Microsoft Azure-Compute Services

1. Azure Virtual Machines (VMs)

• What Are They?: Imagine Azure VMs as virtual computers in the cloud. Just like you have a personal computer at home, you can create and manage these virtual machines to run your software.
• Why Use Them?: VMs provide flexibility—you can choose the operating system (like Windows or Linux), customize the configuration, and scale them up or down based on your needs.
• Common Scenarios: Running legacy applications that need a specific OS. Hosting web servers, databases, or custom software. Creating development or testing environments.

2. Azure App Service

• What Is It?: Azure App Service is like a ready-to-use platform for hosting web apps, APIs, and other web-based applications. It abstracts away the underlying infrastructure, so you can focus on your code.
• Why Choose It?: If you’re building a website, RESTful API, or a mobile app backend, App Service simplifies deployment, auto-scaling, and management.
• Benefits: Easy Deployment: Publish your app without worrying about servers. Auto-Scaling: Handles traffic spikes automatically. Integration with Azure DevOps: Seamless CI/CD pipelines.

3. Azure Functions

• What Are They?: Think of Azure Functions as tiny, specialized workers. They execute code in response to events—like receiving an email, uploading a file, or hitting an API endpoint.
• Why Go Serverless?: With Functions, you pay only for the execution time. No need to manage servers or worry about infrastructure.
• Use Cases: Processing data from IoT devices. Sending notifications. Automating repetitive tasks.

4. Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)

• What Is AKS?: AKS is a managed Kubernetes service. Kubernetes helps you manage containers (like mini-apps) efficiently.
• Why Use It?:If you’re diving into microservices architecture. Need automatic scaling and orchestration. Want to deploy and manage containers without the headache.

5. Azure Container Instances

• What Are They?: Imagine disposable containers. Azure Container Instances allow you to run containers without managing virtual machines.
• When to Use Them?:Quick tasks like data processing. Running small services. No need to provision VMs—just pay for what you use.

6. Azure Service Fabric

• What Is It?: Service Fabric is like a Lego set for building complex applications. It manages the blocks (microservices) efficiently.
• Best Fit For: Applications requiring high availability. Stateful services. Rolling upgrades without downtime.

7. Azure Batch

• What Is Azure Batch?: It’s like having a supercomputer on demand. Use it for large-scale parallel computing—think scientific simulations, rendering, or data processing.
• Why Choose It?:Efficient resource allocation. Job scheduling. Scalability for HPC workloads.

8. Azure Red Hat OpenShift

• What Is OpenShift?: It’s a fully managed Kubernetes cluster with Red Hat support. Perfect for enterprise-grade container orchestration.
• When to Consider It: If you need compliance and security. Want to combine Azure and Red Hat technologies.

Many companies across various industries utilize Microsoft Azure for its robust cloud services. Here are a few examples:

• Bosch: A leading global supplier of technology and services, Bosch uses Azure for its IoT solutions1.

• Bing: Microsoft’s own search engine leverages Azure for its massive data processing needs1.

• Cargill: One of the largest privately-owned businesses providing food, agricultural, financial, and industrial products and services1.

• Coca-Cola: The beverage giant uses Azure to enhance business operations and customer experiences1.

• Delta: The airline utilizes Azure to improve its operational efficiency and customer service1.

Additionally, companies like General Motors, HSBC, Hilton, Nike, Oracle, and Starbucks are also known to use Azure for various computing and service needs2. These examples showcase the versatility and reliability of Azure in supporting businesses of all sizes and sectors.