Cloud Services

STF Consulting provides cloud services for businesses in New Jersey, with a focus on Microsoft 365 management, Azure infrastructure, and cloud migration. We help companies get more value from their cloud investments by fixing disorganized tenants, tightening security, and establishing governance that prevents future chaos.

Cloud platforms work best when they are set up correctly from the start. Most businesses inherit a messy Microsoft 365 environment or let things grow without a plan. The result is unclear permissions, Teams sprawl, SharePoint confusion, and licensing waste. We clean that up and put structure in place so your cloud tools actually help people work instead of creating friction.

What Are Cloud Services?

Cloud services refers to IT infrastructure, applications, and platforms delivered over the internet rather than installed locally on your servers. For most businesses, this means Microsoft 365 for productivity, Azure for infrastructure, and various line-of-business applications hosted in the cloud.

Cloud services from an IT provider typically include setup, migration, ongoing management, security configuration, and user support. The goal is to make cloud tools work reliably for your organization without creating new problems around access, permissions, or data governance.

A woman in a white dress shirt sits with her right hand resting on her laptop, while she writes on a tablet with her left. Cloud graphics float above the tablet.

What Do Cloud Services Include?

Service Description
Microsoft 365 Management Ongoing administration of Exchange, Teams, SharePoint, and user accounts
Microsoft 365 Migration Moving email, files, and data to Microsoft 365 from other platforms
Azure Services Virtual machines, networking, storage, and infrastructure in Azure
SharePoint and Teams Governance Organizing collaboration tools with clear structure and permissions
Virtual Desktop (VDI) Cloud-hosted desktops for remote access and secure computing
Identity Management User accounts, MFA, conditional access, and single sign-on
Backup and Data Protection Protecting Microsoft 365 data beyond native retention
License Optimization Right-sizing licenses and eliminating waste

How Much Do Cloud Services Cost?

Cloud services are typically priced as monthly management fees on top of your Microsoft or Azure subscription costs. Management fees vary based on the number of users, complexity of the environment, and scope of services included.

STF Consulting provides cloud services pricing after an initial assessment. Contact us for a quote based on your specific environment and needs.

Cloud Services We Provide

Cloud Services FAQ

A: Microsoft 365 is the current name for what was previously called Office 365. Microsoft 365 includes the familiar Office applications plus cloud services like Exchange Online, SharePoint, Teams, and security features. The name changed in 2020, but the core functionality is the same.

A: No. Many businesses run hybrid environments with some systems in the cloud and others on-premises. The right approach depends on your applications, compliance requirements, and operational needs. We help you determine what makes sense to move and what should stay local.

A: We configure identity controls including MFA and conditional access, set up proper permissions, enable security monitoring, and establish policies for data protection. Microsoft 365 and Azure have strong security capabilities, but they need to be configured correctly to be effective.

A: Your data belongs to you. If you decide to move away from Microsoft 365, we can export your email, files, and other data in standard formats. Microsoft provides data export tools, and we handle migrations in both directions.

A: Migration timelines depend on the amount of data, number of users, and source platform. A typical migration for a 50-user organization takes 2-4 weeks including planning, pilot testing, and cutover. We schedule migrations to minimize disruption to daily work.

A: Yes. Many of our clients run hybrid configurations with Azure AD Connect, hybrid Exchange, or Azure Arc for server management. We help design, implement, and support hybrid architectures that connect cloud and on-premises systems.

A: Governance refers to the policies and structure around how Microsoft 365 is used. This includes who can create Teams and SharePoint sites, how permissions are managed, retention policies for data, and lifecycle management. Good governance prevents chaos as your environment grows.

A: We provide guidance and documentation for users and administrators. For formal end-user training programs, we can recommend training partners or help develop internal training materials based on how your organization uses Microsoft 365.

A: We review your current licenses, identify waste from unused or duplicate licenses, and recommend the right license types for your needs. We also help with license management as you add or remove users.

A: We provide infrastructure management for Azure including virtual machines, networking, storage, and hybrid connectivity. For Azure application development or advanced PaaS services, we can coordinate with development partners or your internal team.

A: Yes. We frequently take over administration of existing tenants that have grown disorganized or lack proper governance. We start with an assessment, document the current state, and develop a plan to address gaps and establish ongoing management.

A: Microsoft 365 is a productivity platform (email, Office apps, Teams, SharePoint). Azure is an infrastructure platform (virtual machines, networking, storage, databases). Many businesses use both: Microsoft 365 for daily work and Azure for servers and applications.

Get a Cloud Assessment

Contact STF Consulting for a cloud services assessment. We review your current environment, identify opportunities for improvement, and provide recommendations.

Schedule an IT Health Consultation