The Redmond giant has just introduced Windows Azure. Incase you are wondering (like I did) what exactly is it, you will be surprised to know that Azure is a version of Windows (as a services platform) that runs over the internet directly from Microsoft’s own datacenters! It sounds to be a good idea, especially for developers who can use Microsoft’s dedicated platform for both storage and computing services. As per Microsoft’s Azure website, “Build new applications in the cloud – or use interoperable services that run on Microsoft infrastructure to extend and enhance your existing applications.”

It is to be noted that Windows Azure is not a stand-alone OS like Windows Vista/XP, but an internet-scale application services platform which provides an operating system and a set of developer services.

[source: microsoft.com]