In another industry-changing move, we’re announcing Windows Azure, now available as a Community Technology Preview (CTP) for PDC attendees.
The Azure platform combines cloud-based developer capability with storage, computation and networking infrastructure services. Azure and related servers operate within our global datacenter network. Key components of the Azure Services Platform include:
- Windows Azure for service hosting and management, scalable storage, computation and networking.
- Microsoft SQL Services for database services and reporting.
- Microsoft .NET Services (service-based implementations of familiar .NET Framework), including workflow and access control.
- Live Services, enabling users to store, share and synchronize documents, photos, files and information across their devices and sites.
- Microsoft SharePoint Services and Microsoft Dynamics CRM Services for business content, collaboration and rapid solution development in the cloud.
Azure provides developers with the ability to deploy applications in the cloud to provide virtually unlimited scalability, or on-premises. The platform enables experiences across a broad range of business and consumer scenarios.
As with other Microsoft services and development platforms, developers use the familiar Visual Studio tools.
MSPressPass: “Microsoft Unveils Windows Azure at Professional Developers Conference”