Microsoft boost’s Azure’s ability to run big data apps
Big data applications and cloud computing typically go hand-in-hand. Over the past year, Microsoft has worked assiduously to satisfy cloud users’ needs by adding and updating its Azure service.
Between Hadoop analytic solution HDInsight and the ability to run a wide selection of virtual servers, Azure’s functions have motivated many IT professionals to enroll in Microsoft certification courses. The more acquainted specialists are with Azure’s architecture and provisions, the greater value they’ll be able to provide to their employers.
Giving virtual machines a boostÂ
With big data and cloud computing often comes virtualization, as it enables servers to operate at 100 percent capacity. According to eWeek, Microsoft has optimized its Azure VMs by releasing the D-Series, which come with 112 GB of memory with CPUs 60 percent faster than Microsoft’s previous A-Series.
In addition, Azure Compute Runtime Program Manager Kenaz Kwa noted Microsoft added a solid-state drive 800GB large, enabling faster reads and writes to occur. The goal is to make the D-Series more appealing to businesses handling complex, incredibly large workloads.
“The new sizes offer an optimal configuration for running workloads that require increased processing power and fast local disk I/O,” noted Kwa, as quoted by eWeek. “These sizes are available for both Virtual Machines and Cloud Services.
The D-Series is split up into two provisions:
- General Purpose versions are designed for companies handling websites, small and mid-sized databases, as well as common applications.
- High Memory plans are geared toward satisfying memory-intensive workloads, particularly large databases and high-throughput applications.
Optimizing a city’s infrastructure
Azure’s ability to power big data applications and complex software systems has garnered attention from a data analysis company. Transit Labs, a developer of real-time analytics software, recently teamed up with the Detroit Department of Transportation in an effort to ascertain where renovations and adjustments need to be made to the city’s transportation infrastructure.
According to Inside BIGDATA, Transit Lab will aggregate information pertaining to the DDOT’s customer base, labor, assets, safety obligations and funding. From there, interactive data visualizations will show the DDOT how current systems are falling under par.
“Strong data analytics and visualizations will assist us in our efforts to increase accessibility to public transportation options, reignite economic activity throughout the city and offer an improved quality of service our customers deserve,” said DDOT Deputy Director Paul Toliver, as quoted by the source.
Inside BIGDATA asserted the Transit Lab-DDOT platform will be supported by Microsoft Azure Government, which is currently in preview. If the environment is successful in supporting Transit Labs’ solution, it will likely convince hesitant authorities to procure Azure’s public sector services.
