Azure Updates: 5G; Backup; Cloud monitoring; Security precautions

In the aftermath of Ignite 2020, Microsoft returned to its usual steady pace of announcements, signaling an enhanced focus on 5G and enterprise integration, while also tweaking existing offerings and fending off Chinese state-backed hackers.

Director of product marketing, Naga Surendran shared the news that Microsoft was named a leader in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Integration Platform as a Service. Azure Integration Services (AIS) taken together with Logic Apps, API Management, Event Grid and Service Bus helps Microsoft to rank alongside other leaders like Informatica, SAP, and Oracle. Surendran noted that 60 percent of Fortune 500 companies use AIS.

Executive vice president Jason Zander shared the news that Microsoft is partnering with telcos to help with CapEx costs associated with shift to 5G. The announcement fits in with edge computing themes that attendees heard at Ignite just a short time ago. Edge Zones, together with existing IoT and low-latency networking capabilities are part of Microsoft's strategy. Zander noted how IoT Central expands monetization options, while Cognitive Services (with one million developers, conducting 10 billion transactions) and Machine Learning provide powerful AI capabilities.