Azure Compute

Azure Compute a short overview

Computing is the extensive use of computer technology to complete any goal-driven task. Design and development of software and hardware systems according to specifications is the whole objective of computing. Computing is used for a wide range of purposes, especially those requiring structuring, processing, and managing information. It has diverse applications and can be used for scientific studies, the creation of intelligent systems, and other fields such as media and education. Some simple examples of computing in our everyday lives include – sending emails or swiping debit cards.

In technical terms, Techopedia defines computing as a branch of science engineering that deals with the systematic study of algorithmic processes. When it comes to computing, three unmissable aspects are Virtual Machines, Docker, and App Services. We will discuss each of these terms extensively:

Virtual Machines

A virtual machine (or VM as popularly known) is a computing resource. It uses software instead of physical computers to run programs and deploy apps. Every virtual machine runs on its operating system and functions separately from other VMS, even if they are all running on the same host.

Virtual machine technology has different applications in the on-premise and cloud environments. In recent times, public cloud services use virtual machines to optimize virtual application resources for businesses. Virtual machines allow usage of these resources for multiple users at once cost-effectively and efficiently.

VMs can be deployed to accommodate different levels of processing power to run software that requires other operating systems. It can also be used to test applications in a secure environment.?Virtual machines can carry out tasks considered too risky to implement in the host environment. As virtual machines are isolated from the rest of the system, the software inside the VM will not have any impact on the host computer.

Benefits of Virtual Machines

Virtual machines bring in many advantages – they can run multiple operating system environments on a single physical computer setup. This helps save space, time as well as additional costs. They support legacy operations, cutting down the cost of migration to a new system. Lastly, virtual machines also provide application provisioning and integrated disaster recovery options.

Server consolidation is one of the main reasons why virtual machines are preferred. Virtualization of servers makes it possible to place many servers onto every physical server. This, in turn, helps optimize your entire system. With a virtual machine in place, you wouldn't have to purchase additional hard drives or hard disks. Power requirements, as well as the need to cool data centers too, would cut down tremendously.

Types of Virtual Machines

Users have the freedom to choose from two different types of virtual machines, namely – Process VMs and System VMs. Let's understand each of these:

Process VM – A process virtual machine facilitates a single process to run as an application on a host machine. It provides an independent programming environment by masking the underlying hardware or OS data.

System VM – This VM is fully virtualized to substitute a physical machine. It allows you to share the host computer's resources between different VMs, each of which functions on its own OS copy.

Docker

Docker is an open-source platform designed to develop, ship, and run applications. The main advantage of Docker is that it helps you separate your applications from your infrastructure, enabling you to deliver software quickly. With Docker, you can still manage your infrastructure just like you manage your applications. The only difference is that with Docker, you can ship, test and deploy codes quickly, thus saving time consumed between writing a code and running it in production.

Docker offers the ability to package and run an application in a loosely isolated environment. This environment is known as a 'container.' These lightweight containers are comprehensive and carry all the required data you need to run an application successfully. The isolation and security offered by Docker ensure that you can run many containers on a given host.

Sharing containers is easy, and you can do so as you work on the system, too. Sharing a Docker container with many other users also ensures uniformity and consistency, as all users will receive the same container. Docker helps develop your application and all supporting components within this isolated environment. The container is the source unit for distributing and testing your application. Once you are sure about the development and test outcomes, you can deploy the application into the production environment as a container or an orchestrated service. This process stays the same, irrespective of the type of production environment. So whether it is a local data center, a cloud provider, or a hybrid model, Docker works effectively with them all.

Benefits of Docker Services

Docker streamlines the whole process of the development of an application. It allows developers to work in standardized environments with the help of local containers that provide your application and services. These containers are excellent for continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) workflows, too.

Developers can write the code locally and simultaneously share their work with other developer colleagues. In bugs, developers can fix them in the development environment and redeploy them to the test environment for testing and approval. This saves much time and when the testing is finally complete, deploying the tool in the production environment is a cakewalk.

Docker is lightweight, fast and agile, and is a cost-effective solution compared to high-end virtual machines. It helps you use more of your compute capacity to achieve your expanding business goals. It is perfect for high-density environments and is well-suited for small and medium deployments.

Application Services

The whole process of configuring, monitoring, and optimizing different application services comes under application services management. Earlier, there were application service providers (ASPs), companies that would help deliver applications to users for a fixed cost. But with the advent of cloud application services, the scenario has changed.

A cloud application service is a cloud-based program that works with other infrastructure components to host a company's app data on the cloud safely. As a user, a cloud application would look like any other app or website, but a lot is going on at the backend. All the data processing that is required to bring forth a cloud-based app in a simplified manner to you is performed by Application Program Interface (API).

How Do Cloud Application Services Work?

With the help of these cloud-based services, an organization can store, access, and download data from the cloud. Users can work on this data on any device of their choice. Cloud application services ensure that companies can work simultaneously in a seamless, efficient manner. This makes it super easy to work remotely.

Benefits of Cloud Application Services

Quick response is one of the most significant advantages of cloud application services. These services help users access, update, and test any application smoothly without interruptions. Cloud applications can be deployed quickly, without the requirement of additional infrastructure. Accessibility is another add-on of cloud-based app services – you can access the data from anywhere from any device of your choice.

Thanks to their scalability, if you are looking to expand your business, you can easily do so with cloud-based services. Cloud application services ensure you can use the apps offline and later sync updated data to the device when the device is online. This ensures you have a good enough backup. Lastly, cloud-based application services provide a fully secure environment and on-site protection.

Importance of Choosing the Right Application Service Provider

You need to look for many factors in the cloud service provider you choose. Firstly, the service provider should help the company migrate to the cloud with ease. They should offer scalability so that you can expand your infrastructure soon without incurring additional costs. Security is of utmost importance, and the service provider should provide high security to protect all the critical and confidential data of your organization. Preferably looking for an affordable service provider and has a pay-as-you-use model. Lastly, and most importantly, the service provider should deliver fast uptime, low downtime, and complete disaster recovery options to ensure zero data loss.

There are many cloud hosting services out there – Google Drive, AWS, iCloud, and Microsoft Azure. Azure is one of the most popular choices for organizations as it offers features that are well-suited for organizations, irrespective of their scale. The scalability Azure offers makes it perfect for small organizations that have just started and look to expand soon.