Azure China: Factors to Consider

Microsoft Azure is a popular cloud computing platform that offers various services to support organizations in various industries. Azure Global and Azure China are two versions of Azure that cater to different regions, each with its own set of services. This article will provide a comprehensive comparison of the services offered by both Azure Global and Azure China.

Azure Global is the version of Microsoft Azure that is widely available around the world. It provides access to a wide range of services for cloud computing, data storage, and analytics. Azure China, on the other hand, is a version of Microsoft Azure that is only available in mainland China. This version has been developed in partnership with 21Vianet, a Chinese service provider, to comply with the regulations and requirements of the Chinese government.

Service Availability

One of the key differences between Azure Global and Azure China is the availability of services. Azure Global offers a wide range of services, including storage, computing, analytics, security, and more. However, not all of these services are available on Azure China. Some services are either limited in their functionality or are not available at all in Azure China.

For example, Azure Global provides access to several different types of storage services, such as Blob Storage, Table Storage, and Queue Storage. In Azure China, however, only Blob Storage and Table Storage are available. Queue Storage is not available in Azure China.

Another example is the availability of analytics services. Azure Global provides access to services like Power BI, HDInsight, and Stream Analytics. In Azure China, Power BI is not available, and the functionality of HDInsight and Stream Analytics is limited.

It is important to note that the availability of services in Azure China is subject to change based on the regulations and requirements of the Chinese government. As a result, organizations should regularly check the Azure China documentation to see which services are available and what limitations they may have.

Data Location

Another key difference between Azure Global and Azure China is the location of the data. Data stored in Azure Global is stored in various data centers around the world. This allows organizations to choose the data center that is closest to their users to minimize latency and improve performance.

In Azure China, however, data must be stored in data centers located within mainland China. This is because the Chinese government requires that data stored in the country be subject to Chinese laws and regulations. This requirement ensures that organizations can comply with the data privacy and security regulations in China.

It is important to note that organizations that use Azure China must comply with the regulations and requirements of the Chinese government regarding data storage and privacy. This may limit the types of data that organizations can store in Azure China.

Pricing

The pricing for services in Azure Global and Azure China can vary significantly. The exact cost of a service will depend on several factors, such as the type of service, the amount of data stored, and the number of resources consumed.

In general, however, services in Azure China tend to be more expensive than those in Azure Global. This is due to several factors, including the higher cost of data storage and processing in China, as well as the cost of complying with Chinese regulations.

It is important to note that the pricing for services in Azure China may change based on the regulations and requirements of the Chinese government. As a result, organizations should regularly check the Azure China pricing documentation to see how the prices for services have changed.

How Rahi Can Support Businesses Adopt Azure in China

We are a global IT solutions provider that has extensive experience helping businesses adopt Azure in China.
Our team of experts can provide a range of services to support your adoption of the Azure platform, including:

Our team has already helped many Western companies successfully adopt and integrate Azure in China, and we can bring that expertise to your business too. With our support, you can leverage the power of Azure to drive your digital transformation and grow your business in China.

Conclusion

Microsoft Azure provides a range of cloud services through two distinct platforms: Azure Global and Azure China. While both platforms offer a range of computing, storage, data management, and application services, there are some differences in the specific services offered and the features available.

Customers should carefully consider their specific needs and requirements when choosing between Azure Global and Azure China. Factors such as security, compliance, and pricing should be taken into account when making a decision.

In conclusion, Azure Global and Azure China offer a range of powerful and reliable cloud services, but with some differences in features and capabilities. Customers should choose the platform that best meets their needs, and can be confident that their data and applications will be secure, reliable, and scalable on either platform.