Best Azure Tools You Must Know

Are you looking for a better way to build, manage, and secure Cloud applications? Microsoft Azure has the ideal solution for you, thanks to its fantastic ecosystem of tools. From deploying workloads and automating tasks to safeguarding your data, the right Azure Tools can make all the difference. However, choosing the right one out of the range of options available in the Azure market can be overwhelming.

This blog is here to help you out with that by assembling a list of the best Azure Tools, from powerful storage tools and API testing tools to resilient security and container service tools. So read on, power up your Azure journey and unlock new levels of efficiency!

Table of Contents

1) What are Microsoft Azure Tools?

2) Top Microsoft Azure Tools 

    a) Azure Storage Tools

    b) Azure SQL Database Tools

    c) Azure API Testing Tools

    d) Azure Visual Studio Code Tools

    e) Azure Security Tools

    f) Azure Container Service Tools

    g)  Azure Portal Tools

    h) Bonus Tools for Microsoft Azure

3)    Conclusion 

What are Microsoft Azure Tools? 

Microsoft Azure Tools are a collection of software solutions that help Developers, IT professionals, and businesses to build, manage, and deploy applications on the Microsoft Azure Cloud platform. They facilitate tasks such as Resource Management, automation, application development, and continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines.
 

 

Some of the best Microsoft Azure Tools are:

1) Docker

2) Azure DevOps 

3) Azure Machine Learning (ML)

4) Azure Monitor 

5) Azure Functions

6) Azure Data Factory

7) Azure Storage Explorer

8) Azure Blob Studio

9) Microsoft Azure Storage Connected Service

Top Microsoft Azure Tools 

There is endless Azure Tools to choose from that offers diverse features such as cost-effective storage, automating, scaling, Application Programming Interface (API) testing, data modelling and Cloud security. Let’s explore them in detail

1) Azure Storage Tools

The following Azure Tools are useful in the area of Azure Storage operations, offering everything from storage analytics to alerting mechanisms for issue detection:

a) Azure Storage Explorer

a) Azure Storage Explorer helps manage storage securely and cost-effectively

b) It is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux

c) The tool integrates with Azure Pipelines for seamless deployment and automation

d)  It uses Cross-origin Resource Sharing (CORS) to enable access across different domains

b) Netreo

a) Netreo provides monitoring and visualisation for all Azure Storage services

b) It tracks performance metrics through Storage Analytics for better insights

c) It iffers real-time availability statistics and alerting mechanisms for issue detection

d) It helps efficiently manage Azure Storage resources, making it a valuable tool for users

c) SME Cloud File Explorer

a) The SME Cloud Dile Explorer is a free and open-source toolset for managing Microsoft Azure services.

b) It includes multiple modules designed for different Azure services.

c) The Redis Viewer module supports working with hash sets, sets, and string data types in Microsoft Azure Redis.

d) The Tables Viewer module enables basic viewing of Microsoft Azure Table Storage entities.

e) The Blobs Viewer module allows users to view Microsoft Azure Blob Storage entities.

f) These modules help users efficiently interact with and manage their Azure resources.

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d) Azure Blob Studio

a) Azure Blob Studio is a well-established Azure Development tool.

b) It simplifies Azure Blob Storage Management by enabling container creation and removal.

c) It supports retrieval of URIs and efficient Blob Management.

d) It functions as a standalone utility, making it a valuable tool for Developers.

e) Microsoft Azure Storage Connected Service

a) This tool provides design-time tools for configuring Azure storage services

b) It helps in generating code for consuming Azure services

c) It supports the consumption of containers, blobs, and entities

d) It serves as an ideal tool for Microsoft application development

2) Azure SQL Database Tools

The following Microsoft Azure Tools are helpful in managing databases, offering everything from PaaS service to data lineage insights:

a) Azure Cosmos DB

a) Cosmos DB is a Cloud-based NoSQL database provided as a Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) by Microsoft Azure.

b) It is automatically managed, eliminating the need for database administration.

c) Supports a serverless platform with automation and scaling features.

d) Enables automatic updates to ensure applications meet user demands efficiently.

b) Data Dictionary Tools

a) A Data Dictionary stores essential metadata about an organisation's data.

b) It includes data names, definitions, attributes, and details of data owners and creators.

c) Data Dictionary Tools act as repositories providing insights into each data element's meaning and purpose.

d) Additional aliases help expand understanding of data scope and characteristics.

e) Defines rules for data usage and application, ensuring clarity and consistency in Data Management.

c) Data Modelling Tools

a) Data Modelling involves developing and analysing data models for database resources.

b) A data model is an abstract representation that standardises data descriptions, semantics, and consistency constraints.

c) Data Modelling Tools help define data types, relationships between objects, and attributes of each data element.

d)  Functions like an architectural blueprint, guiding data organisation and system structure.

d) Data Catalogue Tools

a) A data catalogue is a structured repository of an organisation’s data.

b) They function like a data library, organising and securely preserving information.

c) Data Catalogue Tools provide details on data sources, usage, and relationships between data entities.

d) They offer data lineage insights, tracking data from its origin to its final state.

e) Provides a comprehensive view of data transformations and modifications throughout its lifecycle.

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3) Azure API Testing Tools

Postman is an application used for Application Programming Interface (API) Testing. The Collection feature and the ability to construct several testing settings are advantages of this application. 

The Collection feature in API refers to the arrangement of your workspace, team collaboration, creating and testing APIs, and running the request loops. It’s an easy-to-use application that aids in time management when running tests. Preparing for Postman Interview Questions can further enhance your understanding and readiness for a role in API testing.  

4) Azure Visual Studio Code Tools

Azure Visual Studio Code Tools are a set of extensions for Visual Studio Code that simplify the process of building, deploying, and managing applications on Microsoft's Azure Cloud platform. One of them is the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure. The term Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is a technology that uses virtual machines to create and maintain virtual desktops. 

Through Azure Virtual Desktop, you can access data and apps from anywhere. Microsoft has implemented several Virtual Desktop Infrastructures (VDI) and security best practices to enhance your experience. A great example of this is Graph Engine VSExtension. To further strengthen your knowledge, especially for interviews, exploring Azure Storage Interview Questions can be beneficial. Here are some key points to remember:

a) Graph Engine VSExtension is an SDK by Microsoft Research for Azure Development.

b) It supports direct deployment to Azure for seamless integration.

c) It speeds up data access and computations by optimising RAM usage.

d) It functions as a versatile general-purpose computation engine.

e) It offers a unified declarative language for data modelling and message passing.

f) It allows custom data schemata and fine-grained message passing for extended system capabilities.

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5) Azure Security Tools

Azure Security Tools refers to a set of tools and services provided by Microsoft Azure to help users secure their Cloud environments and protect their data and applications from various cyber threats and vulnerabilities. Some key Azure Security Tools and services include the following:

a) Azure Security Center  

a) These are a set of tools for controlling and monitoring Virtual Machines and Cloud Computing security.

b) Azure Security Center plays a key role in collection and detection services.

c) It monitors and protects Azure PaaS services, including storage, databases, and service fabric.

d) It provides security policies, identifies untapped resources, and enables network map creation.

e)  It offers proactive threat protection to enhance Cloud security.

b) Azure Firewall

a) Azure Firewall is a fully managed firewall service for securing Azure workloads

b) It protects Virtual Networks (VNet) with advanced security features

c) It operates as a highly available service across multiple availability zones

d) It’s scalable for Cloud environments and can efficiently handle large volumes of traffic

e) It enables centralised rule configuration across multiple subscriptions and networks

f) It makes sure that only legitimate traffic is allowed through strict security policies

c) Azure DDoS Protection

a) Azure provides always-on DDoS Protection for all hosted workloads.

b) Basic protection is enabled by default, with an option to upgrade to Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Protection Standard for advanced security.

c) DDoS Standard includes logging, telemetry, alerting, mitigation reports, and cost protection.

d) It offers native integration and turnkey protection for workloads in Azure VNet.

e) It defends against Layer 3 and Layer 4 attacks, with Layer 7 protection when integrated with Azure Web Application Firewall.

f) It provides detailed attack analytics reports for deeper insights into attack types and patterns.

g) It mitigates up to 60 different types of DDoS attacks at scale.

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d) Azure Sentinel (SIEM)

a) Azure Sentinel provides a unified Security Management platform for the entire enterprise.

b) It’s a Cloud-native tool that collects data at Cloud scale from infrastructure, apps, devices, and users.

c) It monitors security across multiple Clouds and on-premises environments.

d) It uses Microsoft Azure’s analytics, AI, and continuous monitoring to detect threats proactively.

e) It offers automated responses and measurements for quick incident resolution.

f) It supports non-Microsoft data sources via common event formats, Syslog, and Representational State Transfer- Application Programming Interface (REST-API).

g) It provides built-in connectors for seamless integration with various data sources.

e) Azure Key Vault

a) Azure Key Vault is a powerful Cloud service for securing cryptographic keys, secrets, and sensitive data.

b) It stores and manages keys, passwords, certificates, and connection strings securely.

c) It ensures tight access control and prevents exposure of secrets in code or configuration files.

d) It eliminates the need to provision, configure, patch, or maintain Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) or key management software.

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f) CrowdStrike

a) CrowdStrike provides a unified platform for protecting Azure environments from breaches, Cyber attacks, and ransomware.

b) Offers a zero-trust, Cloud-native, single-agent, fully managed security solution.

c) Works across virtual machines (VMs) and local data centers, powered by Threat Graph’s Cloud Analytics.

d) Supports endpoint security, XDR, Identity Management, SIEM, and Exposure Management.

e) Enables Azure VM discovery, workload visibility, runtime protection, and container security in a single platform.

6) Azure Container Service Tools

Azure Container Service Tools refer to a set of resources and utilities that facilitate the deployment, management, and orchestration of containerised applications within the Microsoft Azure Cloud ecosystem. Some of the important ones are: 

a) Kubernetes 

a) Kubernetes is an open-source platform for managing storage, networking, and container applications.

b) Containers are software packages that include everything needed to run in any environment.

c) Kubernetes functions as a virtualisation-based OS, enabling efficient Workload Management.

d) It allows programmers and system administrators to focus on application workloads rather than infrastructure.

e) It provides a robust set of APIs for administrative tasks.

f) It uses a declarative approach for deploying and managing multiple containers.

c) Docker

a) Docker is a key tool for Microsoft Azure Developers.

b) It’s recommended for creating, managing, and deploying application containers.

c) It’s fully supported on Microsoft Azure for seamless Container Management.

d) Visual Studio 2015 Tools for Docker enable local Docker container development and debugging.

e) Its integration with Visual Studio IDE improves development efficiency.

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7) Azure Portal Tools

Azure Portal Tools, often referred to as the Azure Portal or Azure Portal UI, are essential components of Microsoft Azure's Cloud platform. Here are some good Azure portal tools you can consider:

a) AzCopy

a) AzCopy is a command-line tool for transferring data across Azure Storage blobs, files, and tables.

b) It helps overcome Azure Portal’s limitations in copying data and supports all major OS including Linux, Mac, and Windows.

c) It requires an Azure membership and an Azure storage account to use.

d) It’s optimised for high-speed data transfer and ensures no performance degradation.

e) It allows selective data copying with options like recursive mode for nested directories.

f) Users can specify the destination format as a block blob or page blob
 

b) Azure Grid

a) Azure Grid is a key Azure Development tool that simplifies Cloud resource allocation.

b) It supports a modular approach, enabling Developers to break down problems efficiently.

c) It uses the Grid Computing framework to streamline development tasks.

d) Azure Grid facilitates grid establishment, code definition, and data allocation to each node.

e) It provides better control through a WPF client application for monitoring activities.

f) It offers a user-friendly interface with visualisation tools for tracking project progress.

8) Bonus Tools for Microsoft Azure

Here are a few more miscellaneous tools which will make your workflow on Microsoft Azure much more simplified: 

a) Azure App Service Migration Assistant 

a) Azure Database Migration Service enables fast and efficient database migration to Azure.

b) Supports transferring data and objects from multiple sources to the Cloud.

c) Azure App Service helps build enterprise-ready websites and mobile apps for any platform.

d) Apps are deployed on a scalable and reliable Cloud infrastructure for better performance.
 

b) Azure Toolkit for Facebook 

a)  Azure Toolkit for Facebook integrates Azure Cognitive Services with Facebook for enhanced AI-driven experiences.

b) Supports sentiment analysis, language understanding, and computer vision capabilities.

c) Utilises Open Neural Network Exchange (ONNX) for AI model interoperability.

d) Allows seamless model transfer between frameworks like Cognitive Toolkit, Caffe2, and PyTorch.

e) Provides pre-built templates and tools to simplify Facebook application development.

f) Leverages Azure’s scalable infrastructure to manage large data volumes and user interactions.

g) Ensures secure data transmission and storage with Azure’s advanced security features.

c) Ansible Automation Platform 

a) Ansible is an open-source tool for application deployment, Configuration Management, and Cloud provisioning.

b) Uses Ansible modules to execute system commands and manage resources like services, packages, and files.

c) Includes Ansible Cloud modules for seamless integration with Azure services.

d) Enables building and managing infrastructure on Azure efficiently.

d) GorillaStack

a) GorillaStack offers real-time event monitoring helps detect and resolve security threats before they escalate.

b) It automates Cloud alerts and remediation which reduces response times for over 500 security threats.

c) It uses predefined rules to trigger actions based on Azure events, APIs, webhooks, and third-party systems.

d) It allows custom rule configuration or selection from available options.

e) It can be configured via API, UI, Terraform, or chat tools like Slack and Teams.

f) It includes premade templates covering common controls in the Azure CIS Framework.

g) It enables event monitoring across all resources within an Azure subscription or AD tenant.

Conclusion

Mastering the essential Azure Tools can transform the way you develop, manage, and secure Cloud applications. From automation to security, scalability, and Data Virtualisation Tools, these solutions empower you to work smarter and more efficiently. It's all about exploring, experimenting, and leveraging them to maximize your Azure experience while staying ahead in the evolving Cloud landscape.

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