How does Windows Azure handle security, privacy & compliance?

In talking with ISVs, I very often get questions about security and data protection and data privacy when hosting an application in the cloud. For example, ‘What happens to my data once if my subscription ends? Is it physically destroyed from all media and backups?”.  These questions and concerns are all very relevant and valid, and not always easy to answer.  Until now…

Microsoft has published a document, ‘Standard Response to Request for Information – Privacy & Security’, in which we provide our customers with a detailed overview of how Windows Azure core services fulfills the security, privacy, compliance, and risk management requirements as defined in the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) Cloud Control Matrix (CCM).

Download the document from the Microsoft Download Center or from the Cloud Security Alliance’s Security, Trust & Assurance Registry.

By the way, did you know that on November 29, 2011, Windows Azure obtained ISO 27001 certification for its core services following a successful audit by the British Standards Institute (BSI). You can view details of the ISO certificate here.

Are you ready to get started with Windows Azure?  Here are a few easy steps:

1. Setup an Account:

Set up an account and obtain a free subscription for accessing the online portals for Windows Azure an SQL Azure. You can sign up and get the free trial from https://www.windowsazure.com/en-us/pricing/free-trial/.

2. Create your First application and Deploy it on the Windows Azure Platform:

Download the tools and learn how to create an application using .NET, JAVA, Node.js or PHP and deploy it on Windows Azure at https://www.windowsazure.com/en-us/develop/overview/

3. Attend one of our free Azure events:

Get hands-on overview of the entire platform during a two-day Azure Camp at the Microsoft Innovation Center (MIC) Brussels. Or get an introduction on how Azure can be beneficial for your ISV business in one of our Azure business sessions (mail us).