Microsoft’s Azure Cloud Switch is an internally tested Linux-based operating system

3 min. read

Published onSeptember 18, 2015

published onSeptember 18, 2015

Share this article

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Microsoft’s recentlove affair with open source programmingis getting into high gear these days. Aside from all theWindows related workvarious teams have been putting forth in the open source community, it looks like Microsoft is extending its efforts into Linux-based operating systems.Principal Architect of Azure Networking, Kamala Subramaniamrecently discussed Microsoft’s new Azure Cloud Switch, which works as a sort of cross-platform OS Microsoft built that could network with data centers built on Linux.

The Azure Cloud Switch (ACS) is our foray into building our own software for running network devices like switches. It is a cross-platform modular operating system for data center networking built on Linux. ACS allows us to debug, fix, and test software bugs much faster. It also allows us the flexibility to scale down the software and develop features that are required for our datacenter and our networking needs.”

Microsoft’s vertical integration of its ACS also includes a solution for sharing the same software stack across hardware from multiple switch vendors. Microsoft’sSwitch Abstraction Interface (SAI)specification, “is the first open-standard C API for programming network switching ASICs, of the Open Compute Project (OCP),” according to Kamala.Microsoft is also seeing the benefits of ACS as it pertains to easier configuration and managementas well asopen networking.Whileit’s being reported that ACS is for internal use only at Microsoft, the company is contributing its code for ACS to theOpen Computer Project. Meaning, those interested my eventually benefit from some of the following work:

Again, this isn’t a product up for sale from Microsoft or even being widely distributed. However, it seems like Microsoft’s continued foray into open source programming is having positive results on the company’s future development.

Kareem Anderson

Networking & Security Specialist

Kareem is a journalist from the bay area, now living in Florida. His passion for technology and content creation drives are unmatched, driving him to create well-researched articles and incredible YouTube videos.

He is always on the lookout for everything new about Microsoft, focusing on making easy-to-understand content and breaking down complex topics related to networking, Azure, cloud computing, and security.

User forum

0 messages

Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes

Comment*

Name*

Email*

Commenting as.Not you?

Save information for future comments

Comment

Kareem Anderson

Networking & Security Specialist

He is a journalist from the bay area, now living in Florida. He breaks down complex topics related to networking, Azure, cloud computing, and security

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Microsoft’s Azure Cloud Switch is an internally tested Linux-based operating system#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

Microsoft’s Azure Cloud Switch is an internally tested Linux-based operating system