What is Microsoft Azure?

What is Microsoft Azure?

Microsoft Azure is a comprehensive cloud computing platform and online portal that grants users access to manage a variety of cloud services and resources provided by Microsoft. These services encompass data storage and transformation based on individual requirements. Accessing Azure’s resources and services requires only an active internet connection and the ability to connect to the Azure portal.

Key Points About Azure:

• Launched on February 1, 2010, following its primary competitor AWS.
• Adopts a free-to-start and pay-per-use model, allowing users to pay only for the selected services.
• Approximately 80% of Fortune 500 companies utilize Azure for their cloud computing needs.
• Supports multiple programming languages, including Java, Node.js, and C#.
• Azure boasts the highest number of data centers globally, with 42 currently operational and plans to add 12 more.

Various Azure Services and How Azure Works:

Azure provides over 200 services categorized into 18 segments, covering computing, networking, storage, IoT, migration, mobile, analytics, containers, artificial intelligence, machine learning, integration, management tools, developer tools, security, databases, DevOps, media identity, and web services. Noteworthy Azure services include:

Compute Services:

• Virtual Machine: Creates virtual machines in Windows, Linux, or custom configurations.
• Cloud Service: Enables scalable application deployment with automated provisioning, load balancing, and health monitoring.
• Service Fabric: Simplifies microservice development by bundling smaller applications.
• Functions: Allows application development in any programming language without concern for hardware requirements.

Networking:

• Azure CDN (Content Delivery Network): Delivers content globally with high bandwidth.
• Express Route: Establishes private connections between on-premise networks and Microsoft cloud services.
• Virtual Network: Facilitates secure communication between Azure services.
• Azure DNS: Hosts DNS domains or system domains on Azure.

Storage:

• Disk Storage: Provides storage options with a choice between HDD or SSD for virtual machines.
• Blob Storage: Optimized for storing massive amounts of unstructured data.
• File Storage: Managed file storage accessed through the SMB protocol.
• Queue Storage: Offers stable message queuing for large workloads.

Why Use Azure?

Azure finds application in various scenarios, including:

• Application development, testing, and hosting.
• Creation of virtual machines in customizable configurations.
• Integration and synchronization of virtual devices and directories.
• Collection and storage of metrics for analysis.
• Provision of virtual hard drives, extensions of virtual machines offering extensive data storage.

Conclusion:

With over 200 services and numerous advantages, Microsoft Azure stands out as a rapidly growing cloud computing platform adopted by businesses. The platform’s total revenue is anticipated to exceed $19 billion by 2020, reflecting its widespread implementation and creating opportunities for professionals well-versed in Azure technology.

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