Native Microsoft integration
Azure works seamlessly with Microsoft 365, Windows Server, SQL Server, and the rest of the Microsoft stack.[web:75]
Cloud solutions
Microsoft Azure connectivity for Microsoft‑first environments.
Connect your network to Azure to run applications, data, and services that integrate tightly with Microsoft 365, Windows Server, and your existing tools.[web:63][web:75]
Azure regions & services
Great fit for Microsoft shops
ExpressRoute & VPN options
Azure as part of your hybrid network
Use Azure as an extension of your data center, as a DR site, or as the primary home for Microsoft‑centric workloads.[web:63][web:72]
- Run Windows and SQL workloads where they’re best supported.[web:75]
- Tightly integrate identity and security with Microsoft Entra ID.[web:72]
- Connect via ExpressRoute or VPN for reliable performance.[web:69][web:63]
Why organizations choose Azure
Azure offers enterprise‑grade cloud services, tight integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, and flexible connectivity options for hybrid and multi‑cloud architectures.[web:75][web:69][web:72]
Global infrastructure
A large network of regions and POPs helps you deploy workloads close to users with low latency.[web:63][web:66]
Security & compliance
Azure includes built‑in security controls and compliance certifications across many industries.[web:75][web:69]
Connect to Azure with ExpressRoute or VPN
Azure ExpressRoute provides private, dedicated connectivity from your network to Microsoft’s cloud, bypassing the public internet.[web:69][web:63]
- ExpressRoute. Offers more reliability, faster speeds, consistent latencies, and stronger security than typical internet connections.[web:69][web:63]
- VPN over internet. Suitable for smaller environments or as a backup path to ExpressRoute.[web:69]
- SD‑WAN & IP VPN. Combine Azure connectivity with your SD‑WAN or MPLS network for consistent performance across sites.[web:63][web:51]
What ExpressRoute adds
Direct connectivity to Azure can help reduce egress costs, increase stability, and support high‑bandwidth workloads with speeds from tens of Mbps up to 100 Gbps.[web:69][web:66]
Key Azure networking building blocks
Azure networking includes services for private networks, load balancing, application delivery, and secure remote access in the cloud.[web:72]
- Virtual Networks (VNets): Private IP spaces in Azure for your workloads.[web:72]
- VPN Gateway & ExpressRoute Gateway: Entry points for VPN and ExpressRoute connections.[web:69][web:72]
- Azure Firewall, WAF, and security services: Protect traffic to and within Azure.[web:72]
- Peering and routing: Connect VNets and control how traffic flows between them and on‑prem.[web:72]
Common Azure use cases
Windows & SQL workloads
Run Windows Server, SQL Server, and Microsoft apps with licensing and support aligned to Azure.[web:75]
Hybrid AD & identity
Use Azure with Microsoft Entra ID and hybrid identity for consistent authentication across cloud and on‑prem.[web:72][web:75]
Data & analytics
Use Azure data services and analytics tools for BI, warehousing, and big data workloads.[web:66][web:72]
Performance and uptime for Azure workloads
Direct connectivity to Azure can offer more predictable performance and higher reliability compared with internet‑only paths.[web:63][web:66]
- Low latency: Direct or fiber‑based connectivity reduces hops and delays for real‑time workloads.[web:66][web:63]
- High availability: Built‑in redundancy in ExpressRoute peering locations and Azure’s own infrastructure.[web:69][web:63]
- Scalability: Bandwidth options from tens of Mbps to over 100 Gbps to match growth.[web:69][web:66]
Tip
Many customers pair ExpressRoute for critical traffic with VPN or internet‑based access for lighter workloads and remote users.[web:63][web:69]
How Azure compares with AWS and IBM Cloud
Azure is often chosen by enterprises that already rely heavily on Microsoft services, while AWS and IBM Cloud may fit different patterns.[web:68][web:75][web:73]
- Azure: Broad cloud platform with strong Microsoft ecosystem alignment and powerful hybrid capabilities.[web:75][web:72]
- AWS: Very broad service catalog and global presence, commonly used for large‑scale and multi‑service deployments.[web:68][web:58]
- IBM Cloud: Focuses on secure, enterprise and regulated‑industry workloads with strong hybrid and AI capabilities.[web:73][web:70]
Azure connectivity FAQs
When should I use ExpressRoute instead of VPN?
ExpressRoute is a better fit for critical, high‑bandwidth, or latency‑sensitive workloads, while VPN is useful for smaller environments or as a backup.[web:69][web:63]
Can I connect multiple sites to one ExpressRoute?
Yes. You can connect multiple locations into your Azure environment using ExpressRoute, often via an IP VPN, SD‑WAN, or Ethernet network.[web:63][web:69]
Ready to connect to Azure?
Design your Azure connectivity and hybrid approach.
Share your Microsoft stack, locations, and workloads, and get a plan that combines ExpressRoute, VPN, and SD‑WAN with Azure best practices.[web:69][web:63][web:72]