Microsoft cloud flagship posts first growth under 50%; bookings growth steady

Microsoft said revenue in its Intelligent Cloud segment rose 17% to $13.4 billion, with 47% growth in the Azure component, which includes essential computing and storage services.Analysts on average had expected cloud revenue of $13.09 billion in the fourth quarter ended June 30, according to IBES data from Refinitiv.Azure's growth is the best direct measure of performance against top cloud rival Amazon.com Inc'sAmazon Web Services, as Microsoft does not break out Azure's revenue by dollar amoun