While AWS and GCP dominate tech conversations, Microsoft Azure is quietly winning the enterprise cloud game by offering stability, security, and seamless support for both .NET and open-source stacks. In this article, I share why Azure deserves more love from developers, bust some common myths, and walk through best practices for building .NET applications on Azure\u2014with a bit of personal perspective from years of experience working across both Azure and AWS environments.

Microsoft Azure continues to lead the way in cloud innovation by offering a powerful combination of compute, storage, and networking services—now supercharged with cutting-edge AI capabilities. In this article, we explore Azure’s core infrastructure offerings alongside its transformative AI tools like Azure OpenAI, Cognitive Services, and Azure AI Studio, showing how they work together to enable smarter, faster, and more scalable solutions across every industry. Whether you’re modernizing legacy systems or building the next generation of intelligent apps, Azure has everything you need to thrive in the cloud era.

Starting your journey with Microsoft Azure doesn’t have to be intimidating. In this beginner’s guide, I walk through how to create your first Azure account, explain core cloud concepts, and highlight the powerful capabilities that make Azure a foundation for digital transformation. From scalable infrastructure and ready-to-use AI services to hybrid cloud flexibility and built-in compliance, Azure has it all—and we’ve built our public sites and major projects like Cluj Plus right on top of it.

In this article, I break down what Microsoft Azure really is, why cloud computing is transforming industries, and how Azure empowers businesses—from aerospace to healthcare—to scale securely and affordably. With built-in tools like Azure Copilot, low-cost entry points, and unmatched scalability, Azure isn’t just a platform—it’s a game-changer for companies ready to innovate.