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Microsoft Azure

Microsoft Azure is a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides excellent infrastructure for high-performance computing workloads. Azure's enterprise-grade services and global presence make it an ideal platform for running Vantage clusters.

Overview​

Azure offers enterprise-ready cloud services with strong integration into Microsoft's ecosystem. With Vantage on Azure, you can:

  • Hybrid cloud integration: Seamlessly connect on-premises and cloud resources
  • Enterprise security: Leverage Azure's comprehensive security and compliance features
  • Global scale: Deploy across 60+ Azure regions worldwide
  • Cost management: Optimize costs with flexible pricing and reserved capacity options

Key Azure Services for HPC​

Compute Services​

  • Azure Virtual Machines: Scalable virtual machines with HPC-optimized instance types
  • Azure Batch: Cloud-based job scheduling and compute management service
  • Azure Container Instances: Serverless containers for containerized workloads
  • Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS): Managed Kubernetes for orchestrating containerized applications

Storage Services​

  • Azure Blob Storage: Massively scalable object storage for data lakes and archives
  • Azure Files: Fully managed file shares accessible via SMB and NFS protocols
  • Azure NetApp Files: Enterprise-grade NFS and SMB file storage
  • Azure HPC Cache: High-performance cache for file-based HPC workloads

Networking​

  • Azure Virtual Network: Isolated network environment with complete control
  • Azure ExpressRoute: Private connection between your infrastructure and Azure

Getting Started with Azure​

To deploy Vantage clusters on Azure, you'll need:

  1. Azure Subscription: An active Azure subscription with sufficient permissions
  2. Service Principal: Azure AD service principal for Vantage cluster management
  3. Resource Group: Logical container for your Azure resources
  4. Virtual Network: Network configuration for cluster communication
  5. Network Security Groups: Security rules for controlling network traffic

Virtual Machine Series for HPC​

Azure provides several VM series optimized for HPC workloads:

  • HC-series: Optimized for CPU-intensive HPC applications
  • HB-series: High-bandwidth memory access for memory-bound HPC workloads
  • HBv2/HBv3-series: Latest generation high-performance computing VMs
  • NDv2-series: GPU-optimized VMs for AI and deep learning workloads
  • F-series: Compute-optimized VMs for CPU-intensive tasks

Cost Optimization​

Optimize your Azure spending with these approaches:

  • Azure Spot VMs: Save up to 90% on compute costs for interruptible workloads
  • Reserved Instances: Save money on predictable workloads with 1-3 year commitments
  • Azure Hybrid Benefit: Use existing Windows Server and SQL Server licenses
  • Auto-scaling: Automatically scale resources based on demand

Enterprise Integration​

Azure excels in enterprise environments with:

  • Active Directory Integration: Seamless identity and access management
  • Hybrid Connectivity: Connect on-premises infrastructure with Azure Arc
  • Compliance: Extensive compliance certifications and data residency options
  • Management Tools: Comprehensive monitoring and management through Azure Portal

Next Steps​

  • Create an Azure Account (see Azure documentation)
  • Configure Service Principal (see Azure documentation)
  • Deploy Your First Cluster

Enterprise ready? Azure's enterprise-grade features make it perfect for organizations requiring compliance, security, and hybrid cloud capabilities.