Azure AI is Microsoft's comprehensive suite of cloud-based artificial intelligence services designed to empower organizations to build, deploy, and manage AI applications. It offers a wide range of capabilities, including generative AI (like Azure OpenAI Service), machine learning platforms (Azure Machine Learning), and pre-built cognitive services for vision, speech, language, and decision-making. The platform focuses on scalability, security, and responsible AI practices, enabling businesses to integrate advanced AI into their operations.
Microsoft generates revenue from Azure AI through a pay-as-you-go consumption model. Customers are charged based on their actual usage of specific AI services, such as compute hours, data processed, number of transactions for cognitive services, and model inference requests.
Key characteristics include its cloud-native architecture, high scalability, robust security features, a comprehensive array of AI services (from foundational models to custom ML), and seamless integration with the broader Azure ecosystem. It caters to a broad spectrum of AI development needs, from leveraging pre-trained models to building and deploying bespoke AI solutions.