Azure IaaS: How to design, build, and optimize cloud infrastructure for long-term cost efficiency

By Dustin Ward

In this article Compute: Matching resources to workload requirements Storage: Balancing performance and lifecycle management Networking: Improving efficiency without compromising resiliency Continuous optimization is where long-term savings happen Continue your Azure IaaS optimization journey Create a resilient infrastructure with Azure This blog post is the third part of a blog series called Azure IaaS which…

Accelerate modern Linux workloads with Azure Files

By Dustin Ward

In this article Speed up AI and data-intensive workloads Scale cloud-native applications with shared storage Modernize enterprise applications with less disruption Build more with partners and ISVs Azure Files Linux workloads are evolving quickly as organizations modernize on-premises Linux applications, adopt cloud-native architectures, and build new AI and data-intensive pipelines in the cloud. As this…

Modernize your data with Azure Storage: Plan and migrate with confidence

By Dustin Ward

Enterprise storage migrations are rarely just about copying data. They are about protecting business continuity, maintaining performance, managing cost, and giving teams confidence when terabytes or petabytes of data sit at the heart of critical applications. That confidence is difficult to build when migration planning is fragmented. Many organizations still rely on a patchwork of scripts, third-party tools, and…

Azure NetApp Files for EDA workloads: From revolution to breakthrough at scale

By Dustin Ward

Last year, we outlined how Azure NetApp Files helped reshape silicon design by delivering the low-latency, high-throughput storage required for Electronic Design Automation (EDA) workloads at cloud scale. Since then, we have continued to extend performance and scalability. Today, we are advancing that progress with another significant step forward. Modern semiconductor design is defined by…

Azure Files Entra-Only identities: Advancing cloud-native identity and security

By Dustin Ward

We are excited to announce the general availability (GA) of Entra-Only identities for Azure Files SMB. With native Microsoft Entra ID authentication, organizations can now grant secure, identity-based access to SMB file shares using cloud-only identities. Enable Microsoft Entra Kerberos authentication This means no Active Directory, hybrid sync, or managed domain controllers required, significantly simplifying…

From commit to cloud: Powering what’s next for PostgreSQL

By Dustin Ward

PostgreSQL has become foundational to how modern applications are built. It powers everything from early‑stage startups to some of the most demanding production systems in the world. Its longevity isn’t accidental, it’s the result of decades of engineering discipline, community collaboration, and a relentless focus on correctness and extensibility. As application architectures evolve, and as…