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Confluent on Microsoft Azure

Drive Real-Time Data Innovation with Confluent on Azure

Unlock real-time data streaming and AI innovation with Confluent Cloud on Microsoft Azure. Through powerful integrations, Confluent’s comprehensive data-streaming platform combined with Azure’s advanced analytics and AI capabilities enables organizations to process, analyze, and act on data in motion. Together, they deliver scalable, secure solutions that drive faster insights, smarter decisions, and transformative business outcomes across cloud, on-premises, and edge environments.

Global OSS on Azure POY Award

Confluent Wins Three Consecutive Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards, Pioneering Real-Time Data and GenAI Solutions

Confluent’s partnership with Microsoft Azure is built on a shared mission to drive innovation and seamless technical integration for our customers. Together, we’re transforming real-time data solutions and GenAI applications, empowering companies to effortlessly connect their data to Azure’s market-leading services, including Open AI, Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Data Lake Storage, and Azure SQL Database.

Confluent is honored to be named the 2024 OSS on Azure Global Partner of the Year, 2023 OSS on Azure USA Partner of the Year, and the 2022 Global and USA Commercial Marketplace Partner of the Year.

Trusted by

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Build Real-Time Data Streaming and AI Applications with Confluent on Azure.

Harness the power of Apache Kafka® and Apache Flink® as an integrated, cloud-native data streaming platform to drive data-driven operations, advanced analytics, and GenAI applications.

Stream

Effortlessly integrate Confluent’s complete data-streaming platform on Azure, delivering unified data streaming across on-premises and edge environments. This powerful joint solution provides real-time insights and ensures data availability wherever it’s needed.

Connect

Connect and synchronize data effortlessly with Confluent’s rich connector ecosystem on Azure. Migrate and integrate data across on-prem, multi-cloud, and Azure services to transform static data into actionable event streams that drive smarter business decisions.

Integrate

Achieve scalable data processing with Confluent’s Apache Flink® integration on Azure, supporting both stateful and stateless processing without the complexity of managing open-source infrastructure. Simplify real-time data processing with a fully managed solution that enhances performance and flexibility.

Azure Marketplace Logo

Confluent is available in the Azure Marketplace

Kickstart your data streaming journey with Confluent in the Azure Marketplace for seamless integration, flexible billing, and instant scalability. Confluent offers a complete data-streaming platform that powers real-time data processing, supports AI/ML applications, and enhances analytics—all while simplifying setup, procurement, and billing through Azure. Enjoy the ease of Pay-As-You-Go, $1,000 in startup credits, and expert onboarding to accelerate innovation and drive impactful insights.

Real-Time Data Streaming and AI Solutions with Confluent and Microsoft Azure

Confluent’s complete data-streaming platform acts as the backbone for real-time data streaming, offering 10x the scalability, storage, and resilience of Apache Kafka® and Apache Flink®. Integrated with Azure’s Gen AI solutions and services like Synapse, CosmosDB, and Data Lake Gen 2, along with partners like Snowflake, Elastic, and MongoDB, Confluent ensures seamless data integration, driving innovation, productivity, and advanced analytics for transformative outcomes.

Microsoft Azure Architecture Diagram

Confluent and Microsoft Azure

Transforming Your Business with Hybrid & Multi-Cloud, Database Modernization, Data Warehouse Optimization, and Generative AI Solutions.

Hybrid and Multi-cloud


Database Modernization


Data Warehouse Modernization

Generative AI


Accelerate Real-Time Data Solutions with Confluent and Microsoft Azure

Empowering your journey to Azure, no matter where you are.

Build

Scale event processing on Azure to accelerate the development of real-time applications and analytics, all with lower TCO.

  • Stream Governance
  • Stream Processing
  • Multi-Language Development

Solutions

Seamlessly connect and migrate data across on-prem, multi-cloud, and edge environments to Azure, enabling optimized performance and cost-efficiency for each use case.

  • 120+ Pre-built Connectors
  • Cluster Linking
  • Infinite Data Retention

Integrate

Streamline security, management, and billing with Confluent’s robust integrations with Azure Marketplace and services.

  • Marketplace Integration
  • Dynamic Performance & Elasticity
  • Self-serve Marketplace Commit

Featured Resources

Getting Started with VS Code

Build, manage and monitor data streaming applications with Confluent's integrated support of VS Code by Microsoft.

Expanding Confluent's Integration with Microsoft Azure

Create and manage Confluent resources directly from the Azure Portal with Confluent's fully managed connectors.

Unlock your data with Al solutions from the Microsoft commercial marketplace

The era of AI also brings an unprecedented growth of data, an explosion that presents both opportunities and significant new demands.

GEP Boosts AI-Powered Supply Chain

With over 500 interconnected microservices relying on accurate, real-time data, GEP needed a solution to streamline its data flow.

How L’Oréal Powers High-End, Time-Sensitive Operations With Confluent

L’Oréal Streams, Processes and Governs Real-Time Data with Confluent.

Michelin Fuels Real-Time Inventory Management at Scale with Confluent

Learn how Michelin reduced operational costs 35% by powering Kafka with Confluent Cloud.

Revving Up IoT Use Cases with Real-Time Hybrid Cloud Data Architecture

See how BMW Group makes Apache Kafka deployments enterprise- ready, creating a central hub for real-time data streaming and data flows across their global organization.

Bosch Power Tools Steams IoT Data with Confluent Cloud

Learn how Bosch Power Tools built a novel, event-based software solution for lean construction site management.

Modernize Your Data Estate with Confluent’s Data Streaming Platform

Discover how modernizing your data estate with Confluent and Azure can help accelerate application development times by 75% and lower management costs by 60%.

Streaming Data Pipelines: Build Using Real-Time Data with Confluent + Azure Cosmos DB

Build streaming data pipelines that connect, process, and govern business-critical data for Azure Cosmos DB.

Modernize your Database with Confluent and Azure Cosmos DB

Learn how to connect on-premises and multi-cloud data to Azure Cosmos DB, process that data in a stream before it reaches Azure Cosmos DB, and connect your Azure Cosmos DB data to any application.

Confluent wins 2024 Microsoft Partner of the Year

Confluent Recognized as the Winner of 2024 Microsoft OSS on Azure Global Partner of the Year.

Frequently Asked Questions for Confluent Cloud on Microsoft Azure

What is Confluent Cloud on Microsoft Azure?

Confluent Cloud on Azure is a fully managed, cloud-native data streaming platform powered by Apache Kafka®. It enables real-time data processing and integration across Microsoft Azure services without the operational overhead of managing Kafka infrastructure. By leveraging Azure's global infrastructure, Confluent Cloud provides a scalable and reliable streaming solution that integrates seamlessly with your existing Azure environment.

Learn more about Confluent Cloud on Azure

How does Confluent Cloud integrate with Microsoft Azure services?

Confluent Cloud offers seamless integration with various Azure services through fully managed connectors. You can connect to services like Azure Blob Storage, Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2, Azure Event Hubs, Azure Functions, and Azure Synapse Analytics. These integrations enable you to build robust data pipelines and streaming applications that interact directly with Azure resources.

Explore Azure integrations with Confluent Cloud

Does Confluent Cloud run on Azure infrastructure?

Yes, when you deploy Confluent Cloud on Azure, it runs on Microsoft's cloud infrastructure, utilizing Azure's global network, security features, and compliance standards. This ensures a reliable and scalable data streaming service that integrates seamlessly with your Azure environment.

Learn about Confluent Cloud deployment options

What are the benefits of using Confluent Cloud on Azure?

Using Confluent Cloud on Azure offers several benefits:

  • Fully Managed Service: Offload operational tasks like provisioning, scaling, and maintenance to Confluent.
  • Seamless Azure Integration: Leverage fully managed connectors to integrate with Azure services.
  • Scalability: Automatically scale resources based on workload.
  • Enhanced Security: Benefit from built-in security features and compliance certifications.
  • Cost Efficiency: Pay-as-you-go pricing reduces upfront costs.

Discover the benefits of Confluent Cloud

How do I set up Confluent Cloud on Azure?

To set up Confluent Cloud on Azure:

  1. Sign Up: Create a Confluent Cloud account.
  2. Select Azure: Choose Microsoft Azure as your cloud provider during cluster creation.
  3. Configure Cluster: Select the desired Azure region and cluster specifications.
  4. Connect Applications: Use the provided bootstrap servers and credentials to connect your producers and consumers.

Follow the step-by-step guide to set up Confluent Cloud on Azure

What connectors are available for integrating Confluent Cloud with Azure services?

Confluent Cloud offers several fully managed connectors for Microsoft Azure services:

  • Azure Blob Storage Sink Connector: Stream data from Kafka topics to Azure Blob Storage.
  • Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2 Sink Connector: Sink data to Data Lake Storage for big data analytics.
  • Azure Event Hubs Source Connector: Ingest data from Event Hubs into Kafka topics.
  • Azure Functions Sink Connector: Trigger serverless functions based on Kafka events.
  • Azure Synapse Analytics Sink Connector: Stream data into Synapse Analytics for advanced analytics.
  • Azure Cosmos DB Sink Connector: Write data to Cosmos DB for scalable NoSQL storage.

View the list of Confluent Cloud connectors

How does Confluent Cloud integrate with Azure Event Hubs?

Confluent Cloud provides an Azure Event Hubs Source Connector that allows you to ingest data from Event Hubs into Kafka topics. This enables you to bridge data between Azure's event streaming service and Confluent Cloud for unified data processing.

Learn how to set up the Event Hubs Source Connector

Can I use Confluent Cloud with Azure Functions?

Yes, you can integrate Confluent Cloud with Azure Functions using the Azure Functions Sink Connector. This allows you to trigger serverless functions in response to Kafka events, enabling real-time processing and event-driven architectures.

Set up the Azure Functions Sink Connector

How does Confluent Cloud support real-time data streaming on Azure?

Confluent Cloud enables real-time data streaming by providing a high-throughput, low-latency platform for ingesting and processing streaming data. With integrations to Azure services like Blob Storage and Synapse Analytics, you can build end-to-end real-time data pipelines and applications on Azure.

Understand real-time data streaming with Confluent Cloud

How do I secure data in Confluent Cloud on Azure?

Confluent Cloud offers robust security features:

  • Encryption in Transit and at Rest: All data is encrypted using TLS for data in transit and AES encryption for data at rest.
  • Authentication: Support for API keys and OAuth with OpenID Connect.
  • Access Control: Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) for granular permissions.
  • Private Networking: Use VNet peering or Private Link to establish private connections.

Learn more about security in Confluent Cloud

Can I use Confluent Cloud with Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)?

Yes, you can deploy your Kafka clients and applications on Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) and connect them to Confluent Cloud clusters. This allows you to build scalable, containerized applications that leverage Confluent Cloud for data streaming.

Read about connecting clients from Kubernetes to Confluent Cloud

How does Confluent Cloud compare to Azure Event Hubs?

While both Confluent Cloud and Azure Event Hubs are data streaming services, Confluent Cloud offers a complete data streaming platform powered by Apache Kafka. Key differences include:

  • Ecosystem: Confluent Cloud provides features like ksqlDB, Schema Registry, and a rich set of connectors.
  • Compatibility: Confluent Cloud is fully compatible with the Apache Kafka ecosystem and clients.
  • Stream Processing: Advanced stream processing capabilities with ksqlDB.
  • Data Retention: Confluent Cloud allows long-term data retention with configurable policies.

How can I migrate from self-managed Kafka to Confluent Cloud on Azure?

You can migrate to Confluent Cloud using tools like Confluent Replicator or MirrorMaker 2.0. These tools allow you to replicate data from your self-managed Kafka clusters to Confluent Cloud with minimal downtime.

Learn how to migrate to Confluent Cloud

Does Confluent Cloud support multi-region deployments on Azure?

Yes, Confluent Cloud supports multi-zone and multi-region deployments on Azure to enhance availability and resilience. You can deploy clusters across multiple Azure regions and configure Cluster Linking for data replication.

Understand multi-region deployments

Can I use Confluent Cloud with Azure Logic Apps and Azure Data Factory?

Yes, you can integrate Confluent Cloud with Azure Logic Apps and Azure Data Factory using REST APIs or custom connectors. This enables you to automate workflows and orchestrate data movement between Confluent Cloud and Azure services.

How does Confluent Cloud handle schema management on Azure?

Confluent Cloud offers a fully managed Schema Registry that allows you to manage and enforce data schemas across your Kafka topics. This ensures data compatibility and reduces errors in data processing.

Learn about Schema Registry in Confluent Cloud

What are the pricing models for Confluent Cloud on Azure?

Confluent Cloud uses a consumption-based pricing model, charging based on:

  • Data Ingress/Egress: Volume of data streamed.
  • Storage: Amount of data stored in Kafka topics.
  • Additional Services: Usage of connectors, ksqlDB, and Schema Registry.

You can also opt for committed usage plans for discounted rates.

View Confluent Cloud pricing details

How can I monitor my Confluent Cloud clusters on Azure?

You can monitor your Confluent Cloud clusters using:

  • Confluent Cloud UI: Provides real-time metrics and cluster health.
  • Metrics API: Access metrics programmatically.
  • Integration with Monitoring Tools: Use tools like Azure Monitor or Datadog for advanced monitoring.

Learn about monitoring Confluent Cloud

Is Confluent Cloud compliant with data protection regulations on Azure?

Yes, Confluent Cloud adheres to various compliance standards, including SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, GDPR, and HIPAA (with a BAA). It leverages Azure's compliance certifications to ensure data is handled securely.

View Confluent's compliance certifications

Can I use Confluent Cloud with private networking on Azure?

Yes, Confluent Cloud supports private networking options on Azure:

  • VNet Peering: Establish a private connection between your Virtual Network (VNet) and Confluent Cloud.
  • Azure Private Link: Use Azure Private Link to connect privately to Confluent Cloud services.

Set up private networking with Confluent Cloud

How does Confluent Cloud facilitate scalable data architecture on Azure?

Confluent Cloud automatically scales Kafka clusters based on workload. It provides features like Auto Scaling to handle varying data volumes without manual intervention, ensuring your data architecture remains robust and scalable.

Understand scaling in Confluent Cloud

How do I optimize the performance of Confluent Cloud on Azure?

To optimize performance:

  • Configure Partitions: Adjust topic partitions for parallelism.
  • Use Efficient Serialization: Employ formats like Avro with Schema Registry.
  • Monitor Resources: Utilize Confluent's monitoring tools.
  • Network Configuration: Ensure low-latency network connections via private networking options.

Performance tuning guidelines

Can I integrate Confluent Cloud with Azure's AI and machine learning services?

Yes, by streaming data through Confluent Cloud, you can feed real-time data into Azure's AI and machine learning services like Azure Machine Learning for advanced analytics and predictive modeling.

How does Confluent Cloud support hybrid and multi-cloud strategies?

Confluent Cloud enables hybrid and multi-cloud deployments through features like Cluster Linking. This allows you to replicate data across clusters in different regions or cloud providers, including on-premises environments.

What support options are available for Confluent Cloud users on Azure?

Confluent offers various support plans, including Developer, Business, and Premier Support tiers. These provide access to Kafka experts, technical support, and SLAs to ensure your streaming applications run smoothly.

View Confluent Support options

How do I get started with Confluent Cloud on Azure for free?

Confluent Cloud offers a free trial with usage credits to help you get started. You can sign up and begin deploying your streaming applications on Azure without initial costs.

Sign up for a free trial

Does Confluent Cloud integrate with Azure Data Lake Storage?

Yes, using the Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2 Sink Connector, you can stream data from Kafka topics into Azure Data Lake Storage for big data analytics and processing.

Set up the Data Lake Storage Sink Connector

How does Confluent Cloud handle disaster recovery on Azure?

Confluent Cloud offers features like Multi-Zone Clusters and Cluster Linking to ensure high availability and disaster recovery. Data is replicated across availability zones and regions to prevent data loss.

Learn about disaster recovery in Confluent Cloud

Can I use ksqlDB with Confluent Cloud on Azure?

Yes, Confluent Cloud offers fully managed ksqlDB for stream processing using SQL syntax. You can perform real-time data transformations and analytics without managing additional infrastructure.

Get started with ksqlDB on Confluent Cloud

How does Confluent's Stream Governance integrate with Azure services?

Confluent's Stream Governance suite ensures data quality and compliance across streaming applications. It integrates with Azure services by:

  • Schema Management: Enforcing schemas with Schema Registry.
  • Data Lineage: Tracking data flow for compliance and auditing.
  • Visibility: Providing insights into data streams.

Learn about Stream Governance

What are the best practices for running Confluent Cloud on Azure?

Best practices include:

  • Use Managed Connectors: Leverage Confluent's connectors for seamless integration.
  • Implement Security Measures: Use encryption, authentication, and private networking.
  • Monitor Performance: Utilize Confluent's monitoring tools.
  • Optimize Resources: Configure partitions and replication factors appropriately.
  • Manage Schemas: Use Schema Registry for data consistency.

Read the best practices guide

How does Confluent Cloud ensure high availability on Azure?

Confluent Cloud ensures high availability through:

  • Multi-Zone Deployment: Clusters span multiple availability zones.
  • Automated Failover: Rapid recovery from node failures.
  • Data Replication: Across brokers and regions.

Learn about high availability in Confluent Cloud

Can I use Confluent Cloud with Azure Active Directory (AAD)?

Yes, you can integrate Confluent Cloud with Azure Active Directory for Single Sign-On (SS