Microsoft operates the Azure cloud platform and has been led by Satya Nadella since 2014.
Azure is Microsoft’s cloud-computing platform, providing computing, storage, databases, networking, analytics, and other services. It competes with Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud and became a central part of Microsoft’s modern business strategy.
Satya Nadella became Microsoft’s chief executive officer in February 2014, succeeding Steve Ballmer. Before becoming CEO, Nadella led parts of Microsoft’s online-services and enterprise businesses, including its cloud-related work.
Microsoft’s market value is supported by a combination of businesses rather than Azure alone. Windows, Office, LinkedIn, Xbox, server software, search, and enterprise subscriptions all contribute to the company’s financial profile. Azure is therefore best understood as a major growth engine inside Microsoft, not a separate public company.