Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines

What differentiates Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines from other similar products?

Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing software; this was my first cloud subscription, and Azure is the only reason I continue to use and rely on cloud services. Prior to utilising Azure, I didn't believe cloud services could be so secure. I performed a lot of research on cloud services before subscribing to Azure, but giants like AWS, Oracle, and Vultr didn't pique my interest. I'm only using Azure for VM services right now, but I intend to leverage Azure's SQL database services instead of Digital Ocean in future projects. This assessment is based on VM services, as stated in the last line.

What is your favorite aspect of this product?

The nicest thing about Azure AQL Database is its incredibly versatile and scalable platform, which provides a wide range of tools and services for developers to build and deploy applications as well as manage cloud services. It offers data protection with backup and restore tools that aid in the recovery of lost data. It also includes a Data Encryption function that encrypts sensitive data so that unauthorised users cannot access the data saved in the database. Price is fairly flexible; you only pay for what you use. I strongly advise anyone searching for cloud-based database solutions to use it.

What do you dislike most about this product?

Presently, Azure is only properly accessible from a computer; we can only send commands for existing resources or VMs that are already operating from the Android app. We must first log in to the web and create resources before we can utilise them in the app, but the main issue is that the web is not built or optimised for mobile phones, so creating resources from the online is difficult. I believe the app was created to monitor Azure Insights operations, however I recommend that developers grant users full Android app access. As a result, Google Cloud services outperform Azure because their website is also designed for mobile phones.has conte

What recommendations would you give to someone considering this product?

Azure offers numerous options for developing, processing, analysing, and deploying applications or web services that leverage cloud-based databases. It offers Databricks, Bot Services, Computer Vision, Recognizer, and other features. All of this aids in the management of various aspects in applications and web services. The integration with many providers is really smooth and secure.

What differentiates Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines from other similar products?

Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines stand out with hybrid cloud capabilities, deep integration with Microsoft services, and extensive enterprise security and compliance options.

What is your favorite aspect of this product?

One of the best aspects of Azure Virtual Machines is their seamless integration with Microsoft services, enabling hybrid cloud deployments and enterprise-grade security with minimal complexity.

What do you dislike most about this product?

The most challenging aspect of Azure Virtual Machines is their complex pricing structure, which can be difficult to navigate, especially with factors like reserved instances, spot pricing, and varying regional costs.

What recommendations would you give to someone considering this product?

I’d recommend evaluating your workload needs to choose the right VM size and pricing model, leveraging Reserved Instances or Spot VMs for cost savings, and integrating Azure Hybrid Benefits if using Windows Server or SQL Server. Also, ensure proper security and governance using Azure Policies and Defender for Cloud.

What differentiates Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines from other similar products?

Deep Microsoft Ecosystem Integration is one of Azure VMs' strongest differentiators. If your organization already uses Microsoft products (like Windows Server, SQL Server, Active Directory, Office 365, or even Azure DevOps), Azure VMs provide seamless compatibility with these tools. For example, Azure offers native support for Active Directory, which simplifies identity and access management for hybrid and enterprise environments.

What is your favorite aspect of this product?

My favorite aspect of Azure Virtual Machines is the deep integration with the Microsoft ecosystem. For businesses already using Microsoft products—like Windows Server, SQL Server, Active Directory, or Office 365—Azure VMs offer a seamless experience. It's not just about hosting VMs, it's about being able to integrate and manage your entire infrastructure within one unified platform.

What do you dislike most about this product?

The biggest downside I’ve heard about Azure Virtual Machines is its complexity—especially when it comes to pricing and configuration. While Azure offers a lot of flexibility, that can also make it a bit overwhelming, particularly for users who are new to cloud infrastructure or for small businesses without dedicated cloud architects.

What recommendations would you give to someone considering this product?

Azure Virtual Machines, here are a few recommendations to make the most of the platform and avoid common pitfalls: Plan Your Architecture Carefully: Start with a solid architecture. Before deploying VMs, think about the bigger picture—networking, storage, and security. Leverage tools like Azure Architecture Center for best practices. Consider how VMs will interact with other services like Azure Load Balancer, Network Security Groups (NSGs), and Azure Monitor for monitoring and management.