What Is Windows Azure?

Windows® Azure is a runtime environment in the cloud that delivers on-demand compute, storage, and automated systems management. Windows Azure provides developers with the ability to host, scale, and manage Web applications on the Internet through Microsoft® data centers.

Get Started Quickly Using Your Existing Skills. Windows Azure reduces barriers to entry to creating reliable and scalable web applications because it is an open platform that supports both Microsoft and non-Microsoft technologies allowing developers to build applications and services on Windows Azure using their existing Microsoft® Visual Studio® 2008 or non-Microsoft programming languages and tools, such as PHP.

Standards Based Platform. Windows Azure supports popular standards and protocols including SOAP, REST, and XML. Using the Windows Azure tools, developers can build, debug, and deploy to Windows Azure directly from their existing development environment.

Control and Scalability. Developers have control of their environment and can specify their own performance standards while paying only for the resources needed for their applications. New Fabric Controller technology in Windows Azure provides developers with the ability to upgrade applications without interruption. Windows Azure includes tracing, logging, and monitoring functionality, giving insight into resource usage and performance.