Windows in the cloud in there!

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Ray Ozzie just publicly announced our Software + Services platform Azure. The Azure Services Platform is built on the Windows Azure operating system in the cloud. Windows Azure provides service hosting and management, scalable storage and a development environment for the Azure Services Platform. The Azure Service Platform includes:

  • SQL Services for relational data storage and querying
  • .NET Services for service-connectivity, workflow, and messaging
  • Live Services for application extension of the Windows Live platform
  • SharePoint Services which provide extensibility for SharePoint Server
  • Dynamics CRM Services which provide extensibility for Dynamics CRM

Rough timeline today is that we’re entering community tech preview with this announcement, which will be extended to Beta early next year to then in the Summer become available on a wide scale.

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Azure Services Platform Key Messages:

  • The Azure™ Services Platform means flexibility, choice and control – customers can take advantage of the scale of the cloud and the control of on-premise solutions, with ease of use on-ramp, less complexity and an open platform.
  • Microsoft is extending the Windows platform to the cloud with an application model that spans the server, Web, PC and mobile devices.
  • Customers have the power of choice with the Azure™ Services Platform to customize their services environment with the right tools and technologies that meet their individual and business needs. They can take advantage of one, all or a combination of technologies that make up the Azure™ Services Platform.
  • The Azure™ Services Platform provides web developers with a simple platform to build rich social applications and experiences across devices that connect with one of the largest audiences on the web.
  • Developers will experience an integrated and simple way to start creating applications in the cloud now while bringing existing and familiar assets with you - tools, skills, languages, and runtimes.

Live Platform Services/Live Framework Key Messages:

  • Live Services enables developers to engage large audiences with rich social sharing embedded experiences, and to connect the power and scale of the web to rich client experiences across a world of digital devices.
  • Live Services enable data synchronization and local accessibility across many end points including PCs, smartphones and the Web.
  • Live Services uses an open-standards programming interface and resource model that spans devices.

Get your goodies on Azure.com