In the evolving landscape of cloud security, the partnership between Palo Alto Networks and Microsoft Azure represents a leap forward. Together, we’ve developed Cloud NGFW by Palo Alto Networks on Azure—a fully managed, cloud-native network security solution designed to meet modern security challenges and support secure digital transformation.

As organizations increasingly adopt fully managed cloud services, Cloud NGFW by Palo Alto Networks on Azure provides advanced, reliable network protection that scales seamlessly with business needs.

Our partnership with Microsoft Azure and the development of Cloud NGFW by Palo Alto Networks on Azure demonstrates our commitment to enabling secure, agile digital transformation for our customers. With Cloud NGFW, organizations can protect their critical workloads in the cloud with the simplicity of a fully managed solution, allowing them to innovate confidently while staying ahead of evolving cyberthreats.

—Rich Campagna, senior vice president of product management at Palo Alto Networks

The Evolving Landscape of Cloud Security

The rapid shift toward cloud-based infrastructure has exposed organizations to increasingly sophisticated cyberthreats. Traditional security models lack the agility and depth needed for modern cloud environments, requiring an approach that is both deeply integrated and highly adaptive.

Cloud NGFW brings deep visibility, advanced threat protection and actionable intelligence directly into the Azure ecosystem, delivering comprehensive network security tailored for the cloud.

Real-World Success: Customer Stories with ON2IT

One of the most compelling examples of Cloud NGFW by Palo Alto Networks on Azure’s impact is ON2IT, a global managed security services provider. Faced with the challenge of securing a growing portfolio of client workloads on Azure, ON2IT required a robust, scalable and easy-to-deploy network security solution.

Cloud NGFW for Azure is an exceptional security solution that allows us to deploy high-level protections for our clients’ workloads quickly and effortlessly. With seamless integration and advanced threat prevention features, we can offer comprehensive security with just a few clicks, making it a powerful asset in our managed services toolkit.

—Rob Maas, field chief technology officer at ON2IT

Key Benefits for ON2IT:

• Reduced deployment times from two days to just 30 minutes.
• Guaranteed 99.99% availability, ensuring high resilience.
• Centralized policy management via Strata Cloud Manager, simplifying Zero Trust policy application across hybrid environments.

With Strata Cloud Manager, ON2IT achieves unified network security management across Azure and multicloud environments, without added complexity.

A Deep Dive into Cloud NGFW by Palo Alto Networks on Azure: Features and Innovations

Cloud NGFW by Palo Alto Networks on Azure has evolved significantly since its launch, introducing powerful network security enhancements, including:

• Automated Policy Updates: Cloud NGFW integrates seamlessly with Azure’s native services, allowing automated policy updates that reduce the need for manual oversight, freeing IT teams to focus on higher-priority tasks.
• Scalability and Availability: With 99.99% availability and expanded regional support, Cloud NGFW ensures uninterrupted security, no matter where your Azure workloads are based.
• Flexible Credit Options: Our unique credit model supports organizations with a flexible purchasing approach that meets multicloud deployment needs.
• Upcoming AI Capabilities: Palo Alto Networks is working on integrating AI-driven capabilities to advance threat detection and streamline response actions, leveraging tools like Copilot for added intelligence.

These advancements, along with numerous AI innovations on the horizon, position Cloud NGFW as a key solution for streamlining complex security operations in the public cloud. It empowers businesses to scale their cloud presence while effectively managing cyber risks.

Use Cases and Business Value: Empowering Innovation with Confidence

Cloud NGFW by Palo Alto Networks on Azure enables businesses to embrace cloud transformation confidently, delivering network security as a business enabler. Key use cases include:

• Cloud Migration: For organizations transitioning to Azure, Cloud NGFW simplifies the migration process by providing a consistent security layer that spans both on-premises and cloud environments.
• Remote Work Architectures: With today’s hybrid work models, securing remote connections and distributed workloads is crucial. Cloud NGFW ensures consistent security policies and visibility, protecting users and data regardless of location.
• Compliance and Governance: Automating security policy updates with Cloud NGFW reduces the risk of human error, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and strengthening cloud governance.

Strengthening Your Network Cloud Security Posture

Optimizing network cloud security doesn’t have to be complex. Cloud NGFW’s integration with Azure’s native security capabilities offers an added layer of resilience and efficiency:

• Complementing Azure’s Native Security: Cloud NGFW works in concert with Azure’s ecosystem, providing advanced security controls without adding complexity. This seamless integration enhances operational efficiency and improves overall visibility.
• Deployment Best Practices: Palo Alto Networks provides comprehensive deployment and management guides, helping organizations leverage NGFW capabilities to maximize their security investments across multiple cloud environments.

The Power of Partnership: Palo Alto Networks and Microsoft Azure

This collaboration is more than a product partnership – it’s a strategic alignment that brings together Palo Alto Networks cybersecurity expertise and Microsoft Azure’s cloud innovation. Together, we are setting a new standard for integrated network cloud security, providing a secure foundation that helps organizations thrive in the digital age.

Security is at the core of our commitment to empowering organizations in the cloud. By collaborating with Palo Alto Networks, we’re making it easier for customers to secure their Azure environments with robust, integrated solutions that simplify management while elevating protection. Cloud NGFW by Palo Alto Networks on Azure is another tool for customers navigating the complex network cloud security landscape.

—Sudha Mahajan, partner of product management at Microsoft Azure

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Cloud NGFW and Cloud Security

Our journey continues as we adapt to the evolving threat landscape. At Microsoft Ignite 2024, we unveiled exciting new capabilities for Cloud NGFW, including enhanced AI-driven threat detection and management features. These innovations reinforce Cloud NGFW’s position as a trusted security solution, empowering organizations to navigate the complexities of cloud security with confidence.

At Microsoft Ignite 2024, we were excited to introduce a highly requested enhancement - integration with Strata Cloud Manager. This turns Cloud NGFW for Azure into a true software-as-a-service (SaaS) experience, combining firewall infrastructure and policy management in one. Now, customers can deploy and manage policies in minutes, unlocking full security capabilities with ease.

And we’re not stopping there. To make it even easier to get started, we’ve reduced PAYG pricing by 25%, helping more organizations secure their environments without budget barriers. Plus, with credits, customers can maximize value while minimizing cost.

With these advancements now available, Palo Alto Networks and Microsoft Azure remain committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions that address today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities. Together, we’re shaping the future of cloud security, ensuring that businesses worldwide can innovate securely and thrive in the digital age.

New to Cloud NGFW? Start Your Free Trial Today.

If cost has been a barrier to trying Cloud NGFW by Palo Alto Networks on Azure, now is the perfect time to start. Our new pricing makes it easier than ever to explore the powerful features of this fully managed, cloud-native firewall. Start your free trial today and experience:

• Simplified policy management with no infrastructure headaches.
• Seamless integration within the Microsoft Azure ecosystem.
• Advanced threat protection at an unbeatable price.

Don’t wait—take the first step toward better security today.