Options for hosting applications
1. Options for hosting applications
In this lesson, we'll explore choices for hosting applications in Azure cloud.2. Modern applications
In addition to the numerous services and resources Azure provides for data storage, processing, and analysis, another extensive domain is software development and application hosting. Modern trends dictate that the majority of companies provide online versions of their applications, supporting web, mobile, and even tablet functionality.3. Migrate from on-premises
As we seen in previous examples too, the first step a company looking to move a website and legacy applications from on-premises to cloud would be with the use of virtual machines. This would not modernize existing software in any way, but would enable the company to have all their critical software components in a secure and highly available cloud environment.4. Migrate to modern services
The next level would be to migrate or refactor existing applications to use native Azure services. This might include using container services if the application can be easily split in multiple smaller components. Or it could mean using app service, a highly capable and flexible Azure platform specialized in application hosting.5. Azure app service
Azure App Service is a fully managed platform for building, deploying, and scaling web apps. It supports multiple programming languages, provides automatic scaling, and offers various services like web apps, API apps, web jobs and mobile apps. Let's look at each in detail.6. Web apps
Web apps are a type of service that allows you to build, host, and scale web applications in the cloud. They provide a fully managed platform with features such as automatic scaling, continuous integration and deployment. It includes support for multiple programming languages, including .NET, Java, Node.js, Python, and more.7. Web apps use cases
Web apps within Azure app service are well-suited for hosting a variety of websites, from basic non-interactive ones to complex web-based applications. Azure Migrate service, introduced in the previous chapter, provides the capability to migrate traditional websites to web apps. The tool automatically assesses the existing website and presents a checklist to ensure a seamless migration process.8. What is an API?
An API, Application Programming Interface, allows different software applications to communicate with each other with ease, using standardized instructions. It defines the rules and methods for how software components should interact, without delving into the underlying code. It's like a menu in a restaurant. You simply choose your meal, and it gets served to you, without needing to know the necessary ingredients and the steps to cook it.9. API apps
App service offers the API apps feature for such purposes. These apps offer a dedicated environment for the creation of APIs, enabling developers to expose their application functionality for consumption by other services.10. Web jobs
While web apps and API apps manage front-facing aspects and communication with other components, web jobs serve as background tasks or scripts running alongside a web app. They can perform a variety of automated functions, including scheduled jobs, continuous processes, or on-demand tasks. Offering a flexible and scalable solution, web jobs execute code in the background.11. Mobile apps
Azure app service includes a feature called mobile apps, which allows developers to build scalable back-end services for mobile applications. This feature provides options such as authentication, offline data sync, push notifications, and the ability to connect to on-premises systems.12. App service advantages
Azure app service is a complete solution for modern applications, covering various aspects. Use web apps for both the user interface and back-end functionality. Integrate API apps for seamless information exchange with other systems. Let web jobs manage background processes and scheduled activities. And mobile apps can support the required back-end structure for your mobile applications, offering a complete spectrum for your app. In complex setups, consider additional Azure services like storage or databases to handle your data. Communication among components can be made through networking elements, such as the previously discussed VNETs.13. Let's practice!
Let's test how you would manage complex web applications in Azure cloud!Create Your Free Account
or
By continuing, you accept our Terms of Use, our Privacy Policy and that your data is stored in the USA.