Azure Web Services

Module 1

1. What is Azure Web Service? Its Benefits.

Azure Web Service is a cloud-based platform by Microsoft that allows users to host, manage, and
scale web applications. It provides a simple way to deploy websites, APIs, and web apps without
worrying about infrastructure management.

Benefits:

 Easy Deployment – Quickly launch websites and applications.

 Scalability – Automatically handle more users without performance issues.

 Security – Microsoft ensures strong security and compliance.

 Cost-effective – Pay only for the resources you use.

 Integration – Works well with databases, AI, and other Microsoft services.

2. Comparison Between Different Cloud Providers

Amazon Web Services Google Cloud Platform

Feature Microsoft Azure
(AWS) (GCP)

Ease of Use Easy for Windows users Flexible, but complex Good for AI and data

Pricing Pay-as-you-go, Free tier Pay-as-you-go, Free tier Pay-as-you-go, Free tier

Leading in compute
Performance Strong hybrid cloud Best in AI/ML services
power

Various options like Blob, File, and Cloud Storage,

Storage S3, EBS, and Glacier
Disk Storage Persistent Disks

High-level security with

Security Strong compliance and security Secure but complex
AI

Large-scale apps, E-
Best For Enterprises, Hybrid cloud AI/ML, Big Data
commerce

3. Explain Cloud Reference Model (NIST Architecture)

1. Cloud Consumer (User of Cloud Services)

  These are the people or businesses that use cloud services like storage, software, or
computing power.

 Example: A company using Microsoft Azure for hosting websites.

2. Cloud Auditor (Security and Performance Checker)

 They are independent parties that check security, privacy, and performance of cloud
services.

 Example: Ensuring that the cloud provider follows data protection laws.

3. Cloud Provider (The One Who Provides Cloud Services)

 They are companies like Microsoft Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud that provide cloud-based
solutions.

 The cloud provider has three main layers:

o SaaS (Software as a Service): Ready-made software (e.g., Gmail, Microsoft 365).

o PaaS (Platform as a Service): A platform for developers to build apps (e.g., Azure
App Services).

o IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Virtual machines, storage, and networking (e.g.,

Azure Virtual Machines).

 Other Components in Cloud Provider:

o Resource Abstraction Layer: Helps manage storage, networks, and virtual

machines.

o Physical Resource Layer: The actual servers, data centers, and facilities.

o Cloud Service Management: Handles business support, configuration, and

compatibility with other services.

4. Security & Privacy (Protecting Data and Users)

 These ensure that data is safe and that cloud services follow privacy rules.

5. Cloud Broker (Middleman for Cloud Services)

 A company that helps users choose the best cloud services. They do three things:

o Service Intermediation: Improves cloud services by adding extra features.

o Service Aggregation: Combines multiple cloud services into one.

o Service Arbitrage: Finds the best deals for cloud users.

Summary:

 Cloud Consumers use the cloud.

 Cloud Providers offer services like SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS.

 Cloud Auditors check security and performance.

  Cloud Brokers help users find the best cloud services.

 Security & Privacy ensure data protection.

4. Explain Azure Pricing and Billing Model

Azure follows a pay-as-you-go model, meaning you pay only for what you use.

Pricing Models:

1. Pay-as-you-go – Pay based on usage (best for short-term needs).

2. Reserved Instances – Pay upfront for 1 or 3 years for discounts.

3. Spot Pricing – Buy unused resources at a lower cost (best for flexible workloads).

4. Hybrid Benefit – Save costs if using Windows Server or SQL Server licenses.

Billing:

 Azure Pricing Calculator – Helps estimate costs before using services.

 Azure Cost Management – Tracks and optimizes spending.

 Billing Alerts – Notify users if spending exceeds the budget.

Module 2

1. Explain Types of Azure Storage Services

Azure offers four main types of storage:

1. Blob Storage – Stores large unstructured data like images and videos.

2. File Storage – Cloud-based shared file system for multiple users.

3. Queue Storage – Manages messages for distributed apps.

4. Table Storage – Stores structured data in key-value pairs (NoSQL).

2. Explain Creating and Managing Virtual Machines in Azure

Azure Virtual Machines (VMs) allow running applications and services in the cloud.

Steps to Create a VM:

1. Go to Azure Portal → Select Virtual Machines.

2. Click Create VM → Choose an operating system (Windows/Linux).

3. Configure CPU, RAM, and storage.

4. Set up network and security rules.

5. Review and click Create.

Managing a VM:

 Start/Stop – Control VM usage to save costs.

  Scaling – Increase or decrease resources as needed.

 Monitoring – Use Azure Monitor to check performance.

3. Backup and Restoring Data in Azure Storage

Azure Backup is used to protect data from accidental loss.

Backup Process:

1. Go to Azure Backup Center.

2. Select Storage Account → Choose Backup Policies.

3. Configure backup frequency (daily, weekly, etc.).

4. Click Enable Backup.

Restoring Data:

1. Go to Backup Vault.

2. Select the backup file → Choose Restore Option.

3. Click Restore Now.

4. Explain Managing the Availability of Azure Storage

Azure provides multiple ways to ensure storage is always available.

Methods:

1. Replication – Copies data to multiple locations.

o LRS (Locally Redundant Storage) – Copies data within a single region.

o GRS (Geo-Redundant Storage) – Copies data to a different region.

o ZRS (Zone-Redundant Storage) – Stores data across multiple zones in a region.

2. Auto-Scaling – Adjusts storage size based on demand.

3. Access Control – Restricts access using Azure Active Directory.

4. Failover & Disaster Recovery – Switches to backup data in case of failure.

5. Explain Storing and Accessing Data in Azure Storage in Detail

Azure Storage allows users to store and retrieve data efficiently.

Storing Data:

1. Blob Storage – Best for storing images, videos, and backups.

2. File Storage – Used for file sharing across multiple devices.

3. Disk Storage – Provides storage for virtual machines.

Accessing Data:

 Azure Portal – Web-based interface to upload/download files.

  Azure CLI – Command-line tool for managing storage.

 SDKs & APIs – Developers can access storage using programming languages.

Example:

 To upload a file in Azure Blob Storage:

1. Go to Storage Account → Container.

2. Click Upload → Select a file → Click OK.

3. The file is now stored in the cloud and can be accessed from anywhere.