Microsoft Azure is an open and flexible cloud platform that helps give businesses the freedom to quickly build, deploy and manage applications and services using your favourite Microsoft tools. Azure comes with many associated services, including those for compute, storage, data, networking and apps. Vox is one of Microsoft’s preferred partners and one of few Microsoft Azure migration partners.

We chatted to Craig Freer, Head of Cloud at Vox, about his thoughts on the arrival of Microsoft Azure in South Africa.

What is the significance of Microsoft Azure landing in SA?

There are two significant points about Azure landing in South Africa.

The first is the infrastructure it brings to our country. Having a local cloud data centre means local storage and local processing and therefore, better performance of cloud technology.

The next significant point is Microsoft’s positive sentiment toward South Africa. Their investment shows that Microsoft sees our region as a sustainable market for positive growth in the cloud industry.

What does mean for the current SA market?

As mentioned above, Microsoft a global company, sees our region as a sustainable market for cloud technology. This will stimulate demand and create top-of-mind awareness for cloud services and products.

 

Their investment shows that Microsoft sees our region as a sustainable market for positive growth

 

How does this impact Vox?

Vox is a Microsoft partner and also one of few Azure migration partners. This puts us at the forefront of cloud technology with the company’s arrival and ultimately aids us in revenue growth.

What is Vox’s vision for cloud computing?

Over 60% of companies in South Africa have a cloud strategy. We distribute and manage IT infrastructure for many companies. Our vision is to be a leading and agnostic cloud provider that is able to deliver services according to the needs of any company’s cloud setup.

How is security affected in the cloud?

We are at the stage where all cloud vendors have in-built security and advanced security requirements. Security is a key consideration; cloud technology is not any less secure than an on-site IT environment.