Microsoft Azure is Microsoft’s cloud platform. It offers virtual machines, managed databases, serverless functions, containers, AI services and developer tools such as Azure DevOps.
Beyond compute, Azure offers scalable cloud storage, networking that links cloud and on-premises infrastructure, and analytics services for gathering, processing and visualizing data. Database options include Azure SQL and Azure Cosmos DB. For AI work, Microsoft describes Microsoft Foundry as an AI app and agent factory, and Azure OpenAI in Foundry Models brings coding and language models. Microsoft Entra ID manages identities and single sign-on, Microsoft Defender for Cloud protects hybrid and multicloud setups, and Azure Monitor gives visibility into apps, infrastructure and network.
If you run servers outside Microsoft’s cloud, Azure Arc extends the Azure platform to machines on-premises or in any other cloud, and Arc-enabled Kubernetes handles configuration and app deployment through GitOps. For moves to the cloud, Azure Migrate discovers your existing infrastructure, applications and data, checks cloud readiness and risks, and supports migrating physical servers, VMware VMs and ASP.NET web apps. Azure also has Internet of Things services for capturing device and equipment data at the edge.
Every Azure customer gets Basic support, which covers billing and subscription help, self-help resources such as Microsoft Learn, documentation and community support, and personalized guidance on recommended practices from Azure Advisor. Basic doesn’t include technical support by email, phone or chat. Developer support is aimed at trial and non-production environments, Standard at production workloads, and Professional Direct at small and medium companies with business-critical use of Azure, adding expert-led webinars and an API for support tickets. Unified Enterprise extends coverage beyond Azure to other Microsoft technologies.
Pricing is pay-as-you-go per service, with no upfront commitment. New customers can start with a free account that includes a credit, a year of free amounts on popular services and always-free services, then move to pay-as-you-go. Current terms are in the pricing box above.