Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing platform launched in 2008, built over Microsoft’s global data centers. It provides Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS) to develop, manage, and host applications.
Cloud Services in Microsoft Azure
1. Live Services
- Enables users to access Microsoft Live applications.
- Supports real-time data sharing and synchronization across multiple machines.
2. .NET Services
- Supports application development using Microsoft’s .NET framework.
- Applications can be developed locally and then deployed on Azure cloud servers.
3. SQL Azure
- A cloud-based relational database service.
- Provides easy access to SQL Server functionalities over the cloud, with scalability and high availability.
4. SharePoint Services
- Offers a scalable platform for building custom business applications.
- Supports web services with tools for collaboration, data sharing, and content management.
5. Dynamic CRM Services
- Provides a customer relationship management (CRM) platform.
- Helps in finance, marketing, sales, and promotional activities using cloud-based tools.
Integration and Support
- Azure services can integrate with traditional Microsoft products like:
- Windows Live, Office Live
- Exchange Online, SharePoint Online
- Dynamic CRM Online
- Uses standard protocols like SOAP and REST for cloud communication.
- Supports integration with third-party platforms and clouds.
Development Tools
- Azure SDK (Software Development Kit) allows:
- Local development and testing
- Easy deployment and debugging of cloud apps on Windows machines