Microsoft launches new cloud computing services in UK Azure regions
Microsoft has introduced a number of new cloud computing services across its UK Azure regions to help keep organisations’ data secure and enable innovation through the use of bots, IoT technology and more.
The company has released 10 new services for its cloud platform in this country, including some that utilise the most cutting-edge cybersecurity technology available today.
Azure Bastion limits threats by letting you securely connect to your virtual machines in Azure without using public IP addresses. This reduces your exposure to the public internet and risks such as malware that could be targeting your virtual machines.
Another new feature is Azure Confidential Computing. It is common practice to encrypt and protect data while it is sitting in a data centre and being moved across a network, but Azure can now secure your information while you are using it. This means it is possible for multiple organisations to combine their data sets and analyse them without being able to access each other’s data.
Banks could use Confidential Computing to combine transaction data to detect fraud and money laundering, and hospitals could combine patient records for analysis to improve the diagnosis of diseases.
Completing a powerful trio of new security services in the UK, Azure Private Link offers a secure connection to Microsoft’s cloud with no public internet access. Private Link can also help users meet compliance regulations in certain markets across the world.
Michael Wignall, Azure Business Lead at Microsoft UK, said: “Microsoft continues to invest in our UK Azure regions to meet the growing needs of our customers. Azure is helping organisations, both large and small, adapt to a new way of working, and our cloud experts continue to help them at this challenging time.”
Other services that have been released in UK Azure regions include:
- Azure App Configuration – centrally manage application settings
- Azure Bot Service – a bot development service that helps you connect to users via popular channels
- Consumption Plan Linux – automatically allocates compute power when your code is running
- Azure IoT Central – a platform that connects you with devices, partners, app templates and problem solvers
- Premium Plan Linux – enhanced performance for production apps
- Time Series Insights – collect, process, store, analyse and query data
- Virtual Network NAT – simplifies outbound-only internet connectivity for virtual networks
Alongside this, Microsoft continues to invest in its Azure network across Europe. The company recently announced a $1 billion investment plan in Poland that includes a new Azure region in the country. It also unveiled a $1.5bn, five-year investment plan in Italy that also includes the first cloud region in the nation, located in Milan.
Microsoft has announced more than 60 Azure regions across the world, with Azure available in more than 140 countries.