At the Build conference this week, Microsoft introduced various new cloud services and upgrades to existing options. These include a new Azure Kubernetes Service feature called Automatic, which automates cluster setup and management, VMs running custom Arm Cobalt 100 processors or AMD Instinct MI300x GPUs, and a new Azure Compute Fleet service to assist customers in provisioning the right mix of instances.
One of the highlights of the conference was the unveiling of Microsoft Copilot for Azure, a generative AI companion that helps IT professionals manage Azure resources using natural language. Initially accessible through a chat interface in the Azure portal, Copilot for Azure can explain Azure concepts, change portal settings, retrieve information about resources, analyze metrics and costs, troubleshoot or optimize deployments, and write KQL queries or deployment scripts. It is built on top of Azure Resource Manager and the Azure Resource Graph, working for Azure Arc workloads on the edge or other clouds using Azure as the control plane.
Erin Chapple, corporate vice president of Azure Core PM & Design, emphasized that this tool aims to help users manage Azure throughout the entire lifecycle, from design to operations to troubleshooting. By providing a way to interact with Azure resources using natural language, Copilot for Azure enhances productivity and simplifies the user experience for automation and command line tasks.
The new Copilot features include advanced RAG architecture for extensibility, allowing teams to contribute new skills using Copilot extensions. These skills cover various areas such as app troubleshooting, database and analytics service configuration, natural language to SQL conversion, integration into Defender for Cloud, and enhanced support for Azure Kubernetes Service.
As more Copilots are developed for different services, Copilot for Azure could become a centralized platform for IT pros to access information and assistance from multiple tools. This AI companion is designed to cater to a wide range of Azure users, from beginners seeking education and guidance to experienced professionals troubleshooting complex applications.
While Copilot for Azure is primarily integrated into the Azure portal currently, Microsoft envisions expanding its presence to other Azure management options, including the mobile app and command line interfaces. This tool aims to provide users with artifacts they can utilize in their environment, such as ARM templates and T-SQL queries, enhancing their ability to manage resources efficiently and effectively.
In conclusion, Microsoft’s Copilot for Azure represents a significant advancement in AI-powered resource management for IT professionals using Azure. By streamlining various tasks and providing valuable insights, this tool aims to enhance productivity, streamline operations, and improve the overall Azure user experience.
Article Source
https://thenewstack.io/microsoft-copilot-for-azure-managing-cloud-ops-through-chat/
