History of Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Azure, initially known as 'Windows Azure,' was first announced in October 2008 and became
commercially available in February 2010. It was introduced as Microsoft’s cloud computing platform,
designed to compete with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud. The goal was to provide a
scalable and flexible platform where developers could build, deploy, and manage applications through
Microsoft-managed data centers. At launch, Azure primarily supported .NET-based applications, but it
gradually expanded to support multiple programming languages, frameworks, and operating systems.
Over the years, Microsoft rebranded Windows Azure to Microsoft Azure in 2014, reflecting its
shift from just a Windows-based service to a broader cloud platform supporting Linux, open-source
tools, and third-party systems. Azure rapidly evolved into one of the leading cloud platforms
globally, offering services like virtual machines, databases, AI tools, IoT solutions, and hybrid
cloud options. Its tight integration with Microsoft products like Office 365, Dynamics, and Windows
Server helped Azure grow, especially among enterprise users. Today, Azure is a core part of
Microsoft’s business strategy, driving innovation across industries worldwide.