30 Oct 2008

Microsoft unveils Azure cloud platform

Microsoft has revealed details of new cloud-based service platform Windows Azure.

Designed to utilise storage, computational and networking infrastructures within a cloud-hosted platform, Windows Azure is intended to transform both the way businesses operate and how consumers experience the internet, the firm said.

Announcing details of the service in a keynote speech at the Microsoft Professional Developers Conference 2008, the firm's chief software architect Ray Ozzie said Azure marks a turning point for the web development community.

Azure will allow a new generation of applications, for use in cloud applications and business data centres, to deliver new experiences for PC, web and phone users, he told the conference.

"It gives our customers the power of choice to deploy applications in cloud-based internet services or through on-premises servers," Mr Ozzie said.

The applications can also be combined in a tailored service for the needs of different businesses, he added.

Earlier this month, Microsoft announced a deal with Latin American telecommunications provider Telefonica on the distribution of VoIP services for Windows Live users in the region.