Microsoft Builds Own Linux-Based Data Center Network OS for Azure

Redmond’s revealed that it’s built something called Azure Cloud Switch (ACS), describing it as “a cross-platform modular operating system for data center networking built on Linux” and “our foray into building our own software for running network devices like switches”.

This new operating system is not going to find its way into desktops and laptops, but is instead aimed at driving the networking hardware in the enterprise space. With numerous companies providing this hardware, each propounds their own software platform for control and management, which becomes a challenge when dealing with mixed hardware typically deployed in cloud services. It also means networking switches can be managed the same way servers are, “with weekly software rollouts and roll-backs, thus ensuring a mature configuration and deployment model”.

ACS uses a Switch Abstraction Interface (SAI) to run cross-platform and with hardware from multiple vendors. Microsoft, Under Nadella, is more open than it has ever been before. The company’s presence at Apple’s iPhone 6s event earlier this month was a big testament too.

But beyond being steered by its customers there are many other reasons a large vendor like Microsoft might seek to exploit open source technologies, as outlined in a research paper, Beware of Geeks Bearing Gifts by CSC’s Leading Edge Forum. “It also allows us the flexibility to scale down the software and develop features that are required for our datacentre and our networking needs”, said Kamala Subramanian, principal architect for Azure Networking at Microsoft in a blog post.

ACS allows us to debug, fix and test software bugs much faster.

“Before SAI, the underlying complexity of the hardware, with its strict coupling of protocol stack software, denied us the freedom to choose the best combination of hardware and software for our networking needs”.

Reports that Microsoft has rolled its own “Linux distribution” have provoked the kind of disbelief normally reserved for curly-tailed livestock sprouting wings. Using Linux, ACS is also able to use the vibrant Linux ecosystem and support the Open Source and Third Party applications.

Microsoft doesn’t just love running Linux workloads on the Azure cloud. The operating system under development aims to alleviate this issue and deliver a more unified, cloud-centric platform that works across diverse hardware solutions.

All I can say is good job, Microsoft!