Microsoft has unveiled a number of new Azure tools and developer technologies ahead of its Microsoft Build developer conference, saying it wants to make it easier for businesses to use technologies such as AI, mixed reality, IoT, blockchain and Edge.
HoloLens 2 Development Edition
As part of the wider introductions, the company launched its HoloLens 2 Development Edition, with a range of systems for developers so that can build and run mixed-reality experiences across a range of devices. The device, priced at USD 3,500 will come with USD 500,000 in Azure credits and 3-month free trials of Unity Pro and the Unity PiXYZ Plugin for CAD data. Unreal Engine 4 support will come out in May, to help developers create mixed-reality experiences.
AI
To help developers and data scientists apply AI, the company come out with a new set of Azure Cognitive Services power applications. Microsoft also launched a new Cognitive Services category called “Decision” that will make specific recommendations for companies. The company has also integrated AI into Azure Search. This will let customers apply Cognitive Services algorithms for new insights into their (structured or unstructured) content.
Machine learning
To simplify the process of building, training and deploying machine learning models, Microsoft has also come out with MLOps capabilities with Azure DevOps integrations, so that developers can reproduce, audit and automate the end-to-end machine learning lifecyle. Automated ML advancements and an intuitive UI will help the development of high-quality models. There is also a new visual machine learning interface and new hardware–accelerated models that run on FPGAs, as well as ONNX Runtime support for Nvidia TensorRT and Intel nGraph for high-speed inferencing on Nvidia and Intel chipsets.
Intelligent Edge
To address the needs of hybrid cloud and edge computing, Microsoft has come out with a number of products, including the Azure SQL Database Edge, to support the spectrum of edge compute needs, plus an IoT Plug and Play. The new open modelling language connects IoT devices to the cloud, letting developers deploy at scale.
Blockchain
Last year’s Azure Blockchain Workbench gave developers a simple system to model blockchain applications on a preconfigured Azure-supported network. Microsoft has taken this further with a new Azure Blockchain Service that will allow businesses to focus on workflow logic and app development. The service deploys a fully managed consortium network and consortium network and offers built-in governance for common management tasks, such as adding new members, setting permissions and authenticating user applications.
JP Morgan’s Ethereum platform, Quorum, will be the first available in Azure Blockchain Service. This means JP Morgan customers will be able to deploy and manage scalable blokchain networks in the cloud.
