16 Dec 2008

Microsoft's cloud offering explained by experts

The expansion of Microsoft into cloud computing has sparked debates on how to define the hosted services model, experts have noted.

Kelly Teal and Tara Seals, writing at xchangemag.com, explained that Microsoft's new Azure platform supports Windows-based infrastructure in the organisation's data centres.

Developers can use Azure and its IT tools to support applications over the internet.

Microsoft is also adding hosted versions of its own software portfolio to the cloud, the article noted.

Joe Hofstadter, chief architect for the organisation, is quoted as saying that the "streamlined IT environment" provided by its cloud model can save end users both time and money.

The writers added that in general, cloud computing offers enterprises "a cheaper way to access computing power than if that outfit set up its own data banks".

Companies will be driven to the cloud model's low costs in 2009 in light of the difficult economic climate, a report by the International Data Corporation has predicted.