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Azure Patterns

Status

Master Plan - Comprehensive init.md complete, ready for SKILL.md implementation

Microsoft Azure architectural patterns with emphasis on enterprise integration, hybrid cloud, and AI services leadership.

Scope​

This skill provides Azure-specific service selection and patterns:

  • Compute: Container Apps vs. AKS vs. Functions vs. App Service
  • AI Services: Azure OpenAI Service (GPT-4, embeddings), Cognitive Services
  • Storage: Blob Storage tiers, Azure Files, Managed Disks, Data Lake Gen2
  • Databases: Azure SQL vs. Cosmos DB vs. PostgreSQL Flexible Server
  • Integration: Service Bus, Event Grid, Event Hubs, Logic Apps
  • Networking: Private Endpoints, hub-spoke topology, Application Gateway, Front Door

Key Components​

  • Container Apps First - Serverless container platform (no node management like AKS)
  • Azure OpenAI Service - Enterprise-grade GPT-4 access with data privacy
  • Private Endpoints Everywhere - Security best practice for all PaaS services
  • Managed Identities Always - No hardcoded credentials when Managed Identity available
  • Well-Architected Framework - Five pillars (cost, operations, performance, reliability, security)
  • Azure Verified Modules - Microsoft-blessed Bicep and Terraform modules

Decision Framework​

Compute Service Selection:

Containers + no K8s → Container Apps
Need Kubernetes → AKS
Event-driven functions → Azure Functions
Traditional web app → App Service

Database Selection:

SQL Server compatible → Azure SQL Database
Global distribution → Cosmos DB
PostgreSQL/MySQL → Flexible Server

Tool Recommendations​

  • Bicep (Azure-native DSL) - Recommended by Microsoft for Azure IaC
  • Terraform (azurerm provider) - Multi-cloud IaC
  • Azure CLI (az command) - Cross-platform management
  • azure-* (Python SDK) - Official Azure libraries

Integration Points​

  • writing-infrastructure-code - Azure patterns implemented via Bicep/Terraform
  • operating-kubernetes - AKS-specific patterns and configuration
  • deploying-applications - Container Apps, App Service deployment
  • building-ci-pipelines - Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions integration
  • securing-authentication - Entra ID (Azure AD), Managed Identity, Key Vault
  • implementing-observability - Azure Monitor, Application Insights
  • ai-chat - Azure OpenAI Service integration (RAG patterns)

Learn More​