Azure Data Integration

Microsoft Azure is a growing collection of integrated cloud services that developers and IT professionals use to build, deploy, and manage applications through a global network of datacenters. To fully benefit, Azure needs to be seamlessly connected with your enterprise to keep data and files in sync. The Layer2 Cloud Connector can help to integrate Azure with your local IT systems, apps and documents, with Microsoft services such as Office 365, SharePoint, Dynamics, but also with clouds provided by other vendors like Google, Amazon, IBM, Oracle, SAP, or Salesforce.

Features and benefits

Azure SQL Data Integration

Integrate your Azure SQL databases with 100+ other local or cloud-based data sources, such as local SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, IBM DB2, ERP/CRM, and others to keep pre-selected data sets in connection and make it available for apps, forms, workflows, and users. Learn more about integrating Azure SQL.

Azure File Storage Integration

Create file shares in the Azure cloud to be mounted similar to local network shares on Windows servers or clients via SMB. Keep it connected to local disks or file servers using the Layer2 Cloud Connector. Learn more about integrating Azure File Storage.

Azure Logic Apps Integration

Build powerful solutions for distributed business processes and workflow using Azure Logic Apps, a new flexible and scalable Microsoft SaaS offering. Trigger actions in Logic Apps on any data changes in 100+ widely used enterprise systems, such as SQL, ERP, CRM. Learn more about integrating Azure Logic Apps.

Azure Table Storage Integration

You can keep your Azure Table Storage automatically connected to 100+ local or cloud-based apps and systems, such as SQL, ERP, CRM and more via 3rd party data providers. Just install and sync your data from local, or from clouds. Learn more about Azure Table Storage integration.

Microsoft Flow Data Integration

Microsoft Flow is a new Azure-based service for automating workflows across the fast growing number of apps and services that business users today typically rely on. Learn more about how to start a Flow on local or cloud-based data change in 100+ typically used IT systems.

Run Your Own Integration Center

Install the Layer2 Cloud Connector on a Windows Server locally or in your Azure cloud to run your own data integration center. Use it for data and file migration, backup, or to keep your connected systems in permanent two-way connection. All under your full control and without any additional costs.

Find more solutions for Azure

How it works

The Layer2 Cloud Connector is installed locally or in the Azure cloud on a Windows server or client. A Windows Service keeps your systems connected with flexible options. Take a look at the screens below to get an impression.

Azure-Logic-Apps-Integration-Layer2-1024

Azure-Table-Storage-Integration-Layer2-1024

Azure-Files-Storage-Integration-Layer2-1024

What you need

You will need the Layer2 Cloud Connector installed on a Windows server or client, locally or in your own Azure cloud. It comes with a Windows Service to keep your data connected. The data providers you will need to access local file shares, SharePoint document libraries, and Azure Logic Apps are included in the package. To access SQL databases, ERP, or CRM systems, the vendor specific drivers or 3rd party data providers must be installed.

Learn more

Azure data integration FAQ

Do you have any examples for typical use cases?

By connecting Azure with your existing IT you can make local structured data and also files available for user access at any time, any place, on any device. Think about reporting, collaboration, dashboards, document management to share pre-selected data and files from backend IT systems with your peers in the office and on the road, but also with subsidiaries, suppliers, business partners, clients, and custom apps.

Why connecting to Azure SQL databases?

You will have many advantages using SQL Azure, as opposed to setting up your own SQL Server instance: Create in just minutes on-demand, no physical administration, high availability and scalability. Many apps are already using SQL Azure internally, such as Microsoft Access Web Apps.

Why the Layer2 Connector is not listed in Azure?

Microsoft just lists connectors that are completely running in the cloud and some of its own local components. The Layer2 connector can generally run in the customer's own cloud, but also completely local - under full client control. Clients actually like this specific approach and it has become one of the main selling points over the years.

Can I connect my own app via Layer2 connector?

Yes, so far as you are using Azure SQL, Azure Table Storage, or Azure File Storage to host your data. Typically, the connector integrates with the certain Azure data storage, not directly with your app. But you can also support common data protocols in your app, such as OData, SQL or XML to connect your app directly via Layer2.

What about security with Layer2?

The Layer2 Connector runs in your local network and data center or in your own Azure cloud. It directly connects the desired systems. No information is transferred to Layer2 as a company, or to any other 3rd party. All under your full control. No changes are required in the connected systems. The connector is FIPS compatible as required by US government clients.

What about licensing Layer2?

The Layer2 Cloud Connector is licensed based on installations. The number of connections, users, items, or transactions doesn't matter. The license is perpetual for a one-time fee in the case of the Personal and Professional Edition. Additionally, there is an optional annual Software Assurance (SA) for free updates and upgrades available.
In the case of the Enterprise Edition we offer an annual subscription model. Learn more in our licensing FAQs.

Ready to go next steps?

Register for free trial today.

Connect your Azure cloud to the enterprise to keep data and files in sync, and start workflow actions in Azure on any data change now.

Try Now