 This review focuses on recent advancements in light-driven information transmission systems using azobenzene-based molecular switches. Despite the success of other chromophores such as spiroparanes, achieving fast relaxation times for azobenzene-based switches remains a challenge. The structural features of the azochromophore and its thermal-systetrans isomerization are discussed in detail, along with the kinetics and mechanism of thermal back isomerization. This article was authored by Haume Garcia-Marros and Dolores Velasco.