Melissa Coates explains Azure Automation:
Azure Automation is a cloud service in Microsoft Azure which let you schedule execution of PowerShell cmdlets and PowerShell workflows. Azure Automation uses the concept of runbooks to execute a set of repeatable, repetitive tasks via PowerShell. Consistency in execution, reduction of errors, and of course saving time, are all key objectives – which makes DBAs and system admins happy, eh?
This is a higher-level discussion including some good tips on the product.