What is Azure?
Azure is a cloud computing platform developed by Microsoft. It offers a vast array of cloud services, including computing, storage, database, networking, analytics, intelligence and IoT. These services are available on demand, allowing businesses and individuals to build, deploy and manage applications through a global network of Microsoft-managed data centres.
Benefits:
Azure provides numerous advantages:
- Scalability: Easily adjust resources to meet fluctuating demands, from small start-ups to large enterprises.
- Flexibility: Choose from a wide range of services and tools to build custom solutions.
- Reliability: Benefit from Microsoft’s robust infrastructure and security measures.
- Cost-effectiveness: Pay only for the resources you use, with various pricing models available.
- Global reach: Access data centres worldwide to serve customers in different regions.
Use Cases:
Azure is applicable across various industries and scenarios:
- Application development and deployment: Build and host web and mobile applications.
- Data storage and analytics: Store, process and analyse large datasets.
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Rent virtual machines, storage and networking resources.
- Platform as a Service (PaaS): Develop and deploy applications without managing infrastructure.
- Software as a Service (SaaS): Use pre-built applications like Office 365.
- Internet of Things (IoT): Connect and manage IoT devices.
- Artificial intelligence (AI): Develop and deploy AI models.
Key Components:
Azure comprises a vast ecosystem of services, including:
- Compute: Virtual machines, Azure Functions, App Service.
- Storage: Blob storage, Azure Files, Azure Disk Storage.
- Database: SQL Database, Cosmos DB, Azure Database for MySQL.
- Networking: Virtual networks, Azure Load Balancer, Azure DNS.
- Analytics: Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Data Factory, Power BI.
- AI and machine learning: Azure Cognitive Services, Azure Machine Learning.
- IoT: Azure IoT Hub, Azure IoT Edge.
- Security: Azure Security Centre, Azure Active Directory.
