Guide to Microsoft Azure Architecture Diagrams

What is Azure Architecture?  

Azure architecture is the way an organization uses Microsoft’s Azure products and services to build, run, and manage applications.  

The infrastructure of Azure cloud applications for an organization is often described using a diagram because that is an easier way for technical and non-technical users to understand. 

Azure architecture diagrams often describe these components:  

• Azure Services 

• Configuration 

• Networks 

The more complicated your Azure cloud infrastructure is, the more visualization helps you communicate details about your structure and plan for change.  

Cross-Functional Communication 

Azure diagrams allow technical and non-technical users to understand the technology that supports their day-to-day work.  

Troubleshooting 

Having documentation is valuable when you encounter network or system issues – especially visual documentation that helps you understand the relationships between elements of your network or system at a glance. 

Planning Ahead 

Azure diagrams can help you plan for and execute changes to your enterprise cloud strategy to stay ahead of your organization’s technical needs.  

Add Azure Icons 

First, open a new Gliffy diagram and click “More Shapes” at the bottom left corner of your screen. 

Then, make sure “Microsoft Azure Icons” is selected. After that, you’ll see the Azure shape library in the shapes panel on the left side of your screen.

Add Your Azure Services  

Add the icons that represent your Azure services to the diagram canvas. You can use the search bar in the upper right to quickly find the shapes you need. 

Add Other Networking Shapes 

You might want to include some details that aren’t part of the Azure shapes set to describe other parts of your network outside of the Azure cloud. 

For example, you might want to add an icon representing end users or the data entering the system. You can find additional shapes in “More Shapes” and add any additional libraries from there. You can also upload your own custom shapes or icons for details specific to your organization.  

Create Sub-Sections  

In some cases, it can be helpful to draw boundaries that describe what takes place within your instance. For example, you may want to illustrate separate zones for what is taking place within Azure and for the services in a stack. You can show these different zones by drawing rectangles around those sections.  

After drawing your rectangle around an area, right-click and select “Send to back” so it goes behind your Azure and networking shapes. You can edit the shape's color, opacity, and more by clicking the square icon that appears when you select the shape. 

To learn more about the shape properties panel, visit our blog on customizing shapes and connectors in Gliffy. 

Save and Share 

Give your diagram a name and save it so your team can view it directly in Confluence! 

Whenever you update your diagram, it will automatically update wherever you have placed it throughout your Confluence space, so no one on your team needs to reference outdated information. 

Create Your Own Azure Architecture Diagram  

To create your own Azure architecture diagrams, start your free evaluation of Gliffy for Confluence Cloud.

Gliffy is packed with features for software and IT teams, so when you sign up for a free trial, you’ll also be getting an easy way to make UML diagrams, database diagrams, C4 models, and more.

TRY GLIFFY  

Want to be an expert on all things architecture diagramming? Check out our complete guide to cloud architecture diagrams.