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Microsoft's cloud platform, including Azure OpenAI. Microsoft Azure is a public cloud platform offering compute, storage, networking, databases, Kubernetes (AKS) and AI services. It integrates closely with Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft 365 and Windows workloads, and offers OpenAI models through Azure OpenAI. Azure has a region in Ireland (North Europe).

When it is the right choice

  • Your organisation already uses Microsoft 365 and Entra ID for identity
  • You want OpenAI models with Azure's enterprise contracts and regional controls
  • You run Windows Server or .NET workloads
  • Not the simplest choice for a small Linux-only team with no Microsoft footprint

How we use it

  • Build subscriptions, networks and AKS clusters with Terraform, applied through pipelines
  • Use Entra ID for single sign-on and role-based access across the platform
  • Deploy Azure OpenAI services with private networking, tracing and cost tracking
  • Review spend and reliability regularly and adjust capacity and alerts
Works well with

Often used together

TerraformKubernetesGPTGitHub Actions
Services

Where it fits in our work

Cloud and infrastructureA cloud setup on AWS, Google Cloud or Azure that your team can runLearn more »Infrastructure as codeEvery server, network and permission defined in code you ownLearn more »AI service designPut AI features into production with predictable cost and controlLearn more »
From the blog

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Questions

Azure: frequently asked

Can we keep data in Ireland on Azure?

Yes, the North Europe region is in Ireland. As with any cloud, check which services are available there and how global services handle data.

Azure OpenAI or OpenAI directly?

Azure OpenAI fits organisations that want Azure networking, identity, regions and billing. OpenAI's own API often gets new features first. We compare both against your requirements.

Running Azure, or deciding whether to? Tell us what you have; the first consultation is free.

Let's talk »