Microsoft unveiled several updates at its Build 2024 event in Seattle, focusing on enhancing its cloud infrastructure to support a wide range of workloads, particularly those involving AI. Key updates include the introduction of new Azure virtual machines (VMs), a provisioning service, and expanded access to Microsoft Copilot within Azure.
The highlight of the updates is the introduction of Azure VMs based on Cobalt 100 processors, currently in preview. These processors, built on Arm architecture, are designed to significantly improve energy efficiency compared to commercial AMD and Intel CPUs, offering up to 40% better performance than previous Arm-based VMs. This enhancement is expected to benefit both Azure customers and Microsoft’s internal operations.
Microsoft also made the AMD ND MI300X series of processors generally available for Azure, catering specifically to enterprises seeking cost-effective performance for tasks like inferencing large language models.
In terms of infrastructure management, Microsoft introduced the Azure Compute Fleet provisioning service. This service simplifies the provisioning of Azure compute resources across different VM types, availability zones, and pricing models, allowing enterprises to scale efficiently while optimizing performance and cost.
Furthermore, Microsoft announced expanded availability of Copilot in Azure, allowing enterprise customers to integrate natural language management of cloud and edge operations more broadly across their organizations.
Overall, these updates reflect Microsoft’s commitment to advancing cloud infrastructure capabilities to meet diverse enterprise needs, particularly in AI and performance efficiency.
