Cloud Computing
Azure
Definition
Microsoft Azure, often referred to as Azure, is a cloud computing service created by Microsoft for building, testing, deploying, and managing applications and services through Microsoft-managed data centers.
Why It Matters
Azure is the second-largest cloud provider and has a strong foothold in the enterprise market, leveraging Microsoft's long-standing relationships with large corporations. It has excellent integration with Microsoft's other enterprise products like Office 365 and Active Directory.
Contextual Example
A large company that heavily uses Microsoft products like Windows Server and SQL Server might choose Azure for their cloud provider to ensure seamless integration and leverage existing skill sets.
Common Misunderstandings
- Azure offers a wide range of services that are comparable to those of AWS and GCP.
- Its main competitors are AWS and GCP.