Windows Azure Real-world case: Software developers save money on internet-based platforms and improve application

Epicor is a worldwide enterprise resource planning provider. The agency has recently sought low-cost web-based ERP solutions to meet users ' needs. To do this, Epicor developed a new ERP application using Azuretm Services platform. Azuretm Services Platform is a new Microsoft Cloud-based development platform. With Azure, the company saves costs, provides a large number of internet-based services, and expands existing developer skills, all of which provide a better experience for users.

Business requirements
Epicor, headquartered in Irvine, California, offers integrated ERP solutions for over 20,000 users in 140 countries worldwide. Founded in 1984,epicor is a Microsoft®gold certified Partner, as well as the world's sixth largest independent software developer. The agency, with more than 3,000 staff in 50 offices around the world, earned 429 million dollars in fiscal year 2007.

The Epicor solution, built on top of the Microsoft. NET Framework, is specifically positioned for small and medium-sized manufacturing, distribution, retail and hospitality companies. "Our applications help users reduce their operating costs by keeping their inventory levels low and moving the supply chain." "said Erik Johnson, senior director of Epicor product research.

Azure also provides users with another layer of software service.  This means that the software they own and manage does not have to register with an online provider or hire a large number of IT staff. --erik Johnson--epicor, senior director of product research.

Recently, Epicor is looking for a reliable, cost-effective, internet-based application that connects to non-cloud ERP systems in response to user needs. "Our users are looking for an easy-to-use online application that can be easily deployed and controlled to efficiently manage supply chain operations." "Now there are some websites that offer these services, but users generally have to sign up and pay for the services they use, and encourage their business partners to use them," says Johnson. Even if companies create their own web sites, they still need to manage user authentication across multiple enterprises. Each single supply chain user needs an IT staff to manage, which is expensive and time-consuming for users. "

Epicor wants to look for a development environment to build applications that meet the needs of users.

Solution
In June 2008, Epicor was given the opportunity to assess Azuretm Services platform, a Microsoft cloud computing platform for developing and deploying software solutions on the Internet. Azure offers an Internet-level operating system, developer tools, and Web services that are used to strengthen existing applications, or to run a new internet-based application and service. The new technology also provides a suite of services for development, including file storage, authentication services, access control, workflows, and distributed databases. Organizations like Epicor can create their own services in Azure cloud, or run full applications and pay for the services and capabilities they need.

Shortly after the introduction of Azure, Epicor decided to migrate Epicor Enterprise search, an Internet Discovery application that includes its ERP suite, to the cloud. The application uses indexes and data uploaded to the internet-based storage service to implement the search function. The existing solution uses Microsoft SQL server® data management software, and Microsoft. NET Framework 3.5, which includes web features. To migrate the search program to Azure,epicor, the Azure Data Service replaces SQL Server. Epicor can deploy the application completely on Azure after making some extra tweaks. "Because applications are developed and deployed on Azure, our customers can easily get an Internet search experience for their critical business data without the need for additional internal servers outside the firewall." "said Johnson.

Epicor plans to make Azure version of Epicor Enterprise Search available immediately after Azure is generally available.

Advantages：
By developing its new ERP application in Azure Services platform, Epicor can reduce development costs and provide internet-based services to users in Microsoft. NET Framework.

• Lower costs. With Azure, Epicor developers can provide Epicor Enterprise Search on the internet without worrying about the complexities of building their own data center environment. "Azure is not just an operating system," Johnson said, "He is also the development environment that can be." NET applications are deployed directly to the Internet. As a result, development funding has been significantly reduced. This saves a lot of cost in the development process. "Cloud-based models also reduce the operating costs of Epicor Enterprise search users. Azure also provides users with another layer of software service. "This means that the software they own and manage does not have to register with an online provider or hire a large number of IT staff." "
• provides internet-based services. With the Microsoft. NET Access Control Service, Epicor Enterprise search users get a single authentication infrastructure, both inside and outside the domain. "Our users want an application that can be easily accessed without using an application to create accounts for all supply chain partners." "Azure offers these features," says Johnson. "Epicor can also use Azure to publish an application's search index in the cloud, so remote users don't have to use laptops or mobile devices to run applications." "Remote users can easily access these indexes without using a VPN to connect to the system." Johnson said, "It's just too easy."
• Build on existing IT inputs Epicor can also use Microsoft technology to extend current investment, as Azure provides developers with familiar. NET frameworks and the opportunity to use their knowledge to build and expand applications that are not cloud or cloud. "This environment really makes our developers available. NET development skills and experience to display. "Johnson sure channel. "So we can easily migrate applications into azure environments." "Because Azure enables developers to use existing development experience and skills, Epicor can build and deploy Epicor Enterprise Search faster." "In short, we can provide a better software solution to provide users with a high level of service agreement, all because of Azure." "said Johnson.
This article from Csdn Blog, reprinted please indicate the source: http://blog.csdn.net/azurechina/archive/2010/09/14/5883027.aspx