Microsoft Azure — what is it and what are its applications?

Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing platform designed on the PaaS model. It provides access to a wide range of services for the rapid deployment and management of IT solutions. Just a few years ago, the only solution was to invest in your own physical servers. Now, companies can migrate their resources to innovative clouds like Microsoft Azure, which leads to significant cost reductions and more flexible use of available resources. In the article below, we explain what Microsoft Azure is and what its applications are.    

What is Microsoft Azure and what is it used for?

  Microsoft Azure is a cloud platform, meaning all users can access it from any computer with an internet connection. Authorized personnel can manage data remotely, which significantly facilitates information flow within the company and the making of important decisions. Microsoft, in turn, maintains control over massive physical server rooms known as data centers, which meet the highest security standards. The Microsoft Azure cloud platform offers a wide range of diverse services, numbering over 200. Thanks to these, it is possible to create new technological solutions within a company—such as applications or websites—and then efficiently manage them using professional tools. Microsoft Azure is a platform offered in the PaaS model (Platform as a Service). Microsoft Azure users gain access to many services that enable efficient, secure, and effective data processing. Among the most well-known Microsoft Azure functionalities are Microsoft Azure Storage, Microsoft Azure Compute, and SQL Azure. Using Microsoft Azure contributes to lower operating costs because, in this case, the company pays only for the resources consumed. Investing in your own server room, along with its maintenance and security, would be significantly more expensive.

Who is the Azure cloud platform intended for?

  The Azure cloud platform is useful for all enterprises that process large amounts of data. This includes, for example, online stores that may experience increased popularity at various times (e.g., due to a planned promotion). If the site were based on a traditional server, a sudden spike in the number of users could lead to a site crash. In contrast, if we choose the Microsoft Azure platform, we can be sure that even a several-hundred-percent jump in traffic to our e-store will not lead to a failure. Microsoft Azure can work well in virtually any industry—especially in healthcare, banking, manufacturing, retail, and administration. The capabilities provided by Microsoft Azure are also widely used by computer game developers. It is worth using specific examples. The Microsoft Azure cloud platform is used by popular global entities such as Siemens, Adobe, Toyota, BMW, eBay, Samsung, and Pixar. In Poland, Azure is used by, among others, the Pracuj.pl group and G2A.COM.

How much does Microsoft Azure cost?

The final price of services within the Microsoft Azure cloud depends on many different factors. We mentioned above that customers have over 200 different services and technological solutions to choose from. The more services we order, the higher the final price will be. The price is also influenced by additional factors, such as:

• uptime – if we choose the option of 24/7 access to all services, the cost will be higher,
• server location – the closer the servers are to our company headquarters, the higher the cost; however, we advise against choosing a server room located in China or another distant corner of the world, as this can lead to significant latency,
• performance – the choice of performance should be adjusted to our current needs—there is no point in paying for something we do not need.

It should be noted that Microsoft has prepared a special application for Azure cloud customers called Azure Advisor. It analyzes information about current resource consumption and provides customers with tips on which aspects can be optimized to reduce performance and lower costs.

How to become an Azure specialist?

A cloud engineer is a profession that is enjoying increasing popularity. It involves performing various technological tasks related to cloud computing. The most important responsibilities of a cloud engineer include planning, managing, and designing internet services in the cloud. An inherent part of such a specialist’s work is close cooperation with other IT departments—this allows for faster identification and resolution of potential errors. How to become a specialist in Microsoft Azure or another cloud platform? You need to possess specific skills and knowledge. Candidates are primarily required to hold a university degree in computer science, telecommunications, or a related field. In addition, you must also have a certificate confirming the completion of specialized courses for cloud engineers. Knowledge of programming languages such as Java, Ruby, or Python is very important. People applying for an Azure specialist position should also have experience in designing, managing, and overseeing internet services created in cloud technology. Candidates with knowledge of APIs, automation, orchestration, and DevOps are also preferred.

How much do cloud developers earn?

  Cloud developers can count on very high earnings. According to statistical information from the NoFluff Jobs portal, the best cloud engineers receive compensation ranging from 11,000 PLN gross to as much as 40,000 PLN gross. Beginner cloud engineers, of course, cannot count on such high salaries at the start—in their case, earnings are around 3,500 – 16,000 PLN gross. The salary level of cloud engineers is influenced by factors such as experience, type of contract, the location of the company’s headquarters, and its prestige.