Microsoft Azure deploys latest AMD chips for storage workloads

Microsoft has announced it will be the first vendor to offer AMD's EPYC processors on virtual machines operating via its Azure cloud platform, aimed at storage workloads.

This is the first time AMD has managed to get its made-for-server chips into the mainstream, with its previous efforts being usurped by Intel's x86 processors.

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However, improved performance thanks to its Zen architecture means AMD now has the chance to take over some of Intel's market share with its EYPC made-for-server processors. This debut on Microsoft's L-Series VMs takes advantage of the chip's threads and cores, coupled with more memory and bandwidth.

"We're welcoming AMD's new EPYC processor to Microsoft Azure with the next generation of our L-Series Virtual Machines," Corey Sanders, director of compute at Microsoft Azure said. "The new Lv2-Series are High I/O, dense storage offerings which make EPYC perfect for Azure customers' demanding workloads. We've enjoyed a deep collaboration with AMD on our next generation open source cloud hardware design called Microsoft's Project Olympus.

"We think Project Olympus will be the basis for future innovation between Microsoft and AMD, and we look forward to adding more instance types in the future benefiting from the core density, memory bandwidth and I/O capabilities of AMD EPYC processors."

Microsoft's Lv2-Series instances will use AMD's EPYC 7551 processor, with a base core frequency of 2.2 GHz and a maximum single-core turbo frequency of 3.0 GHz. They support 128 lanes of PCIe connections per processor, which AMD said should offer 33% more connectivity than two-socket alternatives.

"We are extremely excited to be partnering with Microsoft Azure to bring the power of AMD EPYC processors into their data centre," said Scott Aylor, corporate vice president and general manager of AMD's enterprise solutions division.

"There is tremendous opportunity for users to tap into the capabilities we can deliver across storage and other workloads through the combination of AMD EPYC processors on Azure. We look forward to the continued close collaboration with Microsoft Azure on future instances throughout 2018."

Image courtesy of AMD

Clare is the founder of Blue Cactus Digital, a digital marketing company that helps ethical and sustainability-focused businesses grow their customer base.

Prior to becoming a marketer, Clare was a journalist, working at a range of mobile device-focused outlets including Know Your Mobile before moving into freelance life.

As a freelance writer, she drew on her expertise in mobility to write features and guides for ITPro, as well as regularly writing news stories on a wide range of topics.