What is Azure, exactly?
Azure is the cloud service Microsoft launched in 2010. As the cloud market was already led by AWS, Microsoft expanded its user base by leveraging its strength: deep integration with Windows Server and Microsoft 365. Market share rankings change depending on the research firm and timing, so check the latest data from analyst reports for current figures.
Azure has also become a major player in AI, serving as a platform for enterprise generative AI and data analytics. Organizations that already rely on Windows-based systems or Microsoft 365 — such as large corporations and local governments — often choose Azure because it connects naturally with their existing environment.
Azure's key services
The lineup looks similar to AWS, but Azure OpenAI Service is getting particular attention. Enterprise deployments require careful design around data handling, permission management, logging, and network controls to use AI safely.
Where is Azure used?
Because Azure integrates tightly with Windows, it is especially popular among organizations that have long run Windows-based operations. Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365), Teams, OneDrive, and Outlook all run on Azure infrastructure.
Recommended ways to get started
Azure offers a plan called "Azure for Students." If you meet certain conditions — such as having a school email address — you may be able to get learning credits without a credit card. Terms and amounts change, so check the official page for the latest requirements before signing up.
For your first project, try spinning up a small web server with Virtual Machines, or publish a personal page with Azure Static Web Apps. Connecting it to GitHub lets you experience a professional development workflow where every code update automatically refreshes your website.
In cloud learning, "build, then delete" is part of the exercise. After creating a virtual machine, database, or storage bucket, check the billing page for usage, then stop or delete anything you no longer need. Set a billing alert before you experiment — it's the best way to avoid unexpected charges.
Watch out for these pitfalls
- Student plan credits expire after one year. After the deadline, billing switches to paid mode, so track the expiry date.
- Service names change frequently (e.g., Azure SQL → Azure SQL Database). Watch out for outdated tutorials in search results.
- Leaving resources running after your free credits run out will generate charges. Always delete what you no longer need.
How does this help your future?
Because Azure is especially common among large Japanese corporations and public agencies, Azure skills are a strong asset if you plan to work in Japan. Microsoft certifications like AZ-900 are achievable for upper-elementary through high school and give you a concrete credential to put on your resume.
Studying Azure exposes you not just to cloud infrastructure, but also to identity management, Teams and Microsoft 365 integration, and enterprise security design. If you're interested in supporting a school or company's IT systems in the future, learning Azure alongside AWS and Google Cloud deepens your overall understanding. Use certifications as a tool to organize key concepts, not as an end goal.
Things you can try today
- Search for "Azure for Students" and check whether you can register with your school email.
- Create a free account and browse the service catalog in the dashboard.
- Publish your own HTML page using Azure Static Web Apps.
Summary
Check Azure is strong with?