# Azure

> cloud computing platform operated by Microsoft

**Wikidata**: [Q725967](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q725967)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Azure)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/azure

## Summary
Azure is a cloud computing platform operated by Microsoft that was launched on February 1, 2010, after being announced in October 2008 as Windows Azure. It provides on-demand cloud computing services competing directly with Amazon Web Services.

## Key Facts
- Azure is a cloud computing platform operated by Microsoft (wikidata_description)
- Azure was officially launched on February 1, 2010 (inception: 2010-02-01)
- Azure was initially announced in October 2008 under the name "Windows Azure" (announcement_date: 2008-10-00)
- Azure is developed by Microsoft, an American multinational technology corporation founded in 1975 (developer: Microsoft)
- Azure operates on multiple operating systems including Microsoft Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS (operating_system)
- Azure competes directly with Amazon Web Services in the cloud computing market
- Azure is classified as infrastructure as a service, hyperscaler, and computing platform (instance_of)
- Azure includes services such as Azure Data Lake, Microsoft Entra ID, Azure Cosmos DB, Azure Functions, and Azure Front Door (has_part(s))

## FAQs
### Q: What is Azure?
A: Azure is a cloud computing platform operated by Microsoft. It was initially launched in February 2010 after being announced in October 2008 under the name Windows Azure.

### Q: Who developed Azure?
A: Azure was developed by Microsoft, an American multinational technology corporation. Microsoft was founded on April 4, 1975 and has its headquarters in Redmond, Washington.

### Q: What operating systems does Azure support?
A: Azure supports multiple operating systems including Microsoft Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS. This cross-platform compatibility allows developers to work in their preferred environments while leveraging Azure's cloud capabilities.

### Q: When was Azure launched?
A: Azure was officially launched on February 1, 2010. Its working title during development was "Project Red Dog" before being announced as Windows Azure in October 2008.

## Why It Matters
Azure represents Microsoft's strategic entry into the cloud computing market, competing directly with Amazon Web Services. The platform has evolved significantly since its 2010 launch, expanding from Windows Azure to the comprehensive Microsoft Azure suite of services. Azure's importance lies in its ability to provide businesses with scalable infrastructure, storage, and application development tools without requiring significant physical hardware investments. This democratization of computing resources has enabled startups and enterprises alike to rapidly deploy and scale applications. Azure's support for multiple operating systems further broadens its accessibility, while its comprehensive services make it a critical component of modern digital infrastructure. As cloud adoption continues to accelerate, Azure's position as a major provider ensures its ongoing relevance in the technology landscape.

## Notable For
- Azure is one of the major cloud computing platforms competing directly with Amazon Web Services
- Azure supports multiple operating systems including Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS, providing cross-platform compatibility
- Azure offers a comprehensive suite of services including data management, AI capabilities, and security tools
- Azure evolved from its original name "Windows Azure" to "Microsoft Azure" and now simply "Azure," reflecting its growth and expansion beyond just Windows-based services

## Body

### Overview
Azure is a cloud computing platform operated by Microsoft. The platform was initially announced in October 2008 under the name "Windows Azure" and was officially launched on February 1, 2010. Azure has evolved significantly over time, expanding from a Windows-focused service to a comprehensive cloud platform supporting multiple operating systems.

### Development and Ownership
Azure is developed by Microsoft, an American multinational technology corporation founded on April 4, 1975. Microsoft has its headquarters in Redmond, Washington, and employs over 221,000 people as of 2022. The company operates in the technology industry with a focus on software development.

### Technical Architecture
Azure operates on multiple operating systems including:
- Microsoft Windows
- Linux
- Android
- iOS

This multi-platform support allows developers to work in their preferred environments while leveraging Azure's cloud capabilities.

### Service Offerings
Azure includes a comprehensive suite of services, such as:
- Azure Data Lake
- Microsoft Entra ID
- Azure Cosmos DB
- Azure Synapse Analytics
- Azure Purview
- Azure Orbital
- Azure Functions
- Azure Front Door

### Market Position
Azure competes directly with Amazon Web Services in the cloud computing market. Both platforms offer on-demand cloud computing services on a metered pay-as-you-go basis. Amazon Web Services, a subsidiary of Amazon, was launched in March 2006 and is based in Seattle.

### Naming Evolution
Azure's official name has evolved over time:
- Initially named "Windows Azure" (2008-2012)
- Renamed to "Microsoft Azure" (2014 onward)
- Now commonly referred to simply as "Azure"

This naming evolution reflects the platform's expansion beyond Windows-only services to become a comprehensive cloud platform.

### Online Presence
Azure maintains a strong online presence through:
- Official website: https://azure.microsoft.com/
- Twitter accounts: @Azure (verified), @AzureSupport (verified), @AzureDevOps (verified)
- Subreddit: AZURE
- Stack Exchange tag: https://stackoverflow.com/tags/azure
- Status page: https://azure.status.microsoft

### Related Services
Azure is closely related to Azure Functions, which is part of the Azure platform. Additionally, services like RaiDrive provide connectors for integrating with remote storage solutions including Azure.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. Quora
4. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Microsoft_Azure-RYVN89)
5. National Library of Israel
6. [Source](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/service-health/whats-new)