What is Microsoft Azure? A Detailed Guide

Imagine a world where your business can soar to new heights, unshackled by physical infrastructure constraints. Azure is not just a cloud service; it’s a canvas where dreams take shape and ideas crystallise into reality. But What is Microsoft Azure?

According to Statista, Microsoft Azure’s revenue growth stood at a staggering 30 per cent. So, the future looks extremely promising for this platform, and learning it can open the door to various opportunities. If you are interested in learning What is Microsoft Azure and how it works, then this blog is for you.

Table of Contents

1) Understanding What is Microsoft Azure? 

2) Importance of using Azure

3) How does Microsoft Azure work? 

4) Products and services of Azure

5) How can companies use Microsoft Azure?  

6) Jobs you can expect by obtaining Microsoft Certified Azure Certifications

7) Advantages of learning Microsoft Azure  

8) Conclusion 

Understanding What is Microsoft Azure?

Microsoft Azure, formerly known as Windows Azure, is a public  Cloud Computing platform managed by Microsoft. It provides access, management, and development of applications and services through data centres that are distributed worldwide.

Microsoft Azure provides a wide range of cloud services, including storage, computing, analytics, and networking. Azure users can choose within the services offered to newly develop or run the existing applications in the public cloud platform. Now, let's explore how to leverage it. 

 

 

 

1) Improve and execute backup and disaster recovery   

Azure is an essential asset for backup and disaster recovery due to its remarkable flexibility, advanced site recovery features, and inherent integration capabilities. 

When it comes to flexibility, Azure stands out as it adeptly offers solutions to many scenarios. It backs up your data, regardless of the language,  Operating System (OS), or geographic location. You even retain the independence to define the frequency and depth of your backup schedule –  daily, weekly, or monthly, tailoring it precisely to your needs. 

 While relevant in some cases, traditional tape backups have limitations as standalone solutions. However, Azure site recovery increases tape backups by offering offsite replication, minimal onsite maintenance, extensive data retention for up to ninety-nine years, reduced capital expense, and minimal operational costs. Azure ensures unparalleled data security through triple data redundancy, storing copies in primary and remote data centres. 

Azure presents a seamless integrated backup solution for those operating in Windows virtual environments. Its native integration with System Center and HyperV architectures offers a rich and hassle-free connection between Azure, System Center, and HyperV, streamlining your backup and disaster recovery strategy. 

2) Broadcast and create web and mobile apps   

Whether you aim to find a platform for hosting, developing, or efficiently managing web or mobile applications, Azure elevates your apps to a level of freedom and adaptability. This transformation is achieved through its impressive features like automatic patch management, AutoScale, and flawless integration with on-premise applications. 

With Azure's automatic patch management for Virtual Machines (VMs), you'll find yourself dedicating less time to infrastructure management and more to improving your applications. Additionally, Azure's continuous deployment support streamlines the process of ongoing code updates and makes it a hassle-free endeavour. 

Azure's AutoScale feature, integrated within Azure Web Apps, is designed to adjust your resources based on real-time web traffic. It guarantees you always have the necessary resources during high-traffic periods while optimising costs during off-peak times. 

Furthermore, Azure simplifies the linkage between your web app and on-premise applications. This seamless connection allows employees and partners to access resources within your firewall securely. It also eliminates the challenges of external access and expanding the reach of your resources. 

3) Dispersed and complemented  Active Directory   

Azure offers seamless integration with your Active Directory, enriching your Identity and Access Management capabilities with a blend of global reach, centralised control, and robust security. 

Azure distinguishes itself by allowing the creation of a globally distributed Active Directory environment that integrates direct connectivity. This unique feature extends the boundaries of your domain controller and streamlines Active Directory management, setting Azure apart from other cloud providers. 

Azure's Active Directory integration becomes the cornerstone of Access Management for organisations spanning multiple locations or using a mix of on-premises and cloud applications. It unifies and simplifies access control for various tools, including Microsoft 365 and various cloud apps. 

Introducing Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) improves security and adds an extra layer of protection for data and applications in Azure. Implementing single sign-on across Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS cloud apps is also remarkably straightforward, ensuring a hassle-free experience for your users. 

4) Innovation of IoT industry solutions   

Microsoft Azure is the ultimate resource for enterprises exploring IoT solutions due to its scalability, flexibility, and security. By seamlessly connecting your devices to the cloud through integrative solutions that blend with your existing infrastructure, you can start the collection of new and valuable data.  

With Azure's IoT Hub, you can monitor and manage a vast amount of devices. It helps you dig up valuable insights to improve decision-making, streamline operations, reduce costs, speed up development cycles, and improve customer experiences.  

Azure's security is a game-changer for IoT solutions as it reduces traditional security vulnerabilities that hackers exploit. Additional advantages are remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and the transformative power of analytics. 

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Importance of using Azure

Microsoft provides its clients with diverse  Cloud Computing resources through its Azure platform, including virtual desktops, SQL databases, and serverless Kubernetes.  

As you know more about Azure and its services, you can explore the various uses and importance of implementing Azure services. Below is a list of Azure services where it can be used.   

a) Application Development: You can create various customised web applications using Azure. 

b) Build virtual machines: With the help of Azure, you can create  VMs to create dedicated compute resources using different configurations. 

c) Virtual Hard Drives: These hard drives are extensions provided by VMs that offer massive data storage capacity. 

d) Testing: Once you have successfully developed an application, you can use the Azure platform to test the results. 

e) Hosting application: Azure can help you to host an application once the testing is complete. 

f) Collect and store metrics: Using Azure, you can collect and store metrics from the monitored resources. The collected and stored metrics are stored in a time-series database that can help you find what works and the associated values. 

g) Integrate and Sync features: This Azure feature is designed to meet your hybrid identity goals by letting you integrate and sync virtual devices and directories.  

How does Microsoft Azure work?

The subscribed Azure customers get access to all the Azure services mentioned in the Azure portal. VMs, applications, databases, and other cloud-based resources can be created using Azure services.   

In addition to these services, the other Azure services include data storage, hosting, and third-party software directly made available in the Azure portal for its subscribers. The billing cost or the subscription fee charged for using these third-party applications or services will vary based on the usage of a specific service. 

Following are the five different customer support options provided by Azure.  

a) Basic  

b) Developer  

c) Standard  

d) Professional Direct  

e) Enterprise (Premier)  

The basic support plan is free of charge for all existing Azure account holders. The other customer support plans (Developer, Standard, Professional Direct) for Azure services vary in price and scope.  

The Enterprise support plan includes Microsoft 365, Azure, and Dynamics 365. Microsoft has not provided or disclosed the price range for this support. 

Products and services of Azure

The Microsoft Azure cloud platform comprises over 200 products and cloud services. These services are designed to help you create new solutions to solve the challenges faced in our day-to-day lives.   

The most popular service categories of MS Azure include the following: 

a)  AI + Machine Learning (ML)

You can create next-generation AI applications by taking advantage of Azure AI services. It offers the ability to design and deploy your preferred AI solutions. 

b) Management and governance  

Integrating Azure Management and governance tools can assist developers and administrators in simplifying, optimising, and automating the process. It helps to keep your resources secure in both cloud and on-premises.

c) Compute   

These Azure compute services will provide the infrastructure required to run your apps. You will be required to pay for only the resources you have used.  

d) Storage   

With Microsoft cloud storage services, you can manage and unify the data and suite the services for block, object, and file storage while ensuring your demands are met.   

e) Analytics  

These Azure Analytics services help you collect, store, process, analyse, and visualise data into actionable insights.   

f) Hybrid + multicloud   

Azure provides the most secure and effective holistic approach to innovation, accessible across multi-cloud, on-premises, and edge environments.   

g) Internet of Things (IoT)

With the Azure IoT services, you can gather, analyse, process, and automate applications and devices in compliance with complete security and privacy protocols.   

h) Networking   

You can safely connect with Azure Networking to deliver your applications with low-latency models and services.  

i) Databases   

Azure database services provide flexible, intelligent, and fully managed cloud database services to fit the needs of developers. 

j) Security   

The built-in security services in Azure help to identify the evolving threats quickly - so you can strengthen the security of your cloud workloads.  

k) Containers   

The Azure containers help you develop and manage your applications, aiding you in quickly delivering value by integrating with Azure tools.   

l) Web  

You can accelerate the process of building and deploying your web applications.  

m) DevOps  

leveraging tools like Azure Virtual Machine for seamless integration and deployment processes.

n) Developer tools 

Microsoft Azure Developer tools offer comprehensive tools to build, manage, and deliver cloud applications. 

o) Integration 

The Azure integrated solutions bring together the services and applications in the cloud.  

p) Mobile 

Builds and deploys cross-platform applications (for any mobile device) that suit your needs. 

q) Mixed reality 

Holograms are the best example of mixed reality. Mixed reality is a blend of digital and physical worlds.  

r) Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

VDI ensures employees securely work from anywhere in the world with a cloud-based infrastructure.  

s) Media  

Azure media services assist in providing high-quality videos from anywhere and on any device.  

t) Migration   

You can accelerate migration to the cloud with simplified guiding tools to help you secure and manage your workloads.  

u) Identity  

Azure Identity and Access Management defend against advanced malicious threats to protect your data and applications.   

Are you interested in enhancing your Azure skills and building your IT career? Register with Microsoft Azure Certification to gain knowledge in Azure services, cloud concepts and more. 

Microsoft Azure Interview Question and Answers guide to help you boost Interview performance. 

How can companies use Microsoft Azure?   

 Limits do not confine Azure, and it holds the potential to serve a vast range of applications and requirements.   It acts as a versatile canvas where the possibilities are limited to imagination and innovation. For a more comprehensive understanding, let's discuss how organisations use the capabilities of Microsoft Azure within their unique business environments. 

Healthcare 

Azure is a transformative public and private healthcare tool that leverages cutting-edge features like mixed reality and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve patient care and fortify data privacy. A prime example is the UK's National Health Service (NHS), which entrusts Azure with the secure storage of staff credentials. Here, it enables effortless transitions between various NHS entities.  

Azure's cloud-based storage eliminates the need for cumbersome data transfers and ensures critical information remains accessible and secure during organisational shifts. It streamlines administrative processes and reinforces data integrity and privacy within the healthcare sector.   

Financial services 

Today, data privacy is essential, which is why Azure's robust security infrastructure is pivotal for financial services providers. It also offers security to its clients, who use transactions amounting to billions of dollars. Azure's AI evaluates investment risk to benefit customers.  

This AI-driven analysis is immune to potential human biases and errors, ensuring a level playing field for all. Moreover, Azure further allows employees to automate tedious, repetitive tasks. The result gives them the gift of time to focus on mission-critical tasks, enhancing efficiency and productivity.

Government  

Azure stands as the backbone for governments worldwide. It is used by the United States and the United Kingdom to manage a broad spectrum of operations spanning from military efforts to aerospace projects. Azure's role extends to safeguarding the integrity of citizens' data as it enables secure remote collaboration and pitching a tough defence against cyber threats.  

A remarkable highlight from 2021 was Microsoft's massive accomplishment of securing a £5 million contract from the UK government's tax agency, Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs (HMRC). This initiative marked one of the most significant data migrations globally.  

It was executed throughout a single weekend in partnership with technology firm Capgemini anticipated benefits from this migration are reduced operational costs, speeded-up issue resolution, automation of critical processes, and elevated user responsiveness.   

Retail 

Azure helps companies seeking to invest personalisation into customer experiences, resulting in propelling sales through the prism of Data Analytics. Its impact extends to ensuring that retailers consistently align their stock levels with the ebb and flow of consumer demand and maintain agile and responsive supply chains. 

An example of this transformation is the British retail giant Marks & Spencer (M&S), which shifted to Azure when confronted with the limitations of its old platform (it was unable to keep pace with the demands across its vast network of 1,400 stores.) Azure manages critical M&S operations, including self-service kiosks and data insights. This migration has strengthened M&S's operational agility, aligning its services with the demands of the modern retail landscape.  

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software   

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) represents the strategy businesses use to nurture and enhance their connections with clients. It leverages Data Analytics to provide superior service and foster growth. At the forefront of CRM technology is Salesforce Cloud Services, which is considered the leader in the market. Notably, Salesforce relies on Azure for its operations. 

This strategic partnership with Azure unfolds as Salesforce's testament to Azure's trustworthiness. Azure's global presence, multi-tiered security, disaster recovery protocols, and automatic updates are attractive to Salesforce. This collaboration highlights Azure's merit as the platform of choice for industry leaders in Customer Relationship Management. 

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Jobs you can expect by obtaining Microsoft Certified Azure Certifications

Following is a list of a few notable jobs you can find by obtaining an Azure Certificate. 

1) Data Engineer 

2) Senior Software Engineer 

3) Software Developer 

4) Cloud Solutions Architect 

5) IT Consultant 

6) Solutions Architect 

7) Software Architect 

8) System Administrator and more

Advantages of learning Microsoft Azure 

 

With the innovation of the latest technologies, Cloud Computing is one of the fastest-growing platforms to meet industry demands. 

This innovative feature of Cloud Computing offers modern technologies to share and store data in the cloud. This data can be accessed for one’s use or shared and edited from anywhere in the world using an internet connection.     

Now let us discuss the top few reasons to become an Azure-certified professional.   

a) Career flexibility: With a wide range of career options, you can pursue a suitable career option in various industries at different locations.    

b) Lucrative salary package: A professional with an Azure Certification and good technical skills is very well recognised and in high demand. According to Glassdoor, the average salary of a Cloud Solutions Architect in the UK is about £94,107 per year. The different job roles will offer distinct pay packages based on your skills and experience acquired.    

c) Global recognition: By obtaining a Microsoft Azure Certification, you can expect professional recognition and career development in the global market. As most industries are adopting cloud services rapidly, the demand for certified Microsoft Azure professionals is increasing.   

d) Asset for an organisation: With the right skills and proven experience in Microsoft Azure, you are bound to be recognised as a vital asset. You will have to administer the mapped measures to reduce unnecessary IT costs and enhance the growth of your business.   

e) Quick learning process: The process to acquire knowledge in Azure is quick as you follow the structured learning methodology to grab a certification. There are many courses, eBooks, and tutorials to provide realistic and concise learning services.   

f) Improved skills: You will acquire new and advanced skills with an Azure certification. You can implement real-life strategies, build applications, monitor and automate processes, and perform other outstanding tasks relevant to meeting business objectives.   

g) Professional development: Obtaining an Azure certification can help you achieve technical skills and design services that can support and build advanced applications to deploy or integrate with the Azure cloud services. The significant improvements in performance and the agility of your tasks will help you develop professionally to stand out from the competitors.  

Conclusion 

We hope you read and understand this blog on "What is Microsoft Azure?" Azure is a rapidly growing Cloud Computing platform that is quickly being adopted by multiple businesses. So, learning this platform will lead to a fruitful and prosperous career.

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