Microsoft reveals security and efficiency chips for Azure servers

Microsoft announced a new chip to protect data centers. Called Azure Integrated HSM, the model will focus on encryption for the Azure platform, and in addition, the giant has also revealed its first high-efficiency DPU and cooling solutions.

Starting from the Azure Integrated HSM (Hardware Security Module) itself, which works as a dedicated module to strengthen the protection layers of servers through data encryption. According to the company, the addition of the component does not compromise the performance of the servers and at the same time does not increase the latency in the execution of processes.

The company also introduced Azure Boost DPU, its first DPU (Data Processing Unit) specifically designed to increase server efficiency. While traditional data centers use multiple fabrics responsible for reading data through the cloud, these DPUs promise to consume 3 times less energy with 4 times higher performance.

Cooling and modular racks

In addition to chips and new processing units, Microsoft also decided to invest in cooling technologies for Azure data centers. The announcement refers to a liquid cooling system that works with server racks, a companion that can be adapted to different AI accelerators, such as the Nvidia GB200.

Microsoft, in collaboration with Meta, created a modular and disaggregated rack system that will allow for greater flexibility in assembly. Each part will deliver up to 400 volts and support approximately 35% more AI accelerators, increasing the dynamic adjustment of energy required to support different AI-related workflows.

Combination of accelerators

On the heavier hardware side, the company announced that it will be bringing Nvidia’s Blackwell GPU series to the cloud. The company will combine the Azure ND GB200 v6 platform in virtual machine format with the 72-rack Nvidia GB200 NVL accelerator to increase large-scale supercomputing performance.

The big news regarding processors is Azure HBv5. This is a dedicated virtual machine with AMD’s EPYC 9V64H CPU, available only for Azure. The company promises 8 times more performance than other alternatives on the market, thanks to the 7 TB of memory available, and is scheduled to integrate the machines in early 2025.

Azure Native

Aside from the hardware world issue, Microsoft has announced a preview release of SQL Serve 2025, an AI-powered database for enterprises that increases agility and execution in the cloud.

The wave of announcements also includes Azure Native, a cloud-connected hybrid infrastructure that combines Azure Stacks into a single platform. The idea behind this technology is that developers can increase real-time data processing with customized latency by running servers and virtual machines on Microsoft-verified computers. This feature will be available on desktop computers from select brands such as Dell, HPE and Lenovo.