try to cancel an account.

• What are the payment terms for Cloud plans/services?

  Invoices are due monthly at the beginning of the month, mid-month, or end of the month. There are also plans paid annually.

• How quickly can you start Cloud services with a new client?

  Fluid IT has a discovery process to confirm the business and technical aspects and requirements of the specific service(s) being considered. The timing is based on the findings of the discovery process. In general, some services can be deployed in a day where others may take weeks or even months depending on the scale and complexity.

• Why should I sign up for Cloud services?

  Cloud services are typically less expensive over time, more flexible, and more scalable to meet changing business needs. They also can many times be more rapidly deployed. Cloud services also support the ability to work from anywhere, any time, and on any device.