Managed IT, cloud compute, virtual and hosted servers, and cloud backup. Explore Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services options for your business.
Enquire about Managed services & cloudMoving a workload to the cloud is only part of the picture: it still needs administration, security, backups and a clear cost plan. Seamless Systems can discuss managed services and cloud infrastructure around your business applications, from a hosted virtual server to a hybrid setup combining local equipment with Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services (AWS). Scope, support arrangements and platform choices are agreed around your requirements.
Contact our team for product options, availability and a quote tailored to your requirements.
Discuss a support scope covering server administration, operating-system updates, configuration reviews, monitoring and backup checks. Agree which systems are covered, who responds to alerts, support hours and how changes are approved. Software-vendor support and cloud subscriptions may be separate. Managed services should make responsibilities clearer, not leave you guessing who looks after each part.
Azure Virtual Machines provide on-demand Windows and Linux server capacity with configurable compute, memory and storage. They can run compatible business applications without owning the physical server. The operating system, software licences, network access and ongoing maintenance still need attention. Azure can also support hybrid arrangements, subject to workload compatibility and the services available in the chosen region.
Amazon EC2 provides virtual servers with a choice of instance sizes for different workloads. Amazon Lightsail offers simpler virtual private server bundles with specified compute, storage and transfer allowances, which can suit smaller applications or websites. Neither removes the need to patch and secure the server. We consider application requirements, included allowances, licensing and management before choosing a platform.
A virtual server uses allocated resources on shared physical infrastructure; a dedicated hosted server reserves physical hardware for a particular customer. Both can keep equipment off-site, but differ in flexibility, cost and control. Confirm CPU, memory, storage, access methods, operating systems and the hosting location. Application compatibility, remote-user access and migration downtime should be assessed before moving a live system.
Azure Backup protects supported cloud and on-premises workloads, while AWS Backup centralises backup policies for supported AWS resources. A useful plan defines what is protected, backup frequency, retention and who tests restores. Agree how much data loss and recovery time your business can tolerate. File synchronisation, RAID and a server snapshot alone should not be mistaken for a complete, tested backup strategy.
Backups and disaster recovery serve different purposes: backups retain recoverable copies, while a recovery plan addresses restoring services after disruption. Region availability, data location and POPIA requirements need consideration; using a cloud platform does not automatically establish compliance. Compute, disks, backup storage, data transfer, licences and support can all affect monthly costs. Agree budgets, access controls and responsibilities before deployment.
Tell us which applications and servers you run, user numbers, data size, backup needs and required support arrangements.
Discuss your requirementsThe right choice depends on your application, Microsoft integration needs, technical requirements, regional availability and total cost. Azure Virtual Machines and Amazon EC2 both provide configurable server capacity; Lightsail may suit simpler workloads. We can discuss options without assuming every application belongs in the cloud.
Not automatically. For virtual machines, the provider manages the underlying infrastructure, while the customer remains responsible for areas such as operating-system patching, application security, identities and data. Any administration taken on by Seamless Systems must be defined in the agreed managed-service scope.
Not by default. Microsoft 365 data protection is a separate requirement from backing up a virtual server. Tell us whether you need protection for Exchange, OneDrive, SharePoint, local files or server applications so supported workloads and retention can be confirmed.
Migration requires assessment, backups, testing and an agreed cutover. Software licences, database dependencies, network access and data transfer all matter. Downtime and rollback arrangements must be planned; a completely interruption-free move should not be assumed.
Some hosting and Lightsail options use bundles, while many Azure and AWS services are usage-based. Additional storage, transfer, backup, licences and support may be charged separately. We will discuss the expected workload and quote assumptions rather than promise an unlimited or unchanging bill.
