Microsoft partners with Apache to launch Azure Databricks

Microsoft has announced the launch of its new Azure Databricks software, a platform that provides IoT, AI and machine learning tools for developers.

Having made the announcement at Microsoft’s Connect 2017 conference, Vice President of Microsoft Scott Guthrie outlined a broad range of benefits of Azure Databricks, particularly focusing on how the software would enhance both innovation and deployment within intelligent applications.

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“With today’s intelligent cloud, emerging technologies like AI have the potential to change every facet of how we interact with the world,” said Guthrie. “Developers are in the forefront of shaping that potential. Today at Connect, we’re announcing new tools and services that help developers build applications and services for the AI-driven future, using the platforms, languages and collaboration tools they already know and love.”

The technology was developed in collaboration with Apache Spark, a computer software platform that is used for big data processing.

“Designed in collaboration with the founders of Apache Spark, the preview of Azure Databricks is a fast, easy and collaborative Apache Spark-based analytics platform that delivers one-click setup, streamlined workflows and an interactive workspace,” the release said.

Azure Databricks is the latest development to Microsoft’s ongoing cloud computing initiative, with Azure’s sales having grown 93% in Q3 2017 alone.