Windows Azure Platform

Microsoft’s first step into Cloud Computing is by providing cloud platform known as Windows Azure. It is a platform that provides with wide range of services for both internets as well as on-premise environment. In simple words, Windows Azure platform allows applications to be hosted, managed as well as to run at Microsoft datacenters.

The hosting environment of Windows Azure is called Fabric controller. Besides supporting Microsoft and non-Microsoft languages, Windows Azure platform welcomes third party languages as well such as Ruby, Python, PHP and Eclipse to usher in enhanced cloud-based computing capabilities. Additionally, the open architecture of Windows Azure platform enables developers to build web applications that will run on PCs, connected devices or servers, thus providing with best of hybrid solutions for both on-premises and online. The environment also supports multiple internet protocols such as HTTP, SOAP, XML and REST. It can also integrate well with Microsoft Visual Studio for development of Azure-based applications.

Windows Azure Platform includes following five services that the developers can use to run the applications in the cloud.

Live Services:
It is the building block for the developers to build rich social applications for larger section of population in web. Using the Live Services components, developers can build applications as well as mash up.

SQL Azure services:
It is the relational database that allows search, relational queries as well as data synchronization with remote offices and mobile devices. In simple words it offers data storage capabilities. This Microsoft SQL Azure can store as well as retrieve unstructured, semi-structured and structured data and information.

.Net services:
This service can be used to secure applications as well as for communication across all applications. One can create federated applications using Microsoft’s .Net services so that the applications can span from on-line premises to the cloud.

Sharepoint services & Dynamics CRM services:
These are the other two components which the developers will be using in the long run to build strong customer relationship. These two capabilities integrated in applications will enhance cloud-computing experience manifold.

Read also Azure Benefits … to complete the knowledge cycle. Keep reading!

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