The feasibility of using Microsoft Azure infrastructure for a monitoring and evaluation system solution in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

The authors of this article propose that monitoring and evaluation and other data collection technology solution providers can consider the use of the cloud, specifically the Microsoft Azure platform, as part of an overall architecture when utilized in sub-Saharan countries. An overview is provided of a public health project in need of a data management system, the options that were considered before selecting the Microsoft product and deciding on which global network datacenter to utilize, the technical details for the system solution build-out, and the positive and negative lessons learned that may be beneficial to others who are involved in such systems design.