What is the Data Science Virtual Machine?
The Azure Data Science Virtual Machine (DSVM) is a preconfigured VM image with preinstalled and preconfigured tools for data science and machine learning. It is available as a Windows Server or Ubuntu LTS image; an additional DSVM for PyTorch edition based on Ubuntu is specifically optimized for large, distributed deep learning workloads. Data scientists can get started right away without spending hours installing frameworks and tools.
Core Features
- Preinstalled data science languages and frameworks, including Python, R, and Julia
- Development environments such as Jupyter(Lab), VS Code, and (on Windows) Visual Studio and Power BI Desktop
- Optional GPU support on any N-series VM, including preconfigured drivers and deep learning frameworks
- SSH access on all editions, plus RDP access on Windows editions
- Full control as an unmanaged VM, with free choice of VM size and operating system version
Typical Use Cases
- Quick start for ML projects and short-term evaluation of new data science tools
- Training deep learning models on GPU hardware when needed, falling back to CPU mode without a GPU VM
- Exploration and prototyping before building production ML pipelines
- Data science training and courses that need a consistent, reproducible environment for participants
Benefits
- No installation time: immediately productive thanks to preinstalled tools
- Consistent environment for teams and training
- Flexible scaling through free choice of the underlying VM size, including GPU options
- Cost-effective, since only actual VM usage time is billed
Integration with innFactory
As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, innFactory supports you with the Data Science Virtual Machine: team setup, integration with Azure Machine Learning, GPU selection, and cost management.
Typical Use Cases
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Azure Data Science Virtual Machine?
The Data Science Virtual Machine (DSVM) is a preconfigured VM image on Azure with preinstalled data science and ML tools. It is available as a Windows Server or Ubuntu LTS image and targets data scientists who want to get started without manual installation.
What tools are preinstalled?
Depending on the edition: Python, R, Julia, common ML frameworks, Jupyter(Lab), VS Code, Power BI Desktop, and on Windows additionally SSMS and Office. Microsoft maintains a full, current tool list in the product documentation.
Are GPU variants available?
Yes, the DSVM can run on any GPU-enabled N-series VM (e.g., NC-series); matching GPU drivers and deep learning frameworks are preconfigured on both the Windows and Linux editions. Without a GPU VM, the same frameworks fall back to CPU mode.
Windows or Linux?
Both are available: Windows Server as well as an Ubuntu LTS edition. There is also a specialized DSVM for PyTorch variant based on Ubuntu, optimized for large, distributed deep learning workloads.
How does the DSVM differ from Azure Machine Learning compute instances?
The DSVM is an unmanaged VM that you administer yourself, with broader language support (including Python, R, Julia, SQL, C#, Java) and RDP access. Azure Machine Learning compute instances are fully managed compute resources integrated into Azure Machine Learning with built-in notebooks, single sign-on, and collaboration features, but narrower language support (Python/R).
Note: All product information on this page has been compiled with care, but is provided without guarantee and may be outdated or incomplete. Cloud services evolve rapidly — features, pricing, SLAs, and availability change frequently. Authoritative and up-to-date information can only be found on the official product page of Azure (official documentation). This page does not represent an offer by Azure.
