Azure Virtual Machines
Provision Windows and Linux virtual machines in seconds
Overview
Azure Virtual Machines (VMs) is one of the central, IaaS services offered by Microsoft Azure. It allows users to create and run virtual machines in the cloud. These VMs can run Microsoft Windows, Linux, and other operating systems. Users can choose from a wide range of VM sizes and types, optimized for different workloads such as general purpose, compute-optimized, memory-optimized, storage-optimized, GPU, and high-performance computing.
✨ Key Features
- Support for Linux, Windows Server, SQL Server, Oracle, IBM, and SAP
- Scalable performance with a wide range of VM sizes
- High-availability with up to 99.99% SLA
- Comprehensive security and compliance
- Hybrid cloud capabilities with Azure Arc
- Cost management with Azure Hybrid Benefit and Reserved VM Instances
🎯 Key Differentiators
- Strong integration with Microsoft ecosystem (Windows Server, Office 365)
- Azure Hybrid Benefit for cost savings on licenses
- Extensive global datacenter presence
Unique Value: Provides highly scalable and secure virtualized computing infrastructure with deep integration into the Microsoft enterprise software stack.
🎯 Use Cases (6)
✅ Best For
- Running scalable web servers
- Deploying and managing development/test environments
- Lifting and shifting on-premises applications to the cloud
💡 Check With Vendor
Verify these considerations match your specific requirements:
- Event-driven, short-lived computations (better for Azure Functions)
- Simple web apps not requiring OS control (better for Azure App Service)
🏆 Alternatives
Offers significant cost advantages for existing Microsoft customers through programs like Azure Hybrid Benefit and has a strong focus on hybrid cloud management.
💻 Platforms
🔌 Integrations
🛟 Support Options
- ✓ Email Support
- ✓ Live Chat
- ✓ Phone Support
- ✓ Dedicated Support (Professional Direct, Premier tier)
🔒 Compliance & Security
💰 Pricing
✓ 30-day free trial
Free tier: Includes 750 hours of B1s burstable virtual machines per month for 12 months.
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