Azure Updates: Lab Services; DDoS testing; Purview; Quarter wins

Microsoft shared new ways that it is working with partners. Mastercard deployed a new identity solution integrated with Dynamics 365 Fraud Protection, Kraft Heinz is migrating SAP workloads to Azure and leveraging digital twins, and Keurig Dr. Pepper is using Azure to optimize fleet management.

In the lead up to 2022 Q2 earnings, Microsoft shared dozens of partner examples encompassing 5G, end-to-end security, hybrid learning, and manufacturing. EVP Judson Althoff wrote:

This past quarter was shaped by global events and has renewed our focus on how the cloud enables organizations to manage risk while supporting growth. In my conversations with customers, building more resilient and adaptable supply chains is top of mind. Organizations across industries are using cloud-powered technologies to help predict supplier constraints and deliver on their customer promises. Customers have also shared how the cloud enables them to achieve more with less and better track, measure and report progress toward their sustainability goals...In parallel, as our customers continue to adapt and transform through cloud adoption, they face increased security considerations. Digital defenses using automation to prevent, detect and contain cyber-risks are helping them innovate in multi-cloud environments.

On the subject of learning, Microsoft shared Azure Lab Services capabilities for K-12 and higher education. IT administrators will be able to use lab plans for greater control of configuration compared with lab accounts. Microsoft improved vCPU capacity for labs, added Virtual Network Injection, options to integrate with Canvas, ways for students redeploy VMs without losing data, and more.

Azure Networking product manager Alethea Toh discussed Microsoft’s collaboration with Red Button’s DDoS Testing service suite. As the threat of DDoS attacks grows, Red Button provides DDoS simulation testing. The service suite includes three stages: a planning session, controlled DDoS attack, and summary. In addition, Red Button has two other services—DdoS 360 and DDoS Incident Response. All testing needs to be against Azure IP addresses owned by the customer.