One of the plays in cloud-based computing is Microsoft Windows Azure.
While still growing up, Windows Azure is becoming an enterprise-class application platform, able to address not just storage and simple web hosting, but also able to bring computing and SQL resources to the table. In addition, Azure has added VPN and VM roles to the mix.
Moreover, Windows Azure is not just a glimmer in Microsoft's eyes. At the last Microsoft Professional Developers Conference, or PDC10, held in Redmond, Washington last year, Microsoft dropped a bombshell that landed with the force of a high-yield thermonuclear device: Windows Azure is shipping, and several companies were already running production processes on it.
Indeed, several of Microsoft’s own business units have availed themselves of the productivity gains afforded them by Azure and moved to it wholesale, including, Channel 9, that font of information about all things Microsoft products and technology.
I am reminded of a statement that Robert McLaws, former ASP.NET MVP and Senior Developer at gibraltarsoftware.com made:
“Azure is an outstanding technology that has evolved from a simple scalable web hosting solution, into an enterprise class application platform.” Robert McLaws
This is just the beginning. As Microsoft creates more value into Windows Azure, and provides seamless two-way migrations between a traditional on-premise environment, a private ‘cloud’, and a hosted ‘cloud’, the value of Windows Azure is sure to explode. Furthermore, Microsoft is taking Windows Azure to even new heights, with the ‘hybrid’ cloud, as explained by Mary Jo Foley here.
Windows Azure definitely is impressive in scale, scope, and vision.
SMB Impact: Potentially, huge!
General Impact: Azure is a game-changer. It already has the market leader, Amazon Web Services, innovating furiously, further raising all boats.
