What is Microsoft Azure and How Does It Work [Updated] | Simplilearn (2024)

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is a technology that provides access to various computing resources over the internet. All you need to do is use your computer or mobile device to connect to your cloud service provider through the internet. Once connected, you get access to computing resources, which may include serverless computing, virtual machines, storage, and various other things.

Basically, cloud service providers have massive data centers that contain hundreds of servers, storage systems and components that are crucial for many kinds of organizations. These data centers are in secure locations and store a large amount of data. The users connect to these data centers to collect data or use it when required. Users can take advantage of various services; for example, if you want a notification every time someone sends you a text or an email, cloud services can help you. The best part about cloud platforms is that you pay only for the services you use, and there are no charges upfront.

Cloud computing can be used for various purposes: machine learning, data analysis, storage and backup, streaming media content and so much more. Here’s an interesting fact about the cloud: all the shows and movies that you see on Netflix are actually stored in the cloud. Also, the cloud can be beneficial for creating and testing applications, automating software delivery, and hosting blogs.

Networking

• Azure CDN

  Azure CDN (Content Delivery Network) is for delivering content to users. It uses a high bandwidth, and content can be transferred to any person around the globe. The CDN service uses a network of servers placed strategically around the globe so that the users can access the data as soon as possible.

• Express Route

  This service lets you connect your on-premise network to the Microsoft cloud or any other services that you want, through a private connection. So, the only communications that will happen here will be between the enterprise network and the service that you want.

• Virtual network

  The virtual network allows you to have any of the Azure services communicate with one another privately and securely.

• Azure DNS

  This service allows you to host your DNS domains or system domains on Azure.

Storage

• Disk Storage

  This service allows you to choose from either HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) as your storage option along with your virtual machine.

• Blob Storage

  This service is optimized to store a massive amount of unstructured data, including text and even binary data.

• File Storage

  This is a managed file storage service that can be accessed via industry SMB (server message block) protocol.

• Queue Storage

  With queue storage, you can provide stable message queuing for a large workload. This service can be accessed from anywhere in this world.

Next in this what is Azure article, let’s look at what are the uses of Azure.

Why Use Azure?

Now that you know more about Azure and the services it provides, you might be interested in exploring the various uses of Azure.

• Application development: You can create any web application in Azure.
• Testing: After developing an application successfully on the platform, you can test it.
• Application hosting: Once the testing is done, Azure can help you host the application.
• Create virtual machines: You can create virtual machines in any configuration you want with the help of Azure.
• Integrate and sync features: Azure lets you integrate and sync virtual devices and directories.
• Collect and store metrics: Azure lets you collect and store metrics, which can help you find what works.
• Virtual hard drives: These are extensions of the virtual machines; they provide a huge amount of data storage.

FAQs

1. What is Microsoft Azure?

Formerly known as Windows Azure, Microsoft Azure is a public cloud computing platform that provides a range of cloud services for computing, storing, and networking. Depending upon your requirements, you can manage and store data.

2. List the benefits of using Microsoft Azure.

Microsoft Azure is used for its enhanced flexibility, integrated delivery pipeline, security, disaster recovery, and speed of service. The platform is cost-efficient and is majorly used by various IT companies for its improved infrastructure.

3. What are the cons of using Azure?

Microsoft Azure can be extremely complicated for larger organizations due to large data transfer, administering, and monitoring. Azure is so versatile that anyone can leverage extensive integration capabilities with a wide range of applications, services, and tools.

4. How does Azure work?

Azure is a huge collection of networking hardware and servers that run a complex set of applications widely distributed in an organization. These applications make the configuration and operation of virtualized software and hardware work in sync on the servers.

5. Why use Azure?

For a reliable, consistent, and easy operable platform, Azure is the most suitable choice. It provides a wide range of hybrid connections, including caches, virtual private networks, content delivery networks, and ExpressRoute connections, to improve performance and usability.

6. Why do we need Azure?

Azure can be used to solve today’s challenges and build a new future with realistic solutions to problems in life. With the preferred tools and frameworks in Azure, build, manage and run applications across multiple clouds, at the edge or on-premises.

Conclusion

With more than 200 services and numerous benefits, Microsoft Azure is undoubtedly the fastest-growing cloud computing platform being adopted by businesses. In fact, Microsoft Azure’s total revenue is expected to surpass $19 billion by 2020. This growth in the implementation of Azure by businesses is creating various opportunities for professionals well-versed in this technology.

So, if you are interested in a career in Azure, this is the right time to jump in. The best way to start your career in Azure is by getting certified. You can find various azure training online that can help you learn the nuances of Azure and excel in the Azure certification exams. One of them is Simplilearn's Post Graduate Program in Cloud Computing. So, what are you waiting for? Get certified in Microsoft Azure and move toward having a great career.