Microsoft reveals revamped Azure CDN – in two editions

Microsoft has created a new version of its Azure Front Door content delivery network (CDN), and told users of its existing two cloudy CDNs that if they want updates the way to get them is migrating to the new product.

The software giant already offers two cloudy CDNs – one called Azure Front Door and another called Azure CDN from Microsoft. Both will continue to operate and receive full support but have been designated as "Classic" services. That means Microsoft won't add new features to the Classic CDNs.

Those who fancy future upgrades therefore need to consider the new version of Azure Front Door, which now comes in Standard edition at $35 a month or a Premium package at $330 a month.

The Premium package "attaches" to Azure's web application firewall (WAF) – an integration the company reckons makes Front Door "a unified, modern cloud CDN platform with intelligent threat protection." Azure WAF has also added a DRS 2.0 RuleSet that Microsoft claims will reduce false positives and includes anomaly scoring-based detection.

Another big change is the removal of egress charges for data as it moves from Azure regions to Azure Front Door.

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Microsoft's also keen on Front Door's improved log analysis, new hooks that allow developers to drive more automation more easily, integration with other Azure services that are claimed to speed deployment and improve manageability, and edge enhancements that "let you move more of your business logic to the edge and create more complex and dynamic routing between your users and backends."

Microsoft's post announcing the new version of Front Door makes it plain the company wants users of its older CDNs to make the move. The company has promised it will soon reveal "zero downtime migrations."

Zero downtime does not, of course, mean zero reconfiguration will be required during a migration. And as the very handy @azureendoflife Twitter account constantly reminds us all, Azure services are regularly shuffled off into digital retirement. Microsoft's Classic CDNs likely won’t be spared that fate. ®