Introduction
Microsoft Azure is an application developed by Microsoft Corporation aimed at offering extensive services and tools in cloud computing. Although ‘Azure‘ was initiated in 2010, it has grown from being just a simple cloud service solution to one that offers multifaceted support for numerous applications and services. Over the years, they have also continually built up the scope of Azure uses to make it a robust and competitive cloud solution. It has become one of the biggest contenders for AWS (Amazon web services) and Google Cloud.
In this blog, we are going to discuss what is Microsoft Azure used for, its application, and its relevance in business. We will also talk about how you could benefit from Microsoft Azure. To get started on your Azure journey and gain in-depth knowledge, consider our AZ-900 and AZ-104 combo training which covers Azure fundamentals and administration.
Let us first understand what Microsoft Azure really is.
What is Microsoft Azure?
Microsoft Azure is a multiple cloud service provision that entails cloud computing services that encompass computing, analytics, storage, and network services. These services are offered and can be customized depending on the needs of the users. On the other hand, Azure enables organizations to create, run, and implement applications through Microsoft data centers.
Below, we have discussed some of the core services that Microsoft Azure offers. And side-by-side we will be answering the question “what is Microsoft Azure used for”.
Core Services Offered by Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Azure offers more than 200+ services, below we have discussed some of its services.
Computer Services
- Virtual Machines: Azure Virtual Machines (VMs) enable users to deploy a server or hosts virtually in the Azure cloud. These VMs offer flexibility to users as well as businesses to carry out applications as well as workloads without possessing physical structures.
- Azure Functions: Azure Functions is a Microsoft service that provides server-less solutions for code execution triggered by the events. Real-time or high frequency, batch type, sequential processing, and automation are some of the appropriate uses of Hadoop.
Storage Services
- Blob Storage: Azure Blob Storage is an efficient service to keep large quantities of unstructured data of any type, i.e., text or binary data. It is also elastic and global and can thus be used for backup DR and heavy computing purposes.
- Table Storage: This service provides a NoSQL location for managing semi-structured data, such as properties, in applications that are deployed in Azure. It is applied for storing large volumes of orderly data which is available for accessing through REST-oriented API.
Networking Services
- Virtual Networks: Azure VNets allow users to create and manage private networks, including safely hosted resources in the Azure cloud service platform. VNets enable resources to communicate within and between VNets and on-premises networks with security.
- Load Balancer: Azure Load Balancer pans the network traffic in a way that it never overloads a specific server to the extent of making it a bottleneck. In turn, this increases the reliability and performance of applications.
Database Services
- Azure SQL Database: Azure SQL Database is a cloud-based managed relational database as a service that is built on top of Microsoft SQL Server. It offers optimized performance, the ability to grow, and protection of the stored data and information.
- Cosmos DB: Azure Cosmos DB is an Azure-native, globally distributed, as well as a multi-model database service. It contains different support data models, such as document, key-value, graph, and column family, which can be used depending on the kind of application.
Let us now discuss the most asked question “what is Microsoft Azure used for”.
What is Microsoft Azure used for?
Some of the key Microsoft Azure uses are:
- Hosting Websites and Web Apps: From the above understanding, it is evident that Azure makes it possible for organizations to host their websites and web applications using solutions that are highly available and reliable. It also guarantees sites’ ability to serve increasing amounts of traffic due to its scale.
- Data Storage and Backup: Azure uses has all the solutions for data storage and backup of the business data since it reduces the risks of the data getting lost. Its backup services include auto backups and options for the long-term storage of its users’ data.
- Virtualization: Azure provides organizations with the services of virtualization of machines and virtual networks. It assists in having versatile conditions in IT and utilizing the resources most effectively.
- Big Data and Analytics: Azure uses strong APIs for big data analysis and data processing. Products such as Azure Synapse Analytics and Azure Data Lake specifically allow businesses to analyze big data and acquire policies.
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Azure has features that are related to intelligence and the ability to learn with the help of Azure Machine Learning and Azure Cognitive Services. They enable businesses to embed and develop applications that can examine information, learn patterns, and even make predictions or provide necessary automation.
Let us discuss how businesses can benefit from Azure.
How businesses benefit from using Azure?
Businesses can benefit from Azure as it offers a range of services. Some of the Azure uses that can benefit a business are:
- Cost Efficiency: Business entities can leverage the Azure infrastructure as the cost is charged based on the resources consumed on an as-used basis. It also assists in managing the expenditure that falls under the IT division and decreases capital expenditure.
- Scalability and Flexibility: This means that businesses are flexible when it comes to the use of resources due to the help of Azure’s scalable infrastructure. This essentially means that during certain periods, especially those of high demand, one can increase the production capacity, while during other periods, which may record low demand, the production is lessened.
- Security and Compliance: Thus, Microsoft Azure pays great attention to security offering such options as encryption, access control, and compliance certification. This means that the data is secure and complies with the legal guidelines that must be adhered to.
- Global Reach and Accessibility: Azure also provides its businesses with a geographical location to host applications and services closer to the customers, leading to speedy access. It is very extensive to allow businesses to function at a global level.
These are some benefits associated with Azure uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 – What is Microsoft Azure?
Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing platform and set of services offered by Microsoft that allows users to build, deploy, and manage applications and services through Microsoft-managed data centers across the globe.
Q2 – What types of applications can be built on Azure?
Azure is a versatile platform that can be used to build a wide range of applications, including:
- Web applications and websites
- Mobile apps and games
- API and microservices-based applications
- Enterprise software and line-of-business applications
- Data analytics and machine learning applications
- IoT and edge computing applications
- Artificial intelligence and cognitive services-based applications
Q3 – Is Azure only for Microsoft-centric organizations?
No, Azure is designed to be platform-agnostic and can be used by organizations with a mix of Microsoft and non-Microsoft technologies. Azure supports a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS, and can integrate with a variety of third-party tools and services.
Q4 – What is Microsoft Azure used for?
Microsoft Azure is used for various purposes, including hosting websites and applications, data storage, virtualization, big data analytics, and AI solutions.
Conclusion
Microsoft Azure is an enthralling cloud computing services provider of different services and programs at different levels. Providing hosting services, data storage, and processing, it helps in business development, advanced analytical services, and artificial intelligence. Azure is cost-efficient, scalable, and secure, which enables businesses to run on it. In this blog, we have explained what is Microsoft Azure used for, its services, and how businesses can benefit from Azure.
Also, it is equally important to note that having Azure certification Training from PyNet Labs will significantly boost your cloud computing career.
