Cloud-Native Applications on Microsoft Azure

Cloud-native technologies are at the core of enterprise transformation, enabling applications that are scalable, resilient, and intelligent. Microsoft Azure offers a comprehensive platform to architect, automate, and future-proof these next-generation systems.

This book provides a step-by-step journey through cloud-native design on Azure, starting with the fundamentals and addressing real-world challenges. You will explore the differences between cloud-native and microservices, learn how to leverage Azure’s native capabilities, and design robust architectures that incorporate networking, data management, and API-driven patterns. Hands-on chapters guide you through CI/CD pipelines, observability, governance, and security, using tools such as Azure DevOps, Terraform, Azure Monitor, and Key Vault. This book also discusses AI and ML integration with Azure Machine Learning, Cognitive Services, and OpenAI, while gaining insights into future trends like edge computing, 5G, and service mesh. It concludes with five in-depth case studies across industries, such as retail, media, logistics, e-commerce, and healthcare, demonstrating how cloud-native principles translate into practical, high-impact solutions.

By the end of this book, you will be equipped to design, build, secure, and manage enterprise-scale cloud-native applications on Microsoft Azure. From addressing challenges to applying best practices, from automation to observability, and from security to AI-driven innovation, this book takes you step-by-step through the entire lifecycle.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
● Understand cloud-native foundations and the challenges organizations face when transitioning.
● Design end-to-end cloud-native architectures using modular, resilient, and scalable patterns.
● Implement secure and performant networking with VNets, Load Balancers, and service mesh.
● Manage distributed data with Cosmos DB, Azure SQL, and advanced data strategies.
● Implement observability using Azure Monitor, Application Insights, and OpenTelemetry.
● Automate CI/CD and infrastructure with Azure DevOps, GitOps, Terraform, and ARM templates.

WHO THIS BOOK IS FOR
This book is designed for cloud architects and DevOps engineers seeking mastery of Azure-native design. Software developers building or modernizing applications with cloud-native principles. It is also valuable for IT professionals and platform engineers tasked with automation, security, and scaling, and technology leaders and enterprise architects aiming to modernize operations and drive transformation.

1. Introduction to Cloud-native Architecture
2. Challenges and Solutions in Cloud-native Applications
3. Cloud-native vs. Microservices Architecture
4. Leveraging Azure Capabilities for Cloud-native Applications
5. Designing Cloud-native Architecture on Azure
6. Azure Networking on Cloud-native Apps
7. APIM and Event-driven Patterns
8. Data Management in Cloud-native Applications
9. Observability Through Logging and Monitoring
10. Building Cloud-native Apps on Azure
11. Security and Compliance
12. Cloud-native Applications on Azure
13. Future Trends in Cloud-native Development
14. Case Studies and Practical Insights

● Hrushikesh Deshmukh is a globally recognized cloud and AI solutions architect with over two decades of experience designing and delivering enterprise-scale transformations for leading Fortune 500 organizations, including Apple, Amazon, Fidelity, Capital One, AT&T, Teradata, and Fannie Mae.

He brings together deep technical mastery and strategic foresight across cloud- native architecture, multi-cloud governance, Kubernetes, DevSecOps, and AI-driven automation, enabling enterprises to build intelligent, secure, and self-optimizing digital ecosystems.

A senior IEEE member, distinguished fellow of the Soft Computing Research Society (SCRS), and Forbes Technology Council member, Hrushikesh has authored multiple IEEE Xplore and Springer-indexed research papers on intelligent cloud automation, workload prediction, and AI-enabled resource optimization.

His thought leadership has appeared in Forbes, The Economic Times, DevOps.com, Techstrong Group, DZone, and Hindustan Times, influencing technology professionals worldwide.

Recognized among the top 1 % mentors on ADPList and honored as the most pioneering leader in cloud transformation and intelligent automation (CToday Awards USA, 2025), Hrushikesh has delivered keynotes at IIT Madras (ICMR-24), the National DevOps Conference (UK), and Manipal ARIIA 2024.

Featured by India Today, NDTV, The Economic Times, and Tech Times USA, he continues to advance the global practice of cloud transformation and modernization programs through ethical, AI-driven innovation.

● Rajesh Kumar Malviya is a globally respected enterprise architect and cloud transformation leader, known for architecting next-generation digital ecosystems that fuse AI, cloud, and data intelligence. With over 25 years of experience guiding Fortune 500 organizations across financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, energy, and utilities, Rajesh bridges technical depth with enterprise-scale vision to accelerate innovation and resilience.

As an enterprise architect at NTT DATA Inc., USA, he spearheads modernization programs that reimagine legacy systems into cloud-native, secure, and self-learning platforms on Azure, AWS, and GCP. His passion lies in turning complex enterprise challenges into sustainable, scalable architectures that empower business growth.

A senior IEEE member and fellow of THE INSTITUTION OF ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATION ENGINEERS (IETE) and distinguished fellow of the Soft Computing Research Society (SCRS), Rajesh is a published researcher, patent holder, and editorial board member for international journals in AI, data science, and cloud computing. He has delivered talks at IEEE ARIIA, IIT Madras ICMR, and the IJGIS Fall Conference, inspiring global audiences on responsible AI and cloud ethics.

Recipient of the CTODAY Grand Legacy Award and ICIRD Global Excellence Award, Rajesh combines scholarly rigor with practical innovation. Through his writing, mentorship, and leadership, he continues to shape the evolution of intelligent, ethical, and cloud-native enterprises worldwide.

● Novman Mohammed is an internationally recognized DevOps and cloud engineering leader, author, speaker, mentor, and technology futurist with more than a decade of experience architecting and automating cloud infrastructures for Fortune 500 companies. With a proven record of designing and deploying scalable, secure, and mission-critical applications on AWS, GCP, and Microsoft Azure, he has consistently transformed enterprise technology landscapes into agile, resilient, and innovation-driven environments.

As a senior member of IEEE, Novman has been an invited speaker at the IEEE International Conference on Contemporary Computing and Communication (InC4) and served as a featured invited speaker for GridGain, hosted by the Apache Ignite community. He is also recognized among the Top 1% Mentors on ADPList, where he guides aspiring engineers and technology professionals around the world. His leadership extends into global innovation programs, having served as an innovation stage judge at the Conrad Challenge, powered by Space Center Houston and Equinor, where he evaluated breakthrough ideas in emerging science and technology. Additionally, Novman has been featured in India Today for his influential contributions to strengthening cloud and AI security practices, further solidifying his role as a thought leader in the cloud and DevOps landscape.

Novman has authored high-impact research publications in globally renowned scientific journals, including IEEE Xplore, Elsevier, and Springer Nature, where he advances the field with innovative methodologies in autonomous cloud scaling, workload forecasting, and machine learning–powered infrastructure optimization. His work on adaptive machine learning for cloud security demonstrates his ability to innovate at the intersection of AI, automation, and cloud infrastructure.

Driven by a vision to unify cutting-edge technologies with enterprise realities, Novman is passionate about advancing cloud security, AI-driven automation, and resilient architectures that prepare organizations for the challenges of tomorrow. His journey is a testament to innovation, leadership, and an unwavering belief in the power of technology to serve humanity and drive global progress.