Microsoft Azure

GETTING STARTED

What is Microsoft Azure?

Last Update: Sep 04, 2024

In this introductory article, Aidan Finn explains what Microsoft Azure is and isn’t, along with key features of the service.

Firewall Options for an Azure Virtual Network

Last Update: Sep 04, 2024

Aidan Finn explains several techniques that you can use to secure and protect Azure virtual networks.

Cloud Computing

Azure Virtual Desktop: The Definitive Guide for IT Pros

Last Update: Mar 18, 2025

Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is changing the game for organizations looking to provide secure, flexible, and scalable remote work environments. With multi-session Windows 11 (AVD supports lots of Windows versions, actually), deep integration with Microsoft 365, and robust security options, AVD allows IT pros to manage virtual desktops with greater control and efficiency than ever…

FUNDAMENTALS

Cloud Storage Hero

Azure Blob Storage: The IT Pro’s Guide to Secure, Scalable Cloud Object Storage

What is Azure Blob Storage? Microsoft Azure Blob Storage provides a scalable and efficient way to store massive amounts of unstructured data, making it an essential component for IT professionals managing cloud storage solutions. Whether you need to store binary data, backup files, log files, or handle large-scale workloads, Azure Blob Storage delivers flexible storage…

azure cloud data hero

What Is Azure Policy?

Effective governance is essential in today’s multi-cloud, hybrid IT ecosystems. Azure Policy provides a comprehensive framework for defining, enforcing, and automating compliance across Microsoft Azure resources, on-premises workloads, and third-party clouds via Azure Arc. Azure Policy ensures your resources align with business, security, and compliance requirements—without adding operational overhead. By leveraging initiatives, built-in policies, custom…

Azure Cloud Hero Server Devices

What is Azure RBAC?

Last Update: Feb 26, 2025

Azure Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) is Microsoft Azure’s primary authorization system for managing access to cloud resources. By assigning specific permissions to users, service principals, and managed identities, Azure RBAC ensures that access is both controlled and aligned with the principle of least privilege. Whether you’re securing a single subscription or governing a hybrid cloud…

TUTORIALS

Create a Virtual Machine in the Azure Cloud

Last Update: Nov 19, 2024

Quickly provision your first virtual machine in the Azure cloud.

How to Setup a Microsoft Azure Virtual Network

Last Update: Sep 04, 2024

Curious about virtual networking in Microsoft Azure? Learn how to setup an Azure virtual network in this short step-by-step tutorial by Jon Hassell.

hero approved survey

How to Use the Azure Pricing Calculator

This guide will show you how to use the Azure Pricing Calculator effectively, offering step-by-step instructions, real-world examples, and key insights on leveraging its advanced features. By the end, you’ll not only understand your potential costs but also feel confident sharing polished estimates with stakeholders. When managing IT infrastructure, staying ahead of your budget can…

LATEST

Network Security

Microsoft Addresses Graph PowerShell SDK Compatibility Issue Affecting Azure Runbooks

Microsoft has identified compatibility issues between Microsoft Graph PowerShell SDK version 2.26.1 and Azure Runbooks, particularly when using PowerShell 7.2. To address the problem, the company plans to introduce support for PowerShell 7.4 in Azure Runbooks through an upcoming update. The Microsoft Graph PowerShell SDK is a collection of cmdlets designed to interact with Microsoft…

Microsoft Azure

Microsoft Boosts Enterprise AI with Copilot in Azure Release

Microsoft has made Copilot in Azure generally available for commercial users. The company has also added Meta’s Llama 4 models to Azure AI Foundry and Azure Databricks. Microsoft launched Copilot in Azure in public preview in May 2024. This new AI-powered tool allows customers to manage, optimize, and troubleshoot Azure services and infrastructure. They can…

Cloud Computing

Azure Virtual Machines in 2025: A Comprehensive Analysis for IT Professionals

In 2025, Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines (VMs) remain at the heart of Microsoft’s cloud offerings, serving as the go-to infrastructure for scalable, flexible workloads. From application development to video editing and machine learning, VMs continue to accommodate complex requirements in a rapidly transforming IT landscape. Meanwhile, AWS EC2 and Google Compute Engine maintain fierce competition,…

Security

Microsoft Announces New Azure DDoS IP Protection SKU for Small Businesses

Last Update: Mar 25, 2025

Microsoft has released its new Azure DDoS IP Protection SKU in public preview. It’s a cost-effective enterprise-grade endpoint security solution aimed at protecting small and midsize businesses (SMBs) against distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. “It offers the same essential capabilities as Azure DDoS Network Protection to protect your resources and applications against evolving DDoS attacks, including…

Cloud Computing

Azure Virtual Desktop: The Definitive Guide for IT Pros

Last Update: Mar 18, 2025

Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is changing the game for organizations looking to provide secure, flexible, and scalable remote work environments. With multi-session Windows 11 (AVD supports lots of Windows versions, actually), deep integration with Microsoft 365, and robust security options, AVD allows IT pros to manage virtual desktops with greater control and efficiency than ever…

Cloud Computing

Microsoft Expands Azure Monitor Network Security Perimeter to 56 Regions

Microsoft has expanded the Network Security Perimeter feature in Azure Monitor to 56 public cloud regions worldwide, enhancing network security and monitoring for organizations. This update strengthens protection by enabling better isolation, access control, and threat visibility across Azure environments. What is Azure Monitor Network Security Perimeter? The Azure Monitor Network Security Perimeter feature is…

security red hero img

Azure Key Vault: Securely Store and Manage Your Secrets

Microsoft Azure Key Vault provides a centralized, secure, and scalable solution to store and manage cryptographic keys and secrets. With built-in integration across the Azure ecosystem, Key Vault simplifies access control, reduces security risks, and helps organizations comply with regulatory standards. What is Azure Key Vault? Azure Key Vault is a cloud-based service that enables…

Cloud Storage Hero

Azure Blob Storage: The IT Pro’s Guide to Secure, Scalable Cloud Object Storage

What is Azure Blob Storage? Microsoft Azure Blob Storage provides a scalable and efficient way to store massive amounts of unstructured data, making it an essential component for IT professionals managing cloud storage solutions. Whether you need to store binary data, backup files, log files, or handle large-scale workloads, Azure Blob Storage delivers flexible storage…

Azure Cloud Hero Server Devices

What is Azure RBAC?

Last Update: Feb 26, 2025

Azure Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) is Microsoft Azure’s primary authorization system for managing access to cloud resources. By assigning specific permissions to users, service principals, and managed identities, Azure RBAC ensures that access is both controlled and aligned with the principle of least privilege. Whether you’re securing a single subscription or governing a hybrid cloud…

hero approved survey

How to Use the Azure Pricing Calculator

This guide will show you how to use the Azure Pricing Calculator effectively, offering step-by-step instructions, real-world examples, and key insights on leveraging its advanced features. By the end, you’ll not only understand your potential costs but also feel confident sharing polished estimates with stakeholders. When managing IT infrastructure, staying ahead of your budget can…

azure cloud data hero

What Is Azure Policy?

Effective governance is essential in today’s multi-cloud, hybrid IT ecosystems. Azure Policy provides a comprehensive framework for defining, enforcing, and automating compliance across Microsoft Azure resources, on-premises workloads, and third-party clouds via Azure Arc. Azure Policy ensures your resources align with business, security, and compliance requirements—without adding operational overhead. By leveraging initiatives, built-in policies, custom…

remote workforce hero

What is Microsoft Global Secure Access?

Microsoft Global Secure Access (GSA) offers an integrated, identity-driven approach to securing remote access to applications, file shares and resources, regardless of location, device, or user identity. I didn’t expect we’d see the beginning of the end of traditional VPNs for at least a decade. The ever-present need for on-premises applications, file shares, and resources to…

Go to page