Azure
Microsoft Azure is a public cloud computing platform offering more than 200 services across compute, storage, networking, AI, data, and application development. Launched in 2010 (originally as Windows Azure), it provides a global network of highly secure datacenters and supports a wide range of workloads including IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. Today, Azure is one of the world’s leading cloud platforms, trusted by a majority of Fortune 500 companies and known for its deep integration with Microsoft’s ecosystem and broad support for hybrid and multi‑cloud environments.
Benefits of Azure
- Massive global footprint: Azure provides over 300–400+ datacenters across 60+ regions, offering more geographic coverage than other cloud providers.
- Enterprise-grade security: Built‑in security and compliance tools protect workloads from code to cloud, with strong support for regulated industries.
- Hybrid & multi‑cloud flexibility: Services like Azure Arc allow seamless integration with on‑premises environments and other clouds.
- Extensive AI & data capabilities: Azure AI Foundry offers access to over 11,000 models and tools, supporting rapid development of AI applications.
- Deep Microsoft ecosystem integration: Works naturally with Windows Server, Office 365, GitHub, SQL Server, and developer tooling.
- Scalability & reliability: Azure’s global infrastructure scales on demand, with auto‑scaling, availability zones, and millions of servers worldwide.
Typical Use Cases
- Hosting web applications, APIs, and enterprise systems using Azure Virtual Machines or App Service
- Running data analytics, machine learning, and large-scale AI workloads (e.g., using Azure AI Foundry tools)
- Enterprise digital transformation projects that integrate cloud, on‑premises systems, and Microsoft services
- Hybrid cloud deployments leveraging Azure Arc to manage resources across multiple environments
- Cloud-native development using serverless computing (Azure Functions) and containerized workloads
- Storing, processing, and securing enterprise data across distributed global datacenters
