Skip to content
Azure logo

Microsoft's cloud, essential for enterprises running Windows

Visit Website

TL;DR - Azure

  • Azure is Microsoft's cloud computing platform competing with AWS and Google Cloud
  • It offers 200+ services for compute, AI, databases, and enterprise integration
  • Pay-as-you-go pricing with $200 free credit for new accounts
Pricing: Paid only
Best for: Enterprises & pros
4.4/5 across review platforms

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Best for Microsoft ecosystem
  • Good hybrid cloud options
  • Enterprise relationships strong
  • Good AI services
  • Active Directory integration

Cons

  • Confusing portal UI
  • Pricing hard to predict
  • Some services less polished
  • Documentation can be outdated
  • Region availability varies

Ratings Across the Web

4.4(97,447 reviews)

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

Virtual machinesApp servicesAzure FunctionsKubernetes serviceDatabase servicesAI and ML tools

Pricing Plans

Free Trial

Free Tier

Free

  • $200 credit for 30 days
  • 12 months free services
  • 25+ always-free services

Pay-as-you-go

Usage-based

  • Pay only for what you use
  • No upfront commitment
  • VM, storage, networking, AI services
  • Global regions

Reserved Instances

Up to 72% off

  • Predictable pricing
  • 1 or 3 year commitment
  • Best for steady workloads

What is Azure?

Editorial review
Azure is Microsoft's cloud platform, essential for organizations that run on Windows and Microsoft technologies. Virtual machines, databases, AI services, developer tools-the full range of cloud capabilities with first-class Microsoft integration. Active Directory integration makes enterprise identity straightforward. Visual Studio tooling is seamless. The global infrastructure rivals AWS. Enterprises with Microsoft investments choose Azure because the integration just works. For Windows workloads especially, Azure is the natural home.

Reviews

Be the first to review Azure

Your take helps the next buyer. Verified LinkedIn reviewers get a badge.

Write a review

Best Azure Alternatives

Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.

Explore More

Azure FAQ

Is Azure free?

Free tier includes 12 months of popular services plus 55+ always-free services. $200 credit for first 30 days. Most services have some free allocation.

What is Microsoft Azure?

Azure is Microsoft's cloud computing platform. Compute, storage, databases, AI, and 200+ services. Second largest cloud provider after AWS.

Azure vs AWS?

Similar capabilities overall. Azure has better Microsoft integration (Active Directory, Office 365). AWS has more services and market share. Choice often depends on existing stack.

What is Azure Active Directory?

Azure AD is Microsoft's identity service. SSO, MFA, and user management. Central to Microsoft 365 and Azure. Often reason companies choose Azure.

How does Azure pricing work?

Pay-as-you-go or committed use discounts. Reserved instances save up to 72%. Pricing varies by region and service. Calculator available on Azure site.

Guides & Articles