What is Microsoft Azure?

Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing platform and service created by Microsoft. It provides a vast collection of cloud services including computing, storage, databases, networking, AI, analytics, DevOps, and more, accessible over the internet on a pay-as-you-go basis. Azure operates from Microsoft's global network of data centers in over 60 regions worldwide. Launched in 2010, it is the second-largest cloud provider after AWS. Azure enables businesses to build, test, deploy, and manage applications through Microsoft-managed data centers, eliminating the need to own and maintain physical hardware.