Monday, May 19, 2025

Microsoft Build: xAI Grok on Azure




excellent AI news

Elon Musk Stuns Microsoft CEO - YouTube

Conversation with NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang: Satya Nadella at Microsoft Build 2025 - YouTube




Create Virtual Agents with Copilot | Microsoft Copilot Studio

Multi-agent orchestration and more: Copilot Studio announcements | Microsoft Copilot Blog

Microsoft goes all in on AI agents at annual Build conference @reuters
Microsoft (MSFT.O), opens new tab said on Monday it would offer new AI models made by Elon Musk's xAI, Meta Platforms (META.O), opens new tab and European startups Mistral and Black Forest Labs hosted in its own data centers, and unveiled a new artificial-intelligence tool designed to complete software coding tasks on its own.








cloud: Azure Durable Functions vs AWS Step Functions

Durable Functions Overview - Azure | Microsoft Learn

Azure Durable Functions documentation | Microsoft Learn


Pick the Perfect Tool: Azure Durable Functions vs. Azure Functions for Your Workflow | LinkedIn


azure durable functions vs aws step functions - Google Search

AI Overview Learn more

Azure Durable Functions and AWS Step Functions are both serverless workflow orchestration services, but they differ in their approach and scope. Durable Functions, a library for Azure Functions, provides code-based orchestration of long-running, stateful workflows, while Step Functions is a managed service within AWS that orchestrates workflows using a visual, declarative approach with state machines.
Feature
Azure Durable Functions
AWS Step Functions
Orchestration Approach
Code-based, using orchestrator and activity functions
Visual, declarative using state machines in a JSON format (ASL)
Focus
Focuses on integrating individual function executions into long-running workflows
Focuses on orchestrating and coordinating multiple AWS services and tasks into workflows
State Management
Handles state management and checkpointing transparently, allowing developers to focus on the business logic
Handles state management and checkpointing transparently, allowing developers to focus on the workflow logic
Integration
Integrates with Azure Functions and other Azure services
Integrates with AWS services like Lambda, S3, DynamoDB, and more
Developer Experience
More familiar to developers already using Azure Functions
Provides a visual, low-code approach for designing workflows
Cost
Pay-per-use, based on function invocations and execution time
Pay-per-use, based on state transitions executed in the workflow
Language Support
Supports the languages supported by Azure Functions (C#, F#, JavaScript, Python, etc.)
Primarily focuses on JSON format for state machine definition
Key Differences:
  • Code vs. Visual:
    Durable Functions require you to write code for the orchestration logic, while Step Functions provides a visual, drag-and-drop interface for designing workflows. 
  • Integration Scope:
    Durable Functions primarily integrates with Azure services, while Step Functions is designed for orchestrating AWS services. 
  • Learning Curve:
    Durable Functions might be more familiar for developers already using Azure Functions, while Step Functions might have a steeper learning curve for those unfamiliar with state machines. 
In summary:

If you prefer a code-based approach and are already using Azure Functions, Azure Durable Functions might be a good fit.

If you prefer a visual, declarative approach and need to orchestrate multiple AWS services, AWS Step Functions might be more suitable.