Microsoft Named Leader in The Forrester Wave™: Public Cloud Platforms, Q4 2024
Since 2010, Microsoft has been on a mission to empower organizations with transformative cloud technology. Recently, that commitment was recognized once again as Forrester’s Q4 2024 report named Microsoft a leader in Public Cloud Platforms. Celebrating 15 years of Azure innovation in February 2025, Microsoft’s achievement is a testament to the relentless work of engineers, developers, and partners who have evolved Azure into a trusted, comprehensive platform that meets the demands of an AI-driven world.A Journey of Innovation and Dedication
Microsoft’s cloud journey began in 2010, and since then, Azure has grown into a powerful platform used by enterprises worldwide. This recognition from Forrester comes on the heels of extensive investments in core cloud infrastructure—efforts that span developer tools, data processing, and AI integration. The report highlights not only Azure’s solid current offerings but also its forward-thinking strategy, which balances traditional cloud capabilities with the rapid advancement of AI and machine learning.According to Forrester, key differentiators for Azure include its comprehensive genAI strategy and the broad array of Azure AI capabilities: Azure OpenAI Service, Azure AI Studio, GitHub Copilot Enterprise, and Microsoft Fabric. These elements make Azure an excellent platform for organizations looking to quickly integrate AI innovations alongside established cloud services.
AI at the Core: Powering Intelligence from Cloud to Edge
Microsoft is committed to making AI an integral part of its cloud strategy. The company has made significant investments to embed AI deeply across its ecosystems:- Expansive AI Model Repository:
Azure AI Foundry now offers over 1,800 open-source and foundation models. This extensive catalog ensures that organizations have access to a variety of tools to power next-generation intelligent applications. - State-of-the-Art Infrastructure:
Microsoft is expanding its GPU capacity and investing in high-throughput interconnects like NVLink and InfiniBand. The adoption of new architectures such as Grace Blackwell underpins Azure’s promise of high performer AI training and inferencing, ensuring reduced latency and increased throughput for enterprise workloads. - Integrated Tools for AI App Development:
With services like GitHub Copilot Enterprise and Azure Developer Services, Microsoft is streamlining the development process for AI-powered applications. These tools help companies modernize processes and accelerate innovation.
Seamless Hybrid and Multicloud Capabilities
Forrester’s report also underscores the growing importance of hybrid and multicloud environments. Today’s enterprises require a unified platform that spans on-premises, public, and edge infrastructures. Azure’s adaptive cloud approach—facilitated by Azure Arc—extends security, governance, and AI capabilities across diverse environments, ensuring consistent management and robust performance regardless of location. Additionally, Microsoft Fabric brings together data, analytics, and AI-driven insights into a single solution, empowering organizations to make real-time, intelligent decisions across their data estates.The Road Ahead with Azure AI
Looking forward, Microsoft remains committed to continuous innovation. The company is poised to further expand its AI infrastructure and accelerate the development of intelligent applications. Initiatives like Azure AI Foundry and the integration of Azure OpenAI Service, along with tools such as GitHub Copilot and Office 365 enhancements, provide organizations with the flexibility and choice to tailor their cloud journey.This recognition by Forrester solidifies Microsoft’s strategic positioning in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. By balancing a robust traditional cloud offering with groundbreaking AI innovations, Azure is setting new benchmarks for what enterprises can achieve in the public cloud.
Final Thoughts
As businesses worldwide continue to rely on cloud technology to drive digital transformation, Microsoft’s Forrester recognition is a powerful endorsement of Azure’s capabilities. The platform’s unique blend of scalability, AI-driven insights, and seamless integration across diverse environments empowers organizations to navigate today’s complex challenges and innovate for the future. With continuous investments in advanced infrastructure and AI technologies, Microsoft is not only cementing its leadership but also shaping the future of enterprise cloud computing.Source: Microsoft
Source: Microsoft Microsoft named a leader in The Forrester Wave: Public Cloud Platforms, 2024 | Microsoft Azure Blog
