Microsoft Azure is Microsoft's cloud computing platform, offering a wide range of cloud services like computing, networking, storage, and AI to build, deploy, and manage applications. It operates on a global infrastructure and provides both Microsoft-specific and third-party services, supporting various programming languages and frameworks. Businesses and developers use Azure to run existing applications or create new ones in the cloud, managing their resources and getting insights on the go.
Core services and capabilities
- Computing: Provides virtual machines and other computing services.
- Storage: Offers various storage options, from block storage for virtual machines to object storage for unstructured data.
- Networking: Includes services for creating virtual networks, connecting to on-premises data centers, and managing network performance.
- Analytics: Delivers analytics services for data processing and insights.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Offers a comprehensive portfolio of AI services, tools, and models, including access to OpenAI models, to build and deploy AI applications.
- Databases: Provides a variety of database services for different applications.
How it works
- Service-based model: Azure offers services like Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).
- Global infrastructure: Built on a global network of Microsoft-managed data centers.
- Flexibility: Supports a wide array of programming languages, tools, and frameworks.
- Scalability: Allows users to scale applications and services up or down to meet demand.
Other features
- Mobile app: The Microsoft Azure app allows for on-the-go management of resources, status checks, and alerts.
- Security: Provides tools for security management, including identity verification and key management.
- Cost: Offers various support plans with different pricing tiers, from a basic free plan to paid options like Developer, Standard, and Professional Direct.
