Microsoft Azure cloud platform
Microsoft Azure provides cloud infrastructure services for compute, storage and networking. It also enables hybrid cloud capabilities and offers a range of higher-level services for developers and other business users. Read tips and the latest news coverage on Microsoft's public cloud platform.
Top Stories
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Feature
05 Oct 2022
Public vs. private vs. hybrid cloud: Key differences defined
As cloud services and practices mature, it's time to rethink long-held assumptions about the private and public cloud models and consider a hybrid cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Mar 2022
Compare Azure instance types for cloud workloads
Deciding on the best Azure compute instance type for a cloud workload involves many choices. Use these tips to help select the right size VM, optimized for the right tasks. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Dec 2021
3 popular machine learning certifications to get in 2022
Google, AWS and Azure offer machine learning certifications for the cloud that can further your career. Learn what to expect from each exam, skills you need to know and study tips. Continue Reading
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News
23 Nov 2021
American Airlines flies its data warehouse to the cloud
The pandemic hit American Airlines hard, but its management took an optimistic view, seeing at as an opportunity to use data more effectively to improve operations. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Nov 2021
What are the main features of Azure Storage Explorer?
With Azure Storage Explorer, cloud admins can centrally manage storage accounts and resources. Here are some key features to tap into. Continue Reading
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News
02 Nov 2021
Microsoft Azure Stack HCI adds Arc, virtual desktop support
Azure Stack HCI users now have more management features, better integration with Arc and the ability to run Windows virtual desktops. Continue Reading
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News
02 Nov 2021
EDB launches BigAnimal PostgreSQL cloud database service
The database vendor is ramping up its cloud efforts with the initial release of its platform on Microsoft Azure, with plans for other public cloud providers in the coming months. Continue Reading
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News
02 Nov 2021
Microsoft gives enterprises preview of Azure OpenAI service
During the Ignite 2021 virtual conference, the tech giant previewed its new enterprise AI language service that it said provides enterprises with security, compliance and scale. Continue Reading
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News
27 Oct 2021
Microsoft earnings soar on the wings of Azure, Office
Microsoft reported revenues of $45.3 billion, a 22% gain over last year's first fiscal quarter. The company saw cloud revenue for the quarter surpass $20 billion for the first time. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Oct 2021
Compare products within the Azure Stack portfolio
Azure Stack Hub, Azure Stack HCI and Azure Stack Edge all support a hybrid cloud architecture. Learn their key differences in terms of form factor, management options and more. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
30 Sep 2021
How to create EC2 custom metrics with Amazon CloudWatch
Amazon CloudWatch provides useful monitoring information with its built-in capabilities, but for additional data, it might be time to consider custom metrics. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Sep 2021
How to manage cloud transfer and egress charges
It's expensive -- sometimes shockingly expensive -- to move data out of the cloud. Consider these factors to avoid costly data transfer bills. Continue Reading
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News
02 Sep 2021
Verizon, Microsoft partner on 5G edge
The alliance connects Verizon's 5G Edge mobile edge computing platform with Microsoft's Azure Stack Edge cloud computing product. Verizon has a similar deal with AWS. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Aug 2021
Get started on Azure with this developers guide for beginners
Developers using Microsoft Azure have a wide array of cloud services to choose from. Use this guide to understand basic tools and deployment approaches to get started on the platform. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Aug 2021
Compare AWS Lambda vs. Azure Functions vs. Google Cloud Functions
Trying to find the right serverless service? Evaluate differences in price, language support and deployment models for AWS Lambda, Azure Functions and Google Cloud Functions. Continue Reading
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News
06 Jul 2021
DoD scraps politically fraught $10B JEDI cloud deal
The Pentagon's $10 billion cloud contract with Microsoft is no more. The DoD will solicit bids from Microsoft and AWS for a new pact called Joint Warfighter Cloud Capability. Continue Reading
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Quiz
01 Jul 2021
Get Azure Fundamentals exam practice with this quick quiz
Getting officially certified in MS Azure Fundamentals is a career-booster. This 12-question quiz will help assess your readiness for this key professional exam. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jun 2021
HPE bolsters GreenLake with support for Microsoft Azure Stack
HPE took another step toward its goal of being mainly a software-as-a-services company by 2022 with new services for GreenLake and several partnerships, including Microsoft. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Jun 2021
Core Azure networking services you need to know
Network connectivity can make or break a cloud deployment. Discover the basics of Azure network services with this list of key offerings and terms. Continue Reading
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News
26 May 2021
Microsoft builds distributed ledger for Azure SQL database
The tech giant debuted new database services, including more security for Azure Database for PostgreSQL and MySQL, and a distributed ledger for Azure SQL. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 May 2021
Try before you buy with free tiers in cloud
Cloud services aren't cheap, and you don't want to get stuck using one that isn't the right fit. This is where the 'try before you buy' options come in. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 May 2021
Compare VMware cloud offerings for AWS, Azure and Google
With VMware cloud offerings, enterprises can integrate on-premises and public cloud infrastructures into a common IT environment. Explore the offerings from AWS, Azure and Google. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Apr 2021
Evaluate Azure CLI vs. PowerShell for resource management
Compare two popular resource management tools for Azure -- Azure CLI and PowerShell -- to determine if one, or a combination of both, is right for your cloud environment. Continue Reading
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News
07 Apr 2021
Microsoft pushes deeper into Dynamics 365 industry clouds
Microsoft's vertical industry strategy keeps pace with similar approaches from Oracle and Salesforce, which strive to woo users on the benefits of their platforms and data models. Continue Reading
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Answer
18 Mar 2021
Compare Azure Firewall vs. NSGs for network security
Traffic to and from resources needs proper security to protect data, but the wrong tool could leave you vulnerable. Explore these two services to find the right level of protection. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Mar 2021
Compare Amazon VPC vs. Azure VNet for private networking
Evaluate the core private networking services from AWS and Azure to see which one could best serve your organization's needs. Continue Reading
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News
03 Mar 2021
Microsoft ACS going GA with preview of Teams integration
Microsoft Azure Communication Services is now in preview, with deep integration with Microsoft Teams so developers can build real-time user experiences. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Feb 2021
How to create snapshots for Azure VMs and managed disks
Learn best practices for creating VM snapshots in Microsoft Azure. Follow along with these step-by-step examples to try in your Azure environment. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Feb 2021
Compare Azure DevOps vs. GitHub for CI/CD pipelines
GitHub is a more recognized name in the development community than Azure DevOps, but now that Microsoft owns both tools, developers need to see how they differ and work together. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Feb 2021
How providers' industry-specific cloud offerings impact IT
Vertical industry offerings are a trend among the leading cloud providers. IT teams will have to learn to adapt to the complications and changes these efforts will spark. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
05 Feb 2021
Build a custom VM image for Azure deployments
Follow this step-by-step guide to create a custom virtual machine image for Microsoft Azure deployments. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Feb 2021
Cloud security policy configuration in AWS, Azure and GCP
Explore cloud security policy configurations in AWS, Azure and GCP using native security tools in this excerpt of 'Multi-Cloud Architecture and Governance' by Jeroen Mulder. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jan 2021
Microsoft cloud revenues soar on digital transformation trend
Momentum for Microsoft Azure continues to build with the company reporting a 50% increase in sales of the cloud platform, helping lift sales of the company's other cloud offerings. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jan 2021
Microsoft HCI partnership with Intel aimed at Dell, Nutanix
Microsoft Azure Stack HCI extends Azure public cloud services to on-premises deployments. Intel will install Microsoft's HCI OS on L9 Intel server systems. Continue Reading
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Video
15 Jan 2021
How to migrate from AWS to Azure using Azure Migrate
Watch how to set up and configure Azure Migrate to easily convert your existing Amazon EC2 instances into Azure VMs. Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Jan 2021
Cloud providers jockey for 2021 market share
AWS and Microsoft still dominate the cloud market, but Google, IBM and Oracle aren't without merit. Learn where each provider excels to find your perfect match. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Dec 2020
Two simple ways to create custom APIs in Azure
Learn how to create custom APIs in Azure through both Azure Portal and Visual Studio Code, and review some post-deployment best practices that add value and security to those APIs. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Nov 2020
How to containerize legacy applications in an Azure migration
There are many benefits to containerization as part of a migration, but only for the right type of app. If you're moving to Azure, follow these steps to ensure it's a success. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Nov 2020
When to use SCCM in the cloud with a CMG
Organizations can run SCCM in the cloud with the help of a cloud management gateway. IT admins should determine if their organization fits within these use cases before deployment. Continue Reading
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News
23 Oct 2020
Microsoft's SpaceX partnership sends Azure to the final frontier
Microsoft has partnered with SpaceX to tie Azure to low-orbiting satellites. The company also introduced a modular data center to connect remote locations to satellites. Continue Reading
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News
24 Sep 2020
Microsoft's Azure Arc reaches GA milestone
Microsoft has delivered a key component of Azure Arc -- the ability to manage Windows and Linux-based virtual and physical servers in on-premises environments and rival clouds. Continue Reading
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News
09 Sep 2020
Retiring Nutanix CEO Pandey ponders what's next
As he prepares to hand over the reins of Nutanix, CEO Dheeraj Pandey said the vendor's next big question is, 'How will HCI morph in this world of hyperscalers?' Continue Reading
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News
08 Sep 2020
Nutanix Next steps into cloud: Clusters available in Azure
The Microsoft deal is part of Nutanix's pivot from an HCI vendor to provider of cloud software as it battles VMware and faces the same challenges as other infrastructure companies. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Aug 2020
See if Azure Arc fits in your hybrid and multi-cloud strategy
Azure Arc is central to Microsoft's hybrid cloud strategy. Discover how it compares to competing services from AWS and Google and see where it might be headed next. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Aug 2020
Chart an Azure administrator certification path
Advance your career as an IT administrator with Azure certifications. Review the requirements and exams associated with Azure administrator roles with this guide. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Aug 2020
10 cloud computing experts you should follow
Get up to speed on what's happening in the cloud by following some of the top voices in the industry, including those who are building the technologies and other industry experts. Continue Reading
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News
03 Aug 2020
Google, Microsoft add to their cloud migration toolkits
New cloud migration tools and services from Google and Microsoft seek to meet customer demand for easier, faster deployments amid rising favor for multi-cloud deployments. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jun 2020
Is SCCM in Azure right for your organization?
System Center Configuration Manager still has a long life, which was further underscored by Microsoft supporting deployments of the endpoint management tool to Azure. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Jun 2020
How Azure, AWS, Google handle data destruction in the cloud
Data destruction is a topic that has been poorly covered until recently. Regardless of which cloud service provider you use, this review of the top three CSPs' data destruction documentation should improve your due diligence. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Apr 2020
The differences between web roles and worker roles in Azure
What sets web roles and worker roles apart in Microsoft's Azure Cloud Services? Here's a look at how they are different. Continue Reading
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News
31 Mar 2020
HYCU backup and recovery tackles Azure data
HYCU seeks to simplify backup, recovery and migration of Azure data. The data protection and management vendor sees an opportunity in an evolving market. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Mar 2020
How to protect and manage Azure Pipelines secrets with Key Vault
Follow along with this Azure Key Vault tutorial to securely manage passwords and other sensitive information in an Azure DevOps pipeline. Continue Reading
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News
26 Mar 2020
Microsoft Azure capacity woes don't signal the worst
Microsoft Azure experienced capacity issues in Europe, with some users unable to spin up VMs. The company is taking 'proactive steps' for the future. Continue Reading
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Opinion
09 Mar 2020
The 2020 cloud acquisitions AWS, Microsoft and Google should make
The major cloud providers offer a wide range of services, but they're far from perfect. Here are the 2020 acquisitions AWS, Microsoft and Google should make to shore up their platforms. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jan 2020
Learn best practices for cloud automation on Microsoft Azure
Check out these best practices for workload automation on Microsoft Azure. Review the tools and techniques that can free your IT team to focus on more important responsibilities. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Dec 2019
Use these 8 tools to deploy microservices on Azure
IT teams deploy microservices to quickly build and scale apps, but it can get complicated fast. Check out these Microsoft Azure tools and best practices to get started the right way. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Dec 2019
Get started with Azure tags
The more Azure resources an organization consumes, the harder it becomes to track those resources. Proper tagging can help manage and automate workloads, as well as control costs. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Dec 2019
Review these Azure Service Bus best practices
When applications talk, you need to listen. Learn about Microsoft's cloud messaging service, its main features, best practices to follow and practical applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Nov 2019
Decipher how and when to utilize the Azure logging options
Logging is a big piece of the cloud management puzzle. Do you know which logs to track in Azure Monitor, and when to use them? Learn more about Azure log types and best practices. Continue Reading
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News
08 Nov 2019
Microsoft cybersecurity training to become mandatory for its workers
Microsoft's cybersecurity training program, which uses AI-powered tools to reinforce learning, is mandated for all employees. It will also be launched in a version for customers. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Nov 2019
Integrate applications with these 4 Azure integration tools
Integration can ensure consistent and scalable workflows in cloud applications, even connected to on-premises resources. Evaluate tools and services Azure offers for the task. Continue Reading
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News
05 Nov 2019
Microsoft Azure Arc faces cautiously interested user base
The hybrid cloud offering, announced this week at Ignite, will let users manage across multi-cloud, on-premises and edge environments -- but is it relevant? Customers weigh in. Continue Reading
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News
04 Nov 2019
Microsoft hybrid cloud strategy expands with Azure Arc
Azure Arc will bring Microsoft's public cloud management tools together for use by customers on any type of infrastructure. The move underscores the drive toward hybrid cloud deployments as customer needs evolve. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Oct 2019
Licensing changes reveal Microsoft's cloud strategy
IT analysts share insights on the Microsoft licensing updates, and what it says about the on-premises giant's push for Azure adoption and the impact on current and future workloads. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Oct 2019
Get up to speed on Azure's serverless functionality
With so many serverless tools on the market, it can be difficult to pick the right one. Review some of the features of Azure serverless options to help you choose. Continue Reading
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News
26 Oct 2019
Microsoft wins $10 billion JEDI contract over AWS
In a surprise move, the DOD has awarded Microsoft, not AWS, its controversial JEDI cloud computing contract. The deal has a price tag of up to $10 billion over 10 years. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Oct 2019
6 cloud cost optimization strategies for long-term planning
Short-term cost management tools are one way to improve cost efficiencies in the cloud, but to stay on track, you also need long-term strategies to eliminate unnecessary cloud spend. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Sep 2019
An Azure subscription management how-to
Subscriptions are not as black and white as they seem. Review the concepts, roles and challenges involved when planning and managing subscriptions for Azure. Continue Reading
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News
28 Aug 2019
Microsoft Azure edge site expansion targets cloud latency
Microsoft will expand its edge site footprint for Azure networking, a move that should help lower latency for cloud applications. Continue Reading
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News
07 Aug 2019
Microsoft licensing terms change will impact some cloud customers
Microsoft customers who want to deploy its software on dedicated cloud hosts, including Microsoft Azure, face new licensing terms as of Oct. 1. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jun 2019
Microsoft Azure AD complements Active Directory
Azure users have a cloud-based version of Active Directory at their fingertips, but it's not a carbon copy of the on-premises version. Learn how to use the services in tandem. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jun 2019
Evaluate the Azure serverless tools to ease deployment anxiety
So you want to build a serverless application on Microsoft Azure? Explore the tools and features that support those apps and determine how you want to manage your eventflow. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Jun 2019
Deploy Azure low-priority VMs -- strategically
Microsoft's low-priority VMs come with big savings -- and a catch. Learn how to incorporate them into your cost optimization efforts and see how they stack up to the competition. Continue Reading
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News
05 Jun 2019
Oracle, Microsoft forge cloud pact
Once bitter arch rivals, Oracle and Microsoft have formed an alliance around cloud interoperability, which is good for customers and both vendors. Continue Reading
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News
08 May 2019
Microsoft gives developers a sneak peek into Azure updates
Here's a look at three of the Azure-related projects developers got a glimpse of at Build, including a new open source project. Continue Reading
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News
07 May 2019
Microsoft expands Azure cloud database options
A raft of expansions across Microsoft's Azure cloud database tier adds capabilities that target high-end workloads and shops that prefer open source options. Continue Reading
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News
27 Mar 2019
Azure Anomaly Detector service spots business data deviations
Microsoft's Anomaly Detector service for Azure applies AI to customers' time-series data sets to find deviations or patterns that suggest problems. But humans still have the final say. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Feb 2019
Explore FAQs on Azure subscription management
For some IT teams, particularly those new to Microsoft's public cloud, Azure subscriptions spark a number of pressing questions related to billing, resource management and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Feb 2019
How to replicate Azure resources for speed, agility
There isn't a one-click tool to quickly clone full-stack application environments in Microsoft Azure, but these techniques can make the process easier. Continue Reading
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News
10 Dec 2018
Azure database updates court on-premises installed base
Microsoft hopes a series of features, deployment options and price changes can convince more customers to migrate their database workloads to Azure and not to rival clouds. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Nov 2018
Break down the main features of Azure DevOps Services
DevOps continues to influence how vendors shape their cloud offerings, and this was the case behind Microsoft's recent rebranding of Visual Studio Team Services. Continue Reading
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News
24 Sep 2018
Microsoft embraces Azure cloud platform as its strategic heart
Microsoft's showcase of Azure-based offerings asserts the cloud at the heart of the company's future, and further cements its position against cloud archrival AWS. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Aug 2018
Azure management groups ease policy enforcement
It isn't easy to manage Azure subscriptions, but with management groups, admins can now simplify policy enforcement on a larger scale. Continue Reading
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News
06 Jun 2018
Success of GitHub deal hinges on Azure's open source appeal
Microsoft's ongoing détente with the open source community advances with a deal to purchase GitHub, the world's largest open source code repository. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 May 2018
Azure Availability Zones enable more resilient cloud apps
'Downtime' is a dreaded word for mission-critical applications. Learn how availability zones in Azure can promote uptime and keep your workloads running. Continue Reading
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News
09 May 2018
Microsoft showcases Azure DevOps Project enhancements
Microsoft continues to reach out to developers with an updated tool to help them configure a DevOps pipeline and connect it to the cloud, regardless of the app dev platform. Continue Reading
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News
08 Jan 2018
Microsoft advances Azure hybrid strategy with Avere deal
Microsoft's acquisition of Avere Systems addresses a shortcoming in Azure storage services and could help steal some business from AWS and GCP. Continue Reading
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News
16 Jul 2015
Microsoft cloud strategy turns competitors into partners
For a company once known for its closed ecosystem, the Microsoft cloud strategy is increasingly reliant on the competition. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jun 2011
Three questions to ask when considering Microsoft Azure
Is Microsoft Azure a no-brainer cloud choice or impossible to adopt? Ask these three questions to determine if the cloud platform is right for you. Continue Reading