Azure, a cloud computing platform, is built on four core architectural components: compute, storage, networking, and database. The compute service provides processing power and memory for running applications, while the storage service offers durable, scalable, and secure storage for data. The networking component helps with network performance and security, and the database service enables users to build and transform applications.

The compute service includes virtual machines (VMs), container instances, Azure Functions, and app services. Virtual machines allow users to create customized virtual environments, while container instances provide a lightweight environment for deploying applications. Azure Functions enable event-driven computing, and app services offer a fully managed platform for building, deploying, and scaling web applications.

The storage service includes blob storage, file storage, queue storage, and disk storage. Blob storage provides object storage for unstructured data, while file storage offers shared file storage for applications. Queue storage enables message queuing for distributed applications, and disk storage provides persistent storage for virtual machines.

The networking component includes virtual networks and load balancer. Virtual networks enable secure communication between Azure resources, the internet, and on-premises networks, while load balancing optimizes resource use, maximizes output, and minimizes response time.

The database service offers various databases, including SQL and NoSQL databases. The SQL database is a fully managed service that includes built-in AI, auto-scaling, and backups, while the NoSQL database allows users to store, index, and query JSON documents.

Source: https://dev.to/ikuesan_adeola_ad46069620/the-core-architectural-component-of-azure-17ih