Discover Azure Cobalt 100: Microsoft ARM-Based Virtual Machines That Pack a Powerful Punch

Microsoft’s new Azure Cobalt 100 processor, or virtual machine (VM), is now available. Azure Cobalt 100 is the first ARM-based processor Microsoft has designed and built in house. The new proprietary processor will replace Ampere Alta chips to power Azure’s virtual machines and the Windows Server 2025.

Azure Cobalt 100’s launch offers a tempting glimpse into a future, moving away from traditional OEM processing (Intel and AMD) and into fully cloud-based computing. Let’s unbox the technology, reveal the impressive usage stats, and explore the benefits. Could it be time to seriously consider ARM?

December 23, 2024

What You Get With Microsoft Azure Cobalt 100

Microsoft offers a range of Azure VMs with three memory ratios to choose from, depending on your virtual CPU needs. They pack a real punch in terms of speed, power, and value. They support all remote disk types, including Standard SSD, Standard HDD, Premium SSD, and Ultra Disk. Plus, use them with or without a local disk, and you can configure a system to match your workload.

50% better price-to-performance than previous ARM-based VMs

From Smartphones to Super Computers: The ARM Revolution Reshaping Cloud Computing

ARM processors have been around since the 1980s, but it was not until the 2010s when ARM processors really took off. Your phone? ARM. Your tablet? ARM. Digital display on your new gizmo? Probably ARM. The Fugaku supercomputer used in COVID-19 research which completes 442 quadrillion calculations per second? ARM!

These clever little chips have been powering our digital lives for decades, and for good reason. They’re small, powerful, scalable, cost-efficient and get a tonne of things done without burning through batteries. In fact, Microsoft real-life user test results show 50% better price-to-performance compared to their predecessors. One small step for Microsoft and a giant leap for cloud computing.

CPU Performance

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Performance on
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Performance on web servers, .NET applications and in-memory cache.

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Local storage IOPS (with NVMe)

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A case study from Elastic highlights a 37% improvement in performance for their Search AI-powered Platform. Rescale recorded 40% improvements. And Templafy got 25% higher throughput and 35% lower CPU usage. As these are all compared to previous ARM-based processors, imagine the gains compared to traditional OEM processors.

So, Why Did Microsoft Decide to Move ARM Chip Development In-House?

Primarily, to make sure everything harmonises with the Microsoft ecosystem. Microsoft has developed these VMs to fit right in with your existing tools, platforms and workflows. Including surface devices with ARM-based processors which smoothly run x86 or x64 apps thanks to Prism emulation technology, which translates their code.

Secondly, to drive the development of ARM in the cloud computing space. Microsoft is making it less about shiny new tech and more about creating a more integrated, efficient cloud. Azure Cobalt 100 is fluent in global developer languages, including C++, .NET, or Java.

Thirdly, it echoes the wider shift in the computing industry. More cloud providers are taking ownership of their space – apps, servers, and chips. With less reliance on Intel and AMD, customers will benefit from an increase innovation driven by tighter competition. Exciting times in the world of Cloud!

ARM-ing Up With Westcoast Cloud

Microsoft launching Azure Cobalt 100 VMs is a significant step forward. ARM-based VMs have huge potential to power workloads sustainably, speedily and more cost-efficiently. At Westcoast Cloud, we urge you to delve a little deeper and see what they could help achieve for your customers.

To learn more about the exciting possibilities, drop us a line at azure@westcoastcloud.co.uk. We’re here to help you explore the exciting possibilities for your business.

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Discover Azure Cobalt 100: Microsoft ARM-Based Virtual Machines That Pack a Powerful Punch

What You Get With Microsoft Azure Cobalt 100

From Smartphones to Super Computers: The ARM Revolution Reshaping Cloud Computing

So, Why Did Microsoft Decide to Move ARM Chip Development In-House?

ARM-ing Up With Westcoast Cloud

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?

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