Dellenny highlights seven under-the-radar Azure services that can transform your cloud strategy, from enhanced security with Sentinel to automation with Logic Apps.

Top 7 Azure Services You Didn’t Know You Needed

Author: Dellenny

Microsoft Azure isn’t just about virtual machines, databases, and storage. It offers a suite of lesser-known services that can transform operations, improve security, and enable automation for developers, IT leaders, and entrepreneurs. Here’s a rundown of seven powerful Azure services you might not be using yet:

Create enterprise-grade search solutions for documents, PDFs, and images—all searchable with natural language. With built-in AI, you can extract insights from unstructured data, making it ideal for customer support, knowledge bases, or internal documentation.

  • Use case: Turn hundreds of PDFs into a fast, searchable knowledge center.

2. Azure Chaos Studio

Practice chaos engineering safely by simulating real-world outages like network failures or resource bottlenecks. Chaos Studio helps identify weaknesses and build resilience into your systems.

  • Use case: Test your disaster recovery plan by simulating live failures.

3. Azure Bastion

Securely connect to virtual machines through the Azure portal via RDP/SSH without exposing public IP addresses. Bastion eliminates the need for jump boxes or open inbound ports, reducing your attack surface.

  • Use case: Manage production VMs securely without VPNs or open ports.

4. Azure App Configuration

Centralize application settings and feature flags. Easily manage and roll out new features across distributed microservices and integrate with your CI/CD workflows for gradual releases.

  • Use case: Launch a new feature to a subset of users, then extend based on feedback.

5. Azure Sentinel

A cloud-native Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tool that uses AI for real-time detection, investigation, and incident response. Integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, Azure, and third-party services.

  • Use case: Detect and respond to suspicious login attempts instantly.

6. Azure Monitor Application Insights

Gain real-time visibility into application performance, user behavior, and errors. Application Insights offers dashboarding, built-in anomaly detection, and action-oriented analytics.

  • Use case: Monitor and fix web app performance bottlenecks before end users notice.

7. Azure Logic Apps

Automate workflows across cloud and on-premises services with a drag-and-drop interface. Logic Apps connect disparate systems without extensive code, streamlining business processes.

  • Use case: Automate HR onboarding using Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint integrations.

Azure’s full potential goes beyond its core infrastructure services. By taking advantage of these lesser-known tools, you can enhance your cloud’s intelligence, security, and productivity. Give one a try in your next project—these hidden gems may become essentials in your toolset.

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