Windows Azure and Cloud Computing

Microsoft recently hosted a “Cloud Computing and Windows Azure” event at the BAFTA offices in London, and had great feedback about both the event and our cloud platform and vision.

Mark Taylor, Director of Microsoft DPE, talked about how cloud computing is one of the biggest opportunities in decades - Microsoft are not new to cloud computing and have over a decade of investment and services in the cloud. He talked about the cloud provides ability to innovate and reduce cost, and be green.

David Chappell, Principal of Chappell & Assoc, discussed the rise of cloud platforms and how it marks a major shift in our industry. And, as is usual with big changes, there are lots of options and plenty of confusion. David provided an independent perspective on how Microsoft’s various cloud platforms fit together.

We saw three cloud services scenarios from UK customers and partners

1. Easyjet  - “Cloud Strategy”
2. RiskMetrics - “The Hybrid Model & Internet Scale Services in the Cloud”
3. See The Difference  - “Innovation in the Cloud”

Bob Muglia, President of the Server & Tools division at Microsoft, described how the cloud was changing the dynamics of both the software industry as a whole and Microsoft. He described in depth the Windows Azure platform and how we are re-engineering for the cloud. “Cloud is now, we’re in and so should you”

Finally, the event finished with an interesting cloud computing panel debate focusing on “Cloud Services Adoption”, featuring Rob Fraser (RiskMetrics), Bob Muglia (Microsoft), David Chappell (Chappell & Assoc), moderated by Mark Taylor.       

At the lunch break, I managed to sit down with David Chappell and shoot a video about Windows Azure and cloud computing, and explore which applications are great candidates for Windows Azure, and, interestingly, which ones don’t, as well as discussing the differences between Infrastructure vs Platform as a Service, and the role of private vs public cloud.