Microsoft Azure

From iWiki

Microsoft Azure, commonly referred to as Azure, is a cloud computing platform and infrastructure provided by Microsoft. It includes a variety of services, such as virtual machines, databases, and developer tools, that allow users to build, deploy, and manage applications and services through Microsoft's global network of data centres.

Azure offers a wide range of services, including:

  • Compute: Virtual machines, containers, serverless computing, and batch processing.
  • Networking: Virtual networks, load balancers, DNS, and VPN Gateway.
  • Storage: Blob storage, file storage, disk storage, and managed disks.
  • Databases: SQL Database, Cosmos DB, MySQL, and PostgreSQL.
  • Web: App Service, API Management, and Azure Functions.
  • IoT: IoT Hub, IoT Edge, and Time Series Insights.
  • Developer tools: Azure DevOps, Visual Studio, and GitHub.

Azure also offers AI and machine learning services, analytics and big data solutions, and security and compliance tools.

History

Azure was first announced in October 2008 under the codename "Project Red Dog." It was officially launched on February 1, 2010, as Windows Azure. In March 2014, Microsoft announced that Azure would be renamed Microsoft Azure. Since its launch, Azure has grown to become one of the leading cloud computing platforms in the world.

Key Features

  • Global Reach: Azure operates in over 60 regions worldwide, making it one of the largest cloud computing platforms in the world.
  • Scalability: Azure allows users to scale their applications and services up or down based on demand, ensuring optimal performance and cost savings.
  • Security: Azure offers a range of security features, including network security, identity and access management, and threat detection.
  • Integration: Azure integrates with a wide range of tools and technologies, making it easy for users to deploy and manage their applications and services.
  • Hybrid Cloud: Azure supports hybrid cloud deployments, allowing users to connect their on-premises infrastructure to Azure for a seamless and integrated experience.

Getting Started

To get started with Azure, users can sign up for a free account, which includes a $200 credit to use on Azure services for the first 30 days. Users can also access a wide range of documentation and tutorials on the Azure website to help them get started with the platform.

Pricing

Azure pricing varies depending on the service and region. Users can estimate their costs using the Azure Pricing Calculator, which provides an estimate based on the services and resources they plan to use.

Certifications

Microsoft offers a range of certifications for Azure, including the Azure Administrator Associate, Azure Developer Associate, and Azure Solutions Architect Expert certifications. These certifications are designed to validate the skills and knowledge of individuals working with Azure.

Community and Support

Azure has a large and active community of users and developers, who contribute to forums, blogs, and social media channels. Microsoft also offers a range of support options for Azure, including documentation, tutorials, and technical support.

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