Differences between Azure Global and Azure China

Infrastructure

Microsoft Azure China, also known as Azure China Cloud, operates its cloud infrastructure in partnership with local data center providers within China. The infrastructure setup for Azure China includes a network of data centers strategically located across multiple regions in China. These data centers are designed to meet the specific compliance and regulatory requirements of the Chinese market.

Key points about Azure China's infrastructure:

• Data Centers:

  Azure China utilizes multiple data centers to ensure redundancy, scalability, and data residency within China. Some of the major regions include Beijing, Shanghai, and other areas.

• Compliance:

  Azure China is designed to comply with Chinese cybersecurity and data sovereignty regulations. Microsoft works closely with local partners to ensure that data is stored and managed in accordance with Chinese laws.

• Network Connectivity:

  Azure China's infrastructure is connected through a high-speed network backbone to ensure reliable and low-latency access to cloud services for customers in China.

• Service Availability:

  Azure China offers a subset of Azure services available in the global Azure cloud. Microsoft continually expands its service offerings in Azure China to meet the evolving needs of customers.

• Security:

  Azure China places a strong emphasis on security and compliance. It implements security measures to protect customer data and ensure regulatory compliance.

Compliance and Regulations

Azure China complies with Chinese regulations, including the Cybersecurity Law, ensuring data sovereignty and security.

• Data must be stored within China's borders, and Azure China offers encryption and network security.
• Regular audits and certifications verify compliance, and Azure China adapts to evolving regulations.
• Content filtering and censorship may apply, impacting internet access and content availability.
• Cross-border data transfer may require regulatory approvals.
• Data privacy and consent are observed in line with global privacy standards.

Domain

Azure China operates under a separate domain to comply with Chinese regulations and ensure data sovereignty. The primary domain for Azure China is *.azure.cn, and services and resources within Azure China typically have URLs under this domain. For example:

• Azure Portal: https://portal.azure.cn
• Azure Active Directory (Azure AD): https://login.chinacloudapi.cn
• Azure Storage: https://.blob.core.azure.cn

These domain names are specific to Azure services hosted in China and are used to access and manage resources within Azure China.

Services Offered

Azure China offers a tailored set of cloud services for the Chinese market, designed to comply with Chinese regulations and data sovereignty requirements. These services include compute, storage, networking, databases, AI, security, IoT, analytics, development tools, and more. Azure China operates independently from the global Azure cloud to meet specific compliance needs and provide reliable cloud solutions for organizations in China.

Account Registration

Registering an account with Azure China involves several steps to ensure compliance with Chinese regulations and data sovereignty requirements.

1. Visit Azure China Portal.
2. Choose account type (individual, enterprise, or educational).
3. Provide organization details and complete identity verification.
4. Enter contact information, including email and phone.
5. Accept terms and conditions, including compliance policies.
6. Optionally, provide payment information for billing.
7. Await verification and approval by Azure China's compliance team.
8. Upon approval, your account is activated for using Azure services in China.

Support

Azure China provides customer support to assist users with their cloud service-related inquiries and issues. The support options typically include:

• Online documentation, tutorials, and guides.
• Community forums for user discussions.
• Azure Support plans with varying levels of assistance.
• Service Health Dashboard for real-time service status.
• Technical support requests for direct assistance.
• Dedicated hotline or support phone number.
• Email support for non-urgent inquiries.

Choosing between Azure China and the global Azure cloud requires careful consideration of several factors. Azure China is designed to comply with Chinese regulations, making it suitable for businesses with specific regulatory requirements. It provides better network performance within China, which is crucial for local operations. Azure China also offers data residency in China, aligning with data sovereignty requirements.

Security

Security is a top priority for Azure China, and Microsoft has implemented various measures to ensure the protection of data and resources within the Azure China cloud environment. Key security aspects include:

• Data sovereignty within China's borders.
• Strong network security, including encryption.
• Compliance with Chinese regulations.
• Regular audits and certifications.
• Security monitoring and incident response.
• Security features like firewalls and intrusion detection.

Pricing

Azure China offers pricing for its cloud services, and the cost structure can vary based on the specific services used, the level of support required, and the chosen billing options. Key points regarding Azure China pricing include:

• Pay-as-you-go pricing model based on service usage.
• Multiple support plans with varying pricing tiers.
• Flexible billing options, including invoicing and credit card payments.
• Pricing calculator for cost estimation.
• Free tiers and trial periods for select services.
• Data transfer costs for outbound data.
• Pricing varies by specific Azure China service offerings.

Common Usage Pattern: Web Application Hosting

Azure China:

• Hosting a basic web application on Azure China.
• 2 virtual machines (VMs) in the East China region.
• Data storage and outbound data transfer.
• Data redundancy for backup.

Cost Estimation (per month):

• VM costs: $150
• Storage costs: $50
• Data transfer costs: $30
• Total Estimated Cost: $230

Marketplace

Azure China Marketplace offers a diverse catalog of applications and services.Users can deploy third-party solutions easily within Azure China.Many offerings follow a pay-as-you-go pricing model.Simplifies the deployment and integration of solutions on Azure China.

Payment

Azure China offers multiple billing methods, including invoicing and credit card payments.

Purchase Programs

Azure China offers various purchase programs and licensing options to cater to the needs of different organizations and customers.

Enterprise Agreements (EA):

• Target Audience: Large organizations and enterprises.
• Description: Enterprise Agreements are designed to meet the needs of large-scale organizations with specific and customized requirements. These organizations typically have substantial Azure usage and want a tailored licensing and pricing structure. EAs offer a long-term commitment to Azure services and may provide volume discounts based on the organization's size and consumption. They also come with additional services and support options. EAs allow organizations to standardize Azure usage and management across the enterprise.

Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) Program

• Target Audience:

  Partners and resellers looking to offer Azure services.

• Description:

  The CSP program is ideal for partners, managed service providers (MSPs), and resellers who want to offer Azure China services to their customers. It enables these partners to resell Azure services and often includes additional value-added services, such as consulting, management, and support. This program allows partners to manage their customers' Azure subscriptions, provisioning, billing, and support. It's a flexible way for partners to meet the unique needs of their clients while building their own Azure-based offerings.

Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) Billing Model

• Target Audience:

  Customers looking for flexibility and pay-per-use pricing.

• Description:

  The Pay-As-You-Go billing model is a flexible and straightforward option for customers. With PAYG, customers only pay for the Azure services they actually use, without any upfront commitments or long-term contracts. It's well-suited for organizations that require flexibility, scalability, and the ability to adapt to changing workloads. PAYG provides transparency in pricing, allowing customers to monitor and manage their costs effectively. This model is often used by startups, small businesses, and any organization looking to optimize costs and scale their Azure usage as needed.