Azure Service Providers in Mexico: Migration and Managed Solutions

Questions and Answers

• What is the difference between simply "lift-and-shift" my servers to the cloud and "re-architecting" my solutions?

  "Move" or lift-and-shift consists of copying your existing servers and applications to the cloud as-is. It's fast, but it doesn't take advantage of the cloud's full potential. "Rearchitecting" involves modifying your applications to use cloud-native services (PaaS, containers, serverless functions). This makes them more efficient, scalable, secure and cost-effective in the long run.

• Why should I consider re-architecting my existing applications for the cloud?

  Rearchitecting unlocks benefits that a simple migration does not offer. It allows you to drastically reduce operating costs by using resources more efficiently, improves the performance and availability of your applications, and facilitates the implementation of new functionalities in an agile and secure way through practices such as DevOps.

• What type of applications are the best candidates for re-architecting?

  Monolithic applications (large and difficult to upgrade), those with high maintenance costs, those that experience unpredictable demand peaks or those that need to integrate new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Big Data, are excellent candidates. Our team performs an evaluation to identify the highest potential return on investment.

• How does C&A Systems handle the process of re-architecting a critical solution without disrupting my business?

  We use a phased approach. First, we analyze the application and design the new architecture in Azure. Then, we develop and test the new version in an isolated environment. Finally, we perform a controlled migration of data and users, ensuring a smooth transition with minimal or no service interruption.

• How does Azure ensure compliance with strict financial industry regulations (e.g. CNBV, PCI DSS, SOX)?

  Microsoft Azure has the broadest certification portfolio in the industry. It offers predefined tools and configurations to comply with regulations such as PCI DSS, SOX and GDPR. At C&A Systems, we implement additional controls and security policies, validated by our ISO 27001 certification, to ensure your environment meets and exceeds regulatory requirements.

• How can the Azure cloud help my financial institution detect fraud and manage risk?

  Azure provides advanced Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning services that can analyze millions of transactions in real time to detect fraud patterns with far greater accuracy than traditional systems. It also allows you to create more accurate credit risk models and automate decisions, reducing exposure and improving profitability.

• Is it possible to create personalized and agile digital banking experiences with Azure?

  Yes, Azure allows you to unify your customer data on a secure platform to get a 360° view. With this information, you can use AI services to offer hyper-personalized products, develop new mobile apps in weeks instead of months, and scale your services instantly during campaigns or demand peaks.

• How can Azure optimize my supply chain and fleet management?

  Azure offers Internet of Things (IoT) and data analytics solutions that allow you to monitor your fleet and assets in real time. You can predict delivery times with greater accuracy, optimize routes to save fuel, perform predictive maintenance on your vehicles and get complete visibility of your inventory from the warehouse to the end customer.

• I have separate Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Transportation Management Systems (TMS), can Azure unify them?

  Absolutely. We can create a centralized data platform in Azure that integrates information from your WMS, TMS, ERP and other systems. This eliminates information silos, allows you to have a single source of truth and automate processes between different areas, from goods receiving to the last mile.
  

• Does the cloud help me manage demand volatility in logistics?

  Yes, this is one of the biggest benefits. With Azure, your infrastructure can automatically scale during peak seasons (such as El Buen Fin or Christmas) to process a higher volume of orders without downtime. When demand decreases, resources are automatically reduced, so you only pay for the capacity you really need at any given time.

• How can Azure help with asset management and predictive maintenance in the energy sector?

  Using IoT sensors and advanced analytics, Azure can monitor the health of your critical assets (turbines, transformers, wells) in real time. Machine Learning algorithms predict failures before they occur, allowing you to move from reactive to predictive maintenance, maximizing equipment lifetime and avoiding costly unplanned downtime.
  

• How is operational data (OT) and IT security handled in a cloud environment for the energy sector?

  Azure offers a robust security architecture with solutions such as Azure Sentinel and Defender for IoT, designed to protect both IT and OT environments. At C&A Systems, we implement segmented networks and strict access controls to isolate critical systems, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of your operational information under the ISO 27001 framework.

• Can the cloud help my company meet sustainability and energy consumption optimization goals?

  Definitely. Not only does Azure operate with a strong commitment to sustainability (goal of being carbon negative by 2030), but its data analytics tools allow you to model and optimize your own energy consumption. You can identify inefficiencies in your operation, manage network demand more intelligently and generate accurate sustainability reports.

• I already have a local infrastructure, why should I migrate to Azure?

  Migrating to Azure allows you to move from a high fixed-cost (CAPEX) model to a pay-as-you-go (OPEX) model, reducing your infrastructure expenses by up to 40%. In addition, you get instant scalability to respond to demand, superior security with artificial intelligence, and the ability to innovate faster by accessing advanced data analytics and AI tools that would be impossible to deploy locally.

• What exactly is the "continuous cost optimization" you offer?

  The cloud is not a "set it and forget it" project. After migration, our support team constantly monitors your resource consumption. We identify and eliminate underutilized services, adjust capacities to your actual demand and apply the latest Azure cost-saving strategies. This proactive service ensures that you always pay only for what you need, maximizing your budget.

• What kind of support do I receive once my systems are on Azure?

  Our service is comprehensive and does not end with the migration. We include 90 days of intensive post-migration support to ensure a seamless transition. After that, we offer ongoing support plans with a guaranteed SLA (Service Level Agreement). This includes 24/7 proactive monitoring, training for your team and ongoing performance and cost optimization. We are your long-term technology partner.