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20 Best Azure Consulting Companies in 2026

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20 Best Azure Consulting Companies in 2026

Roman Burdiuzha

Cloud Architecture Expert Co-founder & CTO of Gart

December 12, 2025

In 2026, Azure consulting is no longer about basic cloud migration.
Companies now require:

cloud-native architectures
AKS container orchestration
automated CI/CD pipelines
DevOps & SRE practices
FinOps cost governance
Zero Trust security & Entra ID identity
enterprise modernization at scale
AI/ML readiness

Microsoft Azure has become a preferred cloud for enterprises, SaaS platforms, fintech companies, data-driven products, and organizations with legacy .NET or hybrid systems.

Choosing the right Azure consulting partner determines whether your cloud ecosystem becomes: a scalable, secure, cost-efficient backbone or a slow, expensive bottleneck with operational risk.

This expert review covers the best Azure consulting companies in 2026 — both boutique engineering leaders and enterprise-scale partners.

The best Azure consulting companies in 2026 specialize in cloud-native architecture, AKS, DevOps automation, FinOps optimization, and secure cloud modernization. Gart Solutions leads this year’s list due to its DevOps-first approach, advanced Azure automation, and proven cost-reduction results. Other top Azure experts include CiGen, Avanade, Alpacked, OpsWorks Co., Infopulse, and N-iX.

Why This List Is Trustworthy

Each company was evaluated based on:

Azure Partner status & engineering certifications
Proven case studies with measurable outcomes
Expertise in AKS, Terraform/Bicep, CI/CD, microservices
Identity & governance maturity (Entra ID, RBAC, Azure Policy)
SRE, observability, and reliability engineering
FinOps results
Delivery speed & communication
Industry focus & cloud modernization capability

Best Azure Consulting & Cloud Engineering Providers

Comparison Table: 20 Azure Consulting Companies

Company	Specialization	Ideal For
Gart Solutions	AKS, DevOps, IaC, SRE, FinOps	SaaS, fintech, modernization
CiGen	Cloud-native, DevOps, ML	Digital product teams
Avanade	Enterprise transformation	Large enterprises
Alpacked	Kubernetes, GitOps	Cloud-native systems
OpsWorks Co.	Zero Trust, DR	Regulated industries
Infopulse	Hybrid & enterprise cloud	Enterprise IT
N-iX	Migration, governance	Mid-large companies
IT Outposts	IaC, CI/CD	Scaling SaaS
Romexsoft	Managed ops	24/7 reliability
IT Svit	AKS, performance	High-load systems
Reenbit	Data engineering	Analytics platforms
A-Dev	Lean cloud	Startups
SoftServe	ML/AI	Enterprise analytics
Eleks	Legacy modernization	Enterprises
Inmost	IoT	Mobility/IoT
Partnerway	FinOps, WAF	Optimization cycles
Leobit	.NET modernization	Microsoft stack
DevOpsify	Fast DevOps	SaaS builds
SHALB	HA/DR	Critical systems
Flyaps	App + cloud	End-to-end builds

Comparison Table: 20 Azure Consulting Companies

1. Gart Solutions — The Leading Azure Consulting Company in 2026

Gart Solutions stands apart due to its DevOps-centric engineering, deep Azure expertise, tight boutique delivery model, and an ability to produce measurable cost savings and high-reliability cloud ecosystems.

They deliver modern cloud transformations across SaaS, fintech, greentech, healthcare, and data platforms.

Azure Case Studies With Strong ROI

✔ Cut Azure computing costs by 81% with Spot VM architecture

✔ Eliminated hidden Azure Blob Storage costs and saved thousands monthly

Core Azure Strengths

Azure Migration & Modernization

Monolith → microservices
On-prem → Azure
Legacy Windows/.NET → Azure PaaS

AKS Engineering

enterprise-level AKS clusters
GitOps
secure, fault-tolerant, autoscaling AKS environments

DevOps & CI/CD + IaC

Terraform
Bicep
GitHub Actions / Azure DevOps
multi-environment deployment automation

SRE, Monitoring & Observability

Azure Monitor
Application Insights
Log Analytics
Grafana

FinOps & Cost Governance

Gart consistently delivers 10–25% Azure cost reduction through:

architectural reshaping
resource lifecycle governance
storage & compute optimization
observability-driven cost visibility

Why Companies Choose Gart Solutions

direct access to senior engineers
fast onboarding & delivery velocity
predictable project structure
highly automated delivery
strong cloud reliability outcomes

2. CiGen — Azure Digital & App Innovation Specialist

A Microsoft Solutions Partner with one of the strongest boutique Azure transformation portfolios.

Strengths:

Azure modernization & cloud-native system redesign
Azure DevOps delivery process implementation
AI/ML workloads and analytics pipelines
Application transformation & cloud architecture

Ideal For:

Companies needing Azure consulting + AI/ML + modernization in one partner.

3. Avanade — Enterprise-Grade Azure Transformation

Avanade — founded by Microsoft and Accenture — remains one of the strongest Azure-focused consulting companies globally. Their engineering teams lead some of the most complex Azure modernization programs in the world, including multi-region deployments, identity governance migrations, enterprise data platform rollouts, and secure hybrid cloud transformations.

Key Azure Strengths

Large-scale Azure migration & modernization
Azure Landing Zones & enterprise governance
Entra ID (Azure AD) modernization & Zero Trust frameworks
Azure Synapse, Databricks & advanced analytics
AI/ML adoption using Azure Machine Learning
Global managed cloud operations

Ideal For:

Corporations with strict compliance, multi-department cloud programs, or hybrid environments integrating on-prem Active Directory with Azure.

Why They Stand Out:
Unmatched enterprise delivery capability, deep Microsoft partnership, and proven success on global-scale Azure projects.

4. Alpacked — AKS, GitOps & Cloud-Native Azure Specialists

Alpacked focuses primarily on cloud-native engineering, making them one of the strongest consulting companies for teams moving into microservices and containerized architectures on Azure.

Key Azure Strengths

AKS (Azure Kubernetes Service) cluster design & migration
GitOps automation with ArgoCD or Flux
Service Mesh (Istio/Linkerd) implementation on Azure
Infrastructure-as-Code (Terraform, Bicep, Helm)
Zero-downtime deployment strategies
Cloud cost optimization for container workloads

Ideal For:

Tech-driven companies building modern distributed systems, migrating to containers, or adopting GitOps delivery models.

Why They Stand Out:
Pure engineering focus with excellent Kubernetes + Azure synergy — ideal for microservice-heavy SaaS platforms.

5. OpsWorks Co. — Secure Azure Architectures for Regulated Industries

OpsWorks Co. is known for its strong specialization in security-oriented Azure architectures, serving industries with strict compliance requirements.

Key Azure Strengths

Zero Trust architecture
Network segmentation & Azure Firewall / NSG policies
Backup, disaster recovery & geo-redundancy
Secure AKS runtime environments
Azure DevOps governance & secure pipelines
Multi-region and high-availability cloud setups

Ideal For:

Fintech, healthcare, insurance, and organizations needing auditable, compliant, secure-by-design Azure environments.

Why They Stand Out:
Security-first engineering and proven experience building multi-region, compliance-ready Azure ecosystems.

6. Infopulse — Hybrid Azure Cloud & Legacy Modernization at Enterprise Scale

Infopulse works heavily with enterprises transitioning from on-premise and hybrid systems to Azure. They excel at designing governance-heavy architectures, ensuring organizational cloud adoption aligns with compliance, identity, and security requirements.

Key Azure Strengths

Azure hybrid cloud & Landing Zone frameworks
Migration of legacy Windows/.NET systems
Azure governance, policy & identity architecture
Enterprise integration using Azure API Management
Reliability engineering for business-critical workloads
Azure Virtual Desktop & enterprise mobility

Ideal For:

Large organizations with complex, slowly-evolving IT environments that require structured Azure transformation.

Why They Stand Out:
Deep enterprise experience + governance maturity — essential for highly regulated or risk-averse companies.

7. N-iX — Azure Cloud Strategy, Governance & Transformation

N-iX is one of the largest Eastern European cloud engineering providers with a strong Azure consulting practice recognized by multiple industry rankings.

Key Azure Strengths

Azure migration roadmaps for enterprises
Governance frameworks & Landing Zones
Azure DevOps implementation & modernization
Big data pipelines using Azure Synapse & Data Factory
Application modernization to Azure PaaS or AKS
End-to-end cloud transformation initiatives

Ideal For:

Enterprises seeking a multi-stage cloud transformation plan supported by a large engineering team.

Why They Stand Out:
A balanced Azure team capable of covering strategy, engineering, governance, and long-term cloud management.

8. IT Outposts — DevOps-Driven Azure Cloud Foundations

IT Outposts is a DevOps-centric Azure consultancy helping companies establish reliable, automated, and observable cloud environments.

Key Azure Strengths

Infrastructure-as-Code with Terraform & Bicep
CI/CD pipelines (Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions)
Monitoring and alerting (App Insights, Log Analytics)
Secure environment provisioning
Automated scaling strategies
Azure environment standardization

Ideal For:

SaaS companies and engineering teams needing DevOps process implementation and stable Azure foundations.

Why They Stand Out:
Their focus on automation and maintainability makes them ideal for improving existing Azure deployments or preparing for rapid scaling.

9. Romexsoft — Managed Azure Operations, Observability & 24/7 Reliability

Romexsoft specializes in managed cloud services, making them well-suited for companies that rely on Azure for production systems and require ongoing support rather than just initial setup.

Key Azure Strengths

24/7 monitoring & on-call SRE services
Proactive incident detection & prevention
Optimization of existing Azure workloads
Azure Monitor, Grafana & ELK observability setups
Backup, DR, and reliability engineering
Cost optimization and lifecycle governance

Ideal For:

Businesses needing ongoing operational support, not just project-based engineering work.

Why They Stand Out:
They operate as an extended SRE team, ensuring uptime, stability, and continuous optimization of Azure workloads.

10. IT Svit — AKS Performance Engineering & High-Load Cloud Optimization

IT Svit specializes in building and tuning Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) environments for applications that must handle heavy traffic, unpredictable load patterns, or complex distributed computation.

Their engineers focus on optimizing cluster autoscaling, pod resource allocation, network performance, and infrastructure reliability, making them a strong choice for modern SaaS and large-scale digital products.

Key Azure Strengths

AKS cluster deployment, scaling & performance tuning
Migration from self-hosted Kubernetes → AKS
Azure Monitor + Prometheus/Grafana monitoring stacks
Infrastructure as Code with Terraform & Bicep
Cost-efficient scaling strategies for AKS and compute
Load testing, resilience engineering, and performance hardening

Ideal For:

Companies running high-load systems, real-time applications, data processing pipelines, or large-scale microservices that require stable, predictable cloud performance.

Why They Stand Out:
Strong engineering focus and deep experience with Kubernetes + Azure workloads, especially for teams who need to scale quickly without losing reliability.

11. Reenbit — Azure Data Engineering, Synapse Analytics & Event-Driven Systems

Reenbit is a specialized Azure data engineering consultancy known for designing and implementing scalable, analytics-driven systems. They excel in transforming fragmented data landscapes into well-structured, event-driven architectures.

Key Azure Strengths

Azure Data Factory pipelines and ETL/ELT architectures
Azure Synapse Analytics implementation
Cosmos DB modeling & distributed data systems
Serverless analytics using Event Hubs & Functions
Data ingestion frameworks and high-throughput processing
ML-ready architecture and data governance

Ideal For:

Companies building BI platforms, analytics products, IoT data systems, or real-time dashboards on Azure.

Why They Stand Out:
They bring a rare combination of backend engineering + data expertise, making them a great partner for organizations digitizing large data flows.

12. A-Dev — Lean Azure Engineering for Fast-Growth Startups

A-Dev operates as an agile, boutique Azure consultancy focusing on fast delivery, scalable MVP architecture, and cost-conscious deployments.

Key Azure Strengths

Quick implementation of Azure Functions, Logic Apps & serverless patterns
Lightweight AKS/ECS alternatives for startups
CI/CD pipelines with GitHub Actions / Azure DevOps
Automated IaC setups using Bicep or Terraform
Cloud-native APIs & backend development on Azure

Ideal For:

Startups needing rapid, low-risk Azure adoption without unnecessary enterprise complexity.

Why They Stand Out:
Fast iteration cycles, lean infrastructure, and predictable pricing — perfect for founders moving from MVP → product-market fit.

13. SoftServe — Azure Machine Learning & Enterprise Data Platforms

SoftServe is one of the strongest Azure AI consulting companies worldwide, integrating Azure ML, Databricks, Synapse, and analytics pipelines into enterprise architectures.

Key Azure Strengths

Azure Machine Learning workflows
Model training, deployment & MLOps
Large-scale data platforms with Synapse & Databricks
Predictive analytics and AI feature integration
Cloud-native backend development for ML-driven products

Ideal For:

Enterprises and SaaS companies investing in AI/ML capabilities, data modernization, or advanced analytics.

Why They Stand Out:
They bring architectural rigor to ML workloads, ensuring they run efficiently, securely, and at scale on Azure.

14. Eleks — Azure Enterprise Migration & Legacy System Overhaul

Eleks is trusted for complex digital transformation projects involving legacy modernization, multi-year migrations, and enterprise re-platforming.

Key Azure Strengths

Azure migration roadmaps for large organizations
Legacy .NET and Windows server modernization
Hybrid cloud architectures
Enterprise-level governance and policy implementation
Azure API Management and system integration layers

Ideal For:

Corporations with heavy legacy dependencies moving into cloud-native or hybrid cloud ecosystems.

Why They Stand Out:
Strong ability to translate old enterprise systems into modern Azure-native platforms with minimal business disruption.

15. Inmost — IoT-First Azure Solutions & Real-Time Architectures

Inmost specializes in IoT backends, real-time event-driven systems, and serverless Azure infrastructures.

Key Azure Strengths

Azure IoT Hub and Device Provisioning Service (DPS)
Event Hubs, Stream Analytics & real-time data ingestion
Serverless APIs using Azure Functions
Scalable storage architecture using Cosmos DB / Blob Storage
Security for distributed IoT devices

Ideal For:

Mobility, transportation, IoT device manufacturers, and smart tech ecosystems.

Why They Stand Out:
Their combination of IoT engineering + cloud-native design makes them ideal for modern connected-device applications.

16. Partnerway — Azure Optimization, Well-Architected Reviews & FinOps

Partnerway focuses on Azure performance, cost optimization, and ongoing architectural governance.

Key Azure Strengths

Azure Well-Architected Framework audits
FinOps best practices & cloud cost reduction
Architecture review & redesign
Security posture assessments
Performance tuning for existing workloads

Ideal For:

Companies with working Azure environments that need improvement rather than full rebuilds.

Why They Stand Out:
They specialize in continuous optimization, making them a great long-term technical oversight partner.

17. Leobit — .NET Modernization & Azure PaaS Transformation

Leobit specializes in upgrading legacy applications and modernizing Microsoft stack workloads for Azure.

Key Azure Strengths

Migration of .NET Framework → .NET Core → cloud
Azure App Service, Functions & microservices
SQL Server, Cosmos DB, PostgreSQL migration
API optimization and backend modernization
Infrastructure automation for legacy systems

Ideal For:

Businesses with deeply embedded legacy .NET systems.

Why They Stand Out:
Clear expertise in taking older architectures and making them Azure-ready with minimal risk.

18. DevOpsify — Fast Azure CI/CD & Infrastructure Automation

DevOpsify focuses on high-speed DevOps implementation for Azure SaaS teams that need rapid time-to-market.

Key Azure Strengths

CI/CD pipelines with GitHub Actions
IaC with Bicep and Terraform
Automated environment provisioning
DevOps culture enablement
Lightweight AKS or container alternatives

Ideal For:

Teams needing quick DevOps maturity, often during growth or product scaling.

Why They Stand Out:
Their delivery style is fast, structured, affordable, and ideal for younger products evolving into stable cloud operations.

19. SHALB — Azure High Availability, Failover & Disaster Recovery

SHALB is a reliability-first Azure engineering firm focusing on mission-critical systems.

Key Azure Strengths

Multi-region HA architectures
Active-active or active-passive failover
Disaster recovery strategy & implementation
Health monitoring and failure automation
Traffic management and load balancing

Ideal For:

Businesses where downtime is unacceptable — fintech, trading, logistics, medical systems.

Why They Stand Out:
They bring SRE mindset + Azure engineering together to ensure near-zero downtime.

20. Flyaps — Full-Cycle Backend + Azure Cloud Engineering

Flyaps uniquely blends backend development with Azure infrastructure engineering, enabling one partner to deliver both application code and cloud architecture.

Key Azure Strengths

Cloud-native backend development
Azure Function apps & microservices
Containerization & AKS/ECS-type orchestration
CI/CD and IaC implementation
End-to-end product & infrastructure alignment

Ideal For:

Companies that prefer a single vendor for both software development and cloud architecture.

Why They Stand Out:
Holistic engineering capability makes them strong for startups and mid-market SaaS platforms.

Ready to Modernize Your Azure Infrastructure?

Cloud success requires more than migration — it requires secure, automated, cost-efficient cloud engineering. If your goal is to scale reliably, reduce Azure spend, or modernize legacy systems, Gart Solutions is the partner built for high-performance environments.

Why companies choose Gart Solutions:

Senior certified Azure DevOps engineers
Proven case studies with measurable ROI (81% cost savings, major storage optimization)
AKS, IaC, and CI/CD automation best practices
Compliance-ready identity & governance (Entra ID, RBAC, Azure Policy)
FinOps-first approach for long-term cost stability
Transparent collaboration and fast delivery cycles

Whether you’re building a cloud-native SaaS platform or modernizing enterprise systems, Gart Solutions delivers architecture, automation, and reliability that scale with your business.

Transform your Azure ecosystem with confidence:

👉 Request an Azure Assessment
👉 Book a free consultation
👉 Explore our Azure case studies

FAQ

What are the top Azure consulting companies in 2026?

In 2026, some of the top Azure consulting companies include Accenture, Infosys, Capgemini as enterprises. And smaller specialized teams like Gart Solutions. These firms are recognized for their certified Azure experts, end-to-end cloud solutions, and proven success.

How do I choose the best Azure consulting company for my business?

To choose the right Azure partner, evaluate their Microsoft Gold/Partner status, client case studies, industry expertise, pricing model, and post-deployment support. Also, ensure they align with your business goals and technical needs.

Why should I hire an Azure consulting company?

Hiring an Azure consulting company brings cloud architecture expertise, cost optimization strategies, security compliance, and faster deployment. It reduces risk, ensures scalability, and improves ROI on your cloud investments.

How much do Azure consulting services cost in 2026?

Azure consulting rates in 2026 vary widely based on scope, location, and provider experience. On average, hourly rates range from $75 to $250, while full-scale projects can cost anywhere from $25,000 to $500,000+. Smaller teams like Gart Solutions charge $50 - $75 per hour and $5000 - $25,000 per project.

What industries benefit most from Azure consulting services?

Azure consulting services are widely used in finance, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, logistics, and government sectors. These industries rely on Azure for data analytics, app modernization, and secure cloud infrastructure.

Can small businesses afford Azure consulting services?

Yes, many Azure consulting firms offer flexible packages tailored to small businesses. Some offer hourly consultation, while others provide fixed-price solutions to make Azure adoption more affordable.

Do Azure consultants help with migration from AWS or Google Cloud?

Absolutely. Many Azure consultants specialize in multi-cloud migration and can smoothly transition workloads from AWS, GCP, or on-premise environments to Microsoft Azure with minimal downtime. Gart Solutions is one of the multi-cloud providers.

How long does a typical Azure consulting project take?

Project duration depends on complexity, but typical Azure consulting engagements last from 4 weeks (for basic workloads) to 6–12 months for large-scale digital transformations or data center migrations.

What are the latest Azure trends in 2026?

Key trends include increased adoption of AI-powered Azure services, hybrid cloud solutions using Azure Arc, enhanced security via Azure Sentinel, and industry-specific cloud stacks like Azure for Healthcare or Azure for Retail.

What services do Azure consulting firms typically offer?

These firms provide cloud strategy, architecture design, migration planning, DevOps integration, security audits, cost optimization, ongoing support, and managed Azure services.

Are Azure consulting services secure?

Yes, reputable Azure consulting companies follow industry security standards, implement Microsoft-recommended practices, and ensure compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, ISO, and other regulations.

Can Azure consultants help with compliance and governance?

Definitely. Azure consultants assist with creating policies, enforcing compliance rules, setting up role-based access controls, and integrating Azure Policy and Azure Blueprints for governance.

What certifications should Azure consultants have?

Top consultants usually hold certifications like Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Azure Administrator Associate, and Azure DevOps Engineer Expert.

How do Azure consulting firms ensure cost optimization?

They perform usage audits, implement cost management tools, recommend reserved instances, right-size resources, and help shift to serverless or containerized architectures when appropriate.

Do Azure consultants offer post-deployment support?

Yes, most leading Azure partners offer managed services, 24/7 monitoring, SLA-based support, performance tuning, patch management, and incident response.

What is the difference between Azure MSPs and Azure consultants?

Azure MSPs (Managed Service Providers) offer ongoing operational support, while Azure consultants focus more on initial planning, deployment, and architecture design. Some companies offer both services.

Are there specialized Azure consultants for AI and ML?

Yes, many Azure consulting companies have dedicated teams for AI and machine learning solutions using Azure Machine Learning, Cognitive Services, and custom AI models.

Can Azure consultants help with disaster recovery planning?

Absolutely. They can design and implement disaster recovery and backup solutions using Azure Site Recovery, Azure Backup, and geo-redundancy to ensure business continuity.

Cloud

Comparing AWS Activate, Google for Startups Cloud Program, and Microsoft for Startups: A Guide for Choosing the Right Cloud Partner for Your Startup

Fedir Kompaniiets

June 18, 2025

If you're launching a startup, you’ve probably wondered where to host your solution. It's essential to understand that an application consists of lines of code that must run on a server, allowing users to access it. With traditional hosting, you purchase a server and deploy your application on it. In contrast, the cloud simplifies this process: you upload a ZIP file or a source code folder, and you don’t have to worry about crashes. The cloud ensures high reliability by automatically restarting your application if it crashes, eliminating the need for a 24/7 engineer. Cloud providers offer managed services that simplify development, enhance scalability, and reduce the need for maintenance, allowing startups to focus on their core code and business needs. But dependency on specific cloud provider technologies can create lock-in, making it difficult to migrate to other providers or infrastructure in the future. Choosing the right cloud platform is a crucial decision for any startup, and the good news is, all the major players – AWS, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Microsoft Azure – offer generous startup programs to help you get started. This article will compare the key features of these programs to help you pick the best fit for your needs. FeatureAWS ActivateGoogle for Startups Cloud ProgramMicrosoft for StartupsFree CreditsUp to $100,000 (1 year)Start: $100,000 (2 years)Varies by stage (up to $150,000/year)Total Credits (Max)$100,000Scale: $200,000 ($350,000 for AI)Up to $450,000 (tiered)Additional Benefits* Business & Technical Guidance * Partner Offers * Migration Support* Free Training * Mentorship * Firebase Credits* BizSpark Program * Azure Credits * Developer Tools * Microsoft ProductsIdeal forEarly-stage startupsEarly to mid-stage startups, AI-focused startupsLater-stage startups, Microsoft product users Short summary Free Credits and Funding: AWS Activate: Up to $100,000 in AWS credits over a year. Google for Startups Cloud Program: Offers two tiers – Start ($100,000) and Scale ($200,000) – in Google Cloud credits over 2 years, with an extended limit of $350,000 for AI-focused startups. Microsoft for Startups: Azure credits vary depending on the program stage (individual, seed, or Series A+), but can reach up to $150,000 per year. Additional Benefits: AWS Activate: Provides access to business and technical guidance, curated resources, partner offers, and migration support. Google for Startups Cloud Program: Offers free training, mentorship opportunities, and credits for Firebase, Google's mobile app development platform. Microsoft for Startups: Includes access to BizSpark program with free Azure services, Azure credits, developer tools, and various Microsoft products. Additional Tips: Read the fine print: Understand eligibility requirements, credit limitations, and spending restrictions for each program. Explore free tiers: All three platforms offer free tiers with limited service usage, allowing you to experiment before committing. Talk to experts: Consider seeking advice from cloud specialists or mentors familiar with these programs to make an informed decision. Free Cloud for Startups: Avoiding the Hidden Cost Traps While free cloud credits and technical support through provider startup programs sound incredibly appealing for cash-strapped startups, it's important to be wary of the potential hidden costs. Too often, startups neglect optimizing their cloud infrastructure for long-term scale during the free period, leading to skyrocketing costs once it ends. There's also the risk of vendor lock-in, making it expensive to migrate to another provider down the line. One startup leveraged the Google Cloud Startup Program's free credits and support to quickly build and scale their innovative product. However, when the free period lapsed, they faced crippling infrastructure costs from lack of optimization along with substantial expenses to move to a different cloud due to lock-in. Proper planning for post-free period usage and avoiding vendor lock-in is crucial. Startups should carefully weigh the pros and cons of each cloud's startup program, considering long-term scalability, costs, and flexibility needs. Working with experienced cloud consultants can help startups develop a cloud strategy aligned with their long-term roadmap to avoid falling into costly pitfalls after the initial free period. Read more this case study: DevOps for Microsoft HoloLens Application Run on GCP AWS Activate AWS Activate is a comprehensive program designed to provide startups with resources to quickly get started on the AWS Cloud. It offers qualifying startups a range of benefits including AWS credits, training, support, and tools to build and scale their businesses. Key features of AWS Activate include: AWS Credits: Startups can receive up to $100,000 in AWS service credits to offset their cloud computing costs. Technical Support: Access to AWS technical experts for architectural and product guidance. Training: Free training resources, including self-paced labs and AWS Essentials courses. Third-Party Tools: Discounts on select third-party tools and services from AWS Partners. Community: Opportunities to connect with other startup founders and the AWS startup community. The program aims to reduce the undifferentiated heavy lifting for startups, allowing them to focus on their core product and leverage the scalable AWS infrastructure. AWS Activate supports startups from the idea stage through growth phases as they build, launch, and scale their applications on AWS. Google for Startups Cloud Program The Google for Startups Cloud Program is Google's offering to provide startups with resources and support to build on Google Cloud Platform (GCP). It aims to help early-stage startups gain a competitive advantage by leveraging Google's cloud infrastructure and technologies. Key benefits of the Google for Startups Cloud Program include: Cloud Credits: Qualifying startups receive GCP credits up to $100,000 to cover compute, storage, and other services. Technical Support: Access to GCP technical experts, architectural guidance, and best practice recommendations. Learning Resources: Training programs, workshops, office hours, and other educational resources tailored for startups. Community & Networking: Opportunities to connect with other founders, investors, and the broader Google Cloud startup community. Partnerships: Exclusive partner offers and discounts on third-party solutions and services. The program focuses on providing startups with the tools, mentorship, and ecosystem support to build, scale, and optimize their applications on Google Cloud. It fosters collaborations with accelerators, incubators, and venture capital firms to better serve the needs of early-stage startups. Microsoft for Startups program Microsoft for Startups is Microsoft's global program designed to help startups successfully launch and grow their companies by leveraging Microsoft's cloud platform, Azure, along with technical resources, business support, and a world-class partner ecosystem. Key benefits of the Microsoft for Startups program include: Azure Credits: Qualifying startups can receive up to $120,000 in Azure credits to build and run their applications and workloads on Azure. Technical Support: Access to cloud architects, technical advisors, developer tools, and best practice guidance for building on Azure. Marketplace Exposure: Opportunity to publish and showcase startup solutions on the Azure Marketplace, connecting with Microsoft's global customer base. Partner Ecosystem: Connections to Microsoft's partner network, including venture capital firms, incubators, and accelerators for networking and potential investments. Community & Events: Access to global startup community events, meetups, and co-working spaces for knowledge sharing and collaboration. The program aims to provide startups with a comprehensive cloud platform, technical resources, business mentorship, and a thriving ecosystem to accelerate their growth and innovation trajectories from idea to unicorn. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cloud Partner Consider your stage: If you're a very early-stage startup, Google's program with its larger credit pool might be ideal. For later-stage startups with specific needs, Microsoft's tiered program with BizSpark benefits could be attractive. Focus on your technology stack: If you're heavily invested in AI/ML, Google's expertise and additional credits might be a significant advantage. For startups already using Microsoft products, Azure's integration might be smoother. Think long-term: While free credits are important, consider the ongoing costs and support offered by each platform. By carefully evaluating your needs and comparing the offerings of AWS Activate, Google for Startups Cloud Program, and Microsoft for Startups, you can select the cloud partner that will best fuel your startup's growth. Remember, the best program is the one that aligns with your specific business goals and future technology roadmap.

DevOps

Boosting DevOps Efficiency with AI Tools: A Guide to ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, and More

Roman Burdiuzha

February 14, 2025

How can AI tools enhance DevOps efficiency?AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, GitHub Copilot, and VZero are transforming DevOps by automating coding, streamlining infrastructure management, and accelerating UI prototyping. These tools reduce development time, minimize human error, and free up engineers for strategic tasks. We’re long past the debate about whether AI will take over jobs. In DevOps, AI is already reshaping how we work—automating routine tasks, assisting in decision-making, and enhancing speed and productivity. Just two years ago, using AI for code generation was off-limits in many companies. Today, it’s not only permitted — it’s encouraged. The shift has been fast and profound. In this guide, I’ll share real-world use cases of how I use AI tools as a DevOps engineer and cloud architect, showing you where they fit into daily workflows and how they boost performance. The Rise of AI Assistants in DevOps Let's dive into something that’s been on everyone’s radar lately: AI assistants. But don’t worry, we’re not going to talk about AI taking over our jobs or debating its future in society. Instead, let’s get practical and look at how we’re already using AI assistants in our daily work routines. Just two years ago, when ChatGPT 3.5 was launched, most people couldn’t have predicted just how quickly these tools would evolve. AI’s rapid progress has been especially game-changing for the IT field. It’s as if IT professionals decided, "Why not automate parts of our own jobs first?" And here we are, seeing the impact of that decision. In just two years, AI has made strides that feel almost unreal. I remember when many companies had strict no-AI policies. Legal restrictions were everywhere—using AI to analyze or write code was off the table. Fast forward to now, and it’s a whole different story. Many companies not only allow AI; they actively encourage it, seeing it as a way to work faster and more effectively. Tasks that used to take days can now be handed off to AI, letting us focus on deeper engineering work. Today, I want to take you through how I, as a DevOps engineer and cloud architect, am using AI assistants to streamline different parts of my job. https://youtu.be/4FNyMRmHdTM?si=F2yOv89QU9gQ7Hif Key AI Tools in DevOps and Their Use Cases ChatGPT: Your All-in-One Assistant for DevOps Let’s start with ChatGPT. By now, it’s a household name, probably the most recognized AI assistant and where so much of this tech revolution began. So, why do I rely on ChatGPT? First off, it’s built on some of the largest AI models out there, often debuting groundbreaking updates. While it might feel more like a generalist than a specialist in niche areas, its capabilities for everyday tasks are impressive. I won’t go into too much detail about ChatGPT itself, but let’s look at some recent updates that are genuinely game-changing. For starters, ChatGPT 4.0 is now the new standard, replacing previous models 3.5 and 4. It’s a foundational model designed to handle just about any task, as they say. But the real excitement comes with ChatGPT’s new Search feature. This is a huge leap forward, as the model can now browse the internet in real-time. Previously, it was limited to its last training cutoff, with only occasional updates. Now, it can look up current information directly from the web. Here’s a quick example: You could ask, “What’s the current exchange rate for the Ukrainian hryvnia to the euro?” and ChatGPT will fetch the latest answer from the internet. It can even calculate taxes based on the most recent rates and regulations. Even better, you can see the sources it uses, so you can double-check the information. This feature positions ChatGPT as a potential Google alternative for many professional questions. Another exciting addition is ChatGPT Canvas, which offers a more visual and interactive way to collaborate with the AI. This feature lets you create and adjust diagrams, flowcharts, and other visuals directly in the chat interface. It’s perfect for brainstorming sessions, project planning, and breaking down complex ideas in a more visual format. Personally, I use ChatGPT for a range of tasks — from quick questions to brainstorming sessions. With Search and Canvas, it’s evolving into an even more versatile tool that fits a variety of professional needs. It’s like having an all-in-one assistant. To summarise, ChatGPT is good for: 🔍 Real-Time Web Access with Search ChatGPT’s built-in browser now retrieves up-to-date information, making it more than a static assistant. Whether you're checking the latest AWS pricing or debugging region-specific issues, this tool has you covered. 🧠 Complex Task Handling From brainstorming pipeline structures to writing Bash scripts, ChatGPT handles high-level logic, templating, and document writing. 🗂️ Canvas: Visualizing Ideas With Canvas, you can sketch infrastructure diagrams, brainstorm architectures, or visually debug pipeline issues—all within the same AI environment. Use it for: YAML templating Cost estimation Visual breakdowns of infrastructure Researching live documentation Transform Your DevOps Process with Gart's Automation Solutions! Take your DevOps to the next level with seamless automation. Contact us to learn how we can streamline your workflows. Claude: AI for Project Context and Helm Charts Claude’s project memory and file management capabilities make it ideal for large, structured DevOps tasks. Let’s dive into a more specialized AI tool I use: Claude. Unlike other AI assistants, Claude is structured to manage files and data in a way that’s incredibly practical for DevOps. One of the best features? The ability to organize information into project-specific repositories. This setup is a huge help when juggling different environments and configurations, making it easier to pick up complex projects exactly where you left off. Here’s a quick example. Imagine I need to create a new Helm chart for an app that’s been running on other machines. My goal is to create a universal deployment in Kubernetes. With Claude, I can start a project called "Helm Chart Creation" and load it up with essential context—best practices, reference files, and so on. Claude’s “Project Knowledge” feature is a game-changer here, allowing me to add files and snippets it should remember. If I need references from Bitnami’s Helm charts, which have an extensive library, I can just feed them directly into Claude. Now, say I want to convert a Docker Compose file into a Helm chart. I can input the Docker Compose file and relevant Helm chart references, and Claude will scaffold the YAML files for me. Sure, it sometimes needs a bit of tweaking, but the initial output is structured, logical, and saves a massive amount of time. In a recent project, we had to create Helm charts for a large number of services. A task that would’ve previously taken a team of two to four people several months now took just one person a few weeks, thanks to Claude’s ability to handle most of the code organization and structuring. The only downside? You can only upload up to five files per request. But even with that limitation, Claude is a powerful tool that genuinely understands project context and writes better code. To summarise, Claude is good for: 🧾 Project Knowledge Management Organize your tasks by repository or project. Claude remembers past inputs and references, making it useful for tasks like: Converting Docker Compose to Helm Creating reusable Helm charts Structuring Kubernetes deployments GitHub Copilot for Code Generation Next up, let’s talk about Copilot for Visual Studio. I’ve been using it since the early days when it was just GitHub Copilot, and it’s come a long way since then. The latest version introduces some great new features that make coding even more efficient. One small change is that Copilot now opens on the right side of the Visual Studio window—just a layout tweak, but it keeps everything organized. More importantly, it now taps into both OpenAI models and Microsoft’s proprietary AI, plus it integrates with Azure. This means it can work directly within your cloud environment, which is super useful. Copilot also gets smart about your project setup, reading the structure and indexing files so it understands what you’re working on. For example, if I need to spin up a Terraform project for Azure with a Terraform Cloud backend, I can just ask Copilot, and it’ll generate the necessary code and config files. It’s great for speeding up code writing, starting new projects, and even handling cloud services, all while helping troubleshoot errors as you go. One of my favorite features is the “Explain” option. If I’m stuck on a piece of code, I can ask Copilot to break it down for me, which saves me from searching online or guessing. It’s a real timesaver, especially when working with unfamiliar languages or code snippets. GitHub Copilot is good for: 🚀 Cloud-Specific Code Generation Copilot now understands infrastructure-as-code contexts: Launch a Terraform project for Azure in minutes Create config files and debug errors automatically 💬 Code Explainability One standout feature is the “Explain this code” function. If you're unfamiliar with a script, Copilot explains it clearly—perfect for onboarding or refactoring. Use it for: Cloud provisioning Writing CI/CD scripts Boilerplate code in unfamiliar languages Effortless DevOps Automation with Gart! Let us handle the heavy lifting in DevOps. Reach out to see how Gart can simplify and accelerate your processes. VZero for UI and Front-End Prototyping Finally, let’s take a look at VZero from Vercel. I don’t use it as often as other tools, but it’s impressive enough that it definitely deserves a mention. VZero is an AI-powered tool that makes creating UI forms and interfaces fast and easy. For someone like me—who isn’t a frontend developer—it’s perfect for quickly putting together a UI concept. Whether I need to show a UI idea to a dev team, share a concept with contractors, or visualize something for stakeholders, VZero makes it simple. For example, if I need a page to display infrastructure audit results, I can start by giving VZero a basic prompt, like “I want a page that shows infrastructure audit results.” Even with this minimal direction, VZero can create a functional, attractive UI. One of the best things about VZero is how well it handles design context. I can upload screenshots or examples from our existing website, and it’ll match the design language—think color schemes, styles, and layout. This means the UI it generates not only works but also looks consistent with our brand. The tool even generates real-time editable code, so if I need to make a quick tweak—like removing an extra menu or adjusting the layout—it’s easy to do. I can just ask VZero to make the change, and it updates the UI instantly. There are two main ways I use VZero: Prototyping: When I have a rough idea and want a quick prototype, VZero lets me visualize it without having to dive into frontend code. Then, I can pass it along to frontend developers to build out further. Creating Simple Forms: Sometimes, I need a quick form for a specific task, like automating a workflow or gathering input for a DevOps process. VZero lets me create these forms without needing deep frontend expertise. Since VZero is built on Vercel’s platform, the generated code is optimized for modern frameworks like React and Next.js, making it easy to integrate with existing projects. By using AI, VZero cuts down the time and effort needed to go from idea to working UI, making frontend design more accessible to non-experts. VZero is good for: ✨ Design Context Awareness Upload a screenshot of your existing product, and VZero will generate matching UI components. It mimics style guides, layouts, and brand consistency. 🧩 Use Cases: Prototyping admin dashboards Mocking audit interfaces Creating forms for automation workflows Built on modern React/Next.js frameworks, it outputs usable code for immediate integration. AI’s Impact on Productivity and Efficiency The cumulative impact of these AI tools on DevOps workflows is significant. What used to take entire teams months to complete can now be accomplished by a single engineer within weeks, thanks to AI-driven automation and structured project management. The cost-effectiveness of these tools is also noteworthy; a typical monthly subscription to all mentioned AI tools averages around $70. Given the efficiency gains, this represents a valuable investment for both individual professionals and organizations. How to Use AI in DevOps Without Sacrificing Quality To maximize AI’s potential, DevOps professionals must go beyond simple code generation and understand how to fully integrate these tools into their workflows. Successful use of AI involves knowing: When to rely on AI versus manual coding for accuracy and efficiency. How to assess AI-generated results critically to avoid errors. The importance of providing comprehensive prompts and reference materials to get the best outcomes. To maximize value: 🔍 Review AI output like you would a junior developer’s code. 🧠 Prompt engineering matters—give context, not just commands. ⚠️ Don’t outsource critical logic—review security and environment-specific settings carefully. By mastering these skills, DevOps teams can ensure that AI tools support their goals effectively, adding value without compromising quality. Conclusion AI tools have become indispensable in DevOps, transforming how engineers approach their work and enabling them to focus on higher-level tasks. As these tools continue to evolve, they are likely to become even more integral to development operations, offering ever more refined support for complex workflows. Embracing AI in DevOps is no longer a choice but a necessity, and those who learn to use it wisely will enjoy substantial advantages in productivity, adaptability, and career growth. If you’re not leveraging AI in DevOps yet, you're falling behind.Want to scale your DevOps efficiency with AI-backed automation?Connect with Gart Solutions to modernize your pipelines today.

Cloud

20 Cloud Costs Optimization Traps: How to Reduce Cloud Waste?

Roman Burdiuzha

January 6, 2025

Organizations often expect to cut costs when migrating IT infrastructure from on-premises setups to the cloud. However, the reality can be starkly different. Various cost traps can emerge during cloud transformation, leading to unexpectedly high expenses if not carefully managed. In this article, we will explore the most common cloud cost traps and provide strategies to avoid cloud expenditures during cloud transformation. Estimating Cloud Transformation Expenses Forecasting expenses during a cloud transformation can be challenging. In traditional IT setups, cost estimation is relatively straightforward, encompassing fixed costs such as data center rent, hardware, and licenses. Conversely, in a cloud environment, you pay based on usage, which can fluctuate greatly, complicating cost predictions. This variability often leads to unforeseen cost spikes during cloud transformation. At Gart Solutions, we help numerous organizations navigate their cloud transformation journeys and frequently encounter five key mistakes that can drive up costs. Common Cloud Costs Optimization Traps Happening There: 1. The "Lift and Shift" Approach A common mistake is migrating existing setups to the cloud without modifications, known as a "lift and shift." This method usually leads to high costs because it fails to leverage the cloud's unique advantages. Instead, organizations should modernize their solutions through "refactoring." Refactoring involves changing or completely replacing applications or systems to exploit the cloud's benefits such as scalability, elasticity, self-service, and measurability. By optimizing resources for the cloud, organizations can achieve greater flexibility, efficiency, and cost savings. 2. Choosing the Wrong IT Architecture Setup Selecting the right architecture for a cloud environment is critical. IT architecture must be carefully planned to maximize cloud benefits. Determining how services interact and which ones to use requires an architecture tailored to the organization’s needs. Poor architectural choices can result in an environment that does not meet security and scalability requirements, leading to costly adjustments. Hence, it's vital to seek expert advice, critically review recommendations, and explore alternatives that do not compromise functionality or performance. Contact Gart & get the IT Infrastructure Consulting. Quick and long-term wins are guaranteed. 3. Overreliance on Enterprise Versions Organizations often default to enterprise versions of cloud services without assessing their actual needs. This can result in unnecessarily high costs. Before opting for enterprise versions, it's crucial to evaluate if standard versions can meet the requirements. Contact Gart & assess cloud services carefully. 4. Uncontrolled Capacity Planning Accurately predicting capacity needs is a common challenge, where previous expertise is needed. Capacity requirements can vary — constant for some, linear for others, exponential for a third, and seasonal for a fourth. These variations can lead to over- or under-provisioning of resources, resulting in additional costs. Effective capacity planning involves basic estimates and continuous monitoring to detect changes in needs and adjust resources accordingly. Utilizing the built-in capabilities of cloud services for business alignment requires the right expertise. Contact Gart to assess your resources and requirements and make optimal capacity planning. 5. Lack of Appropriate Skills Cloud transformation increases IT delivery complexity and requires new skills. Without the right expertise, projects can become inefficient, leading to wrong decisions and increased costs. Contact Gart - we are the trusted partner in cloud consulting, migration, and cost optimization. 6. Underestimating Data Transfer Costs One often overlooked cost trap is data transfer. While moving data to the cloud might seem straightforward, the costs associated with data egress (data leaving the cloud) can be substantial. Organizations should be aware of these charges and plan data transfer strategies accordingly, such as optimizing data placement and minimizing data transfer needs. 7. Neglecting Long-term Cost Implications Focusing solely on immediate cost savings can lead to higher long-term expenses. Organizations should consider the long-term implications of their cloud choices, including potential costs associated with scaling, maintenance, and upgrades. A comprehensive cost-benefit analysis that includes future scenarios can help in making more informed decisions. 8. Ignoring Security and Compliance Costs Security and compliance are critical in cloud environments, and neglecting these aspects can lead to significant expenses. Ensuring that cloud deployments comply with regulatory standards and implementing robust security measures can prevent costly breaches and fines. Investing in security tools and expertise upfront is crucial for avoiding unexpected costs later. Contact for consulting in security, architecture, and cloud technologies. Prevent unnecessary expenses and ensure a smooth transition. 9. Failing to Monitor and Optimize Usage Continuous monitoring and optimization of cloud usage are essential for controlling costs. Without proper monitoring, organizations can easily overspend on unnecessary resources. Utilizing cloud management tools and implementing policies for regular audits and optimizations can help keep costs in check. 10. Overlooking Vendor Lock-in Risks Vendor lock-in occurs when an organization becomes overly dependent on a single cloud provider, making it difficult and costly to switch providers. To mitigate this risk, organizations should adopt a multi-cloud strategy or ensure that their architecture allows for flexibility and portability across different cloud platforms. 11. Underutilizing Reserved Instances and Savings Plans Cloud providers offer reserved instances and savings plans that can significantly reduce costs for predictable workloads. However, many organizations fail to take advantage of these options. By analyzing usage patterns and committing to long-term plans, organizations can achieve substantial savings compared to on-demand pricing. 12. Over-Provisioning Resources Over-provisioning, or allocating more resources than needed, is a common cost trap. This often results from a lack of understanding of actual usage requirements. Implementing auto-scaling and right-sizing strategies can help in dynamically adjusting resources based on real-time demand, thus avoiding unnecessary expenses. 13. Lack of Governance and Policies Effective governance and policies are crucial for managing cloud costs. Without proper governance, organizations can face uncontrolled spending and resource mismanagement. Establishing clear policies for resource usage, cost allocation, and accountability ensures that cloud resources are used efficiently, and costs are kept under control. 14. Neglecting to Decommission Unused Resources Failing to decommission unused or idle resources can lead to wasted spending. Regularly reviewing and cleaning up unused instances, storage, and other resources can help in reducing unnecessary costs. Automation tools can assist in identifying and decommissioning these resources. 15. Ignoring Cloud Cost Management Tools Most cloud providers offer cost management and optimization tools, but organizations often overlook these valuable resources. Utilizing these tools can provide insights into spending patterns, help identify cost-saving opportunities, and enable more effective budgeting and forecasting. 16. Misjudging Data Storage Costs Data storage costs can add up quickly, especially if organizations do not manage their data efficiently. Implementing data lifecycle policies, such as archiving old data and deleting redundant data, can help control storage costs. Additionally, selecting the appropriate storage class based on access frequency and performance needs is essential. 17. Overlooking Software Licensing Costs Cloud transformation can sometimes lead to increased software licensing costs, particularly if organizations do not review their licensing agreements carefully. It's important to understand the licensing implications of moving to the cloud and to negotiate contracts that align with cloud usage patterns. 18. Inadequate Backup and Disaster Recovery Planning Backup and disaster recovery are critical components of cloud strategy, but inadequate planning in these areas can lead to unexpected costs. Organizations should ensure that their backup and recovery plans are cost-effective and align with their overall cloud strategy. This includes selecting the right tools and services for efficient data protection and recovery. 19. Failing to Leverage Cloud Provider Discounts Cloud providers often offer discounts for committed usage, volume purchases, and other incentives. Failing to leverage these discounts can result in higher costs. Organizations should actively seek out and take advantage of available discounts to optimize their cloud spending. Contact Gart and calculate cloud discounts for your case. 20. Not Considering Hidden Costs Hidden costs, such as those related to network latency, data retrieval, and specialized support, can significantly impact the overall cloud budget. Organizations should thoroughly assess all potential costs, including those that may not be immediately apparent, to avoid budget surprises. Final words Cloud transformation requires specialized expertise & careful planning. Contact us to address all organizational needs for a successful cloud transformation. Gart Solutions can help your organization avoid common cost traps and achieve business objectives efficiently. Review our latest Case Studies of our cloud migration & cost optimization projects.