Microsoft Is Shutting Down Its Azure Blockchain Service

Microsoft started their Blockchain on Azure way back in 2015. Granted its a Cloud based offering that was offered on the Ethereum Platform with  their Alliance Partner ConsenSys.   Microsoft offered Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS) was made available to customers in 2016, they were initially available as a VM (aka Virtual Machine).   It also supports Eris platform nodes & Jumbucks nodes

Microsoft intended to make their certified blockchain marketplace available on Azure BaaS. But due to lack of customers and innovation focus lead to Microsoft just fielding a preview of Azure BaaS. 

Digging into Microsoft's product page for Azure BaaS shows customers such as GE, J.P. Morgan, Singapore Airlines, Starbucks and Xbox. Further digging reveals Microsoft's documentation suggests users start migrating to an alternative; ASAP.

Where to move to?  Microsoft migration suggestion is ConsenSys Quorum Blockchain Service.  Although with a little more digging one can find several options is you have a centralized Blockchain offering.

Summary - regardless of the backing firm one always has to be ready for such a pivot in technology offerings. Avoid lock-in and go with Open and decentralized offerings!  Always protect what is your's!

Enjoy the Journey!