3 Ways to Get Free Windows Azure Usage

Whether it’s Windows or Office, or even Windows Azure, Microsoft is offering customers a chance to test drive the products before they decide whether to embrace them or not, and most certainly without requiring them to pay a single cent.

Free trial versions of Windows 7 and Office 2010 continue to be available from the Redmond company, and those that wish to test drive Windows Azure can also do so, for free.

According to Jim O'NeilI, Developer Evangelist for Microsoft, there are no less than three ways for customers, partners and developers to get free Windows Azure usage.

Make sure to watch the videos embedded at the bottom of this article in order to gain insight into just how you can take advantage of Microsoft’s Cloud platform for free.

The “short screencasts [are designed to] walk [customers] through how to sign up for those free Windows Azure benefits that are available to practically anyone.

“There are three screencasts in all, and the longest is just 5 1/2 minutes. Why three? Well. There are a number of offers in market, and they each have different qualification requirements, benefit allotments, and convertibility as summarized below and detailed in each of the videos,” O'NeilI explained.

The Introductory Special is perhaps the simplest way to start testing Windows Azure free of charge.

This Microsoft Cloud offering is available to all customers, and it is designed as a recurring monthly benefit, although a valid credit card is required for overages. The Introductory Special can always be converted to a paid account once testing is complete.

According to Redmond company, Introductory Special will only be available until March 31, 2011, however, chances are that the software giant will extend the deal.

Free Windows Azure is also “available to MSDN Premium & Ultimate subscribers,” O'NeilI stated enumerating some benefits, including: “recurring monthly benefit (credit card required for overages); 8 month period (renewable once); convertible to other paid accounts.”

Another special offer is the Windows Azure Pass, but it is limited only to select markets, it’s designed to last a total of 30 days, and cannot be converted to a paid account.