Microsoft Azure for scalable AI systems in Switzerland
SteP-met uses Microsoft Azure as a scalable operating and deployment environment for its systems. The focus is on professional deployment, reliable operation and the ability to scale applications in line with the requirements of educational institutions, sports organisations and businesses. This SteP-met technical infrastructure therefore provides a robust foundation for context-based AI applications.
Scalable operating environment for institutional applications
Context-based AI needs more than relevant data and suitable interfaces. For practical use, it also requires an operating environment that can grow with a project’s requirements. Microsoft Azure provides SteP-met’s cloud platform.
The Azure environment is designed for scalable deployment and professional operation. This is particularly important for institutions and companies when an initial validation is to progress to a limited pilot operation and later move on into production use.
SteP-met can support each of these different project phases without losing sight of its core guiding principle: Existing systems provide the authorised context, the integration then creates the connection, and the application enables targeted AI-powered support.
Azure Deployment Blueprint as the technical foundation
SteP-met’s current technical overview describes an Azure Deployment Blueprint for structured cloud operations. It identifies Azure App Service on Linux as the target environment, Python 3.11 as the runtime, and FastAPI with OpenAPI as the API foundation. Gunicorn and Uvicorn Worker implementations are specified for server operations.
From pilot projects to scalable operations
Azure supports the transition from early validation to more stable pilot environments. This is particularly relevant for SteP-met, because pilot projects are deliberately intended to be clearly defined. A defined usage strategy, a specified data source, a limited number of users and a clear timeframe all combine to create a controllable framework.
As the solution evolves, requirements for performance, reliability, monitoring and scalability may become more prominent. This creates a technical foundation that extends beyond just enabling an initial demonstration to also support more robust and practical usage strategies.
Azure Credits for development and validation
Additional Azure credits can support further development from early tests towards stable pilot environments. Among other things, the current SteP-met website mentions institutional pilot deployments under realistic usage patterns, as well as projects validating performance and reliability.
Explore Azure operations for your usage strategy