Beta tools extend Azure to popular analytics and NoSQL platforms, as well as add devops pipeline support in Git Credit: Thinkstock Microsoft has brought several third-party popular platforms to its Azure cloud aimed at developers and data analysts. The new Azure capabilities include: Azure Databricks, a beta Apache Spark cluster computing platform for developers to get insights out of enterprise data. Developers can request to participate in the beta. An API for running the Apache Cassandra NoSQL database as a service on Azure. This service leverages Microsoft’s Azure Cosmos DB, a globally distributed database. Developers can use familiar Cassandra tools. Microsoft is offering a signup for the API by logging into an Azure account. An upcoming preview of Azure Database for MariaDB, a fork of MySQL. Developers can sign up for the beta. Azure Devops Projects, a beta service for configuring a devops pipeline. Azure Devops Projects lets developers set up Git repositories and automate build and release pipelines. Developers can sign up for the beta. Data ManagementDatabasesDevopsAnalyticsCloud ComputingTechnology IndustryMicrosoft Azure