The PHP SDK for Windows Azure fits perfectly in Microsoft's vision of driving interoperability between its proprietary technologies and open-source solutions, and especially in tailoring PHP to its Windows Server operating system. At the same time, the Redmond company is looking to take interoperability one step further, and to ensure that PHP applications will be right at home in the evolution of Windows Server in the Cloud, namely Windows Azure. In this context, PHPAzure has been designed as a software development kit (SDK) tailored to Windows Azure and Windows Azure Storage. While Microsoft is providing the financial resources for PHPAzure, it is RealDolmen that has actually developed the project.

“The goal of the SDK is to provide high-level abstractions that enable PHP developers to interoperate readily with Windows Azure,” revealed Vijay Rajagopalan, a principal architect at Microsoft. “The PHP SDK for Windows Azure focuses on REST and provides the following core features: PHP classes for Windows Azure blobs, tables & queues; helper Classes for HTTP transport, AuthN/AuthZ, REST & error management; and manageability, instrumentation & logging support.”

The PHP SDK for Windows Azure is of course available for free, under an open-source license, which allows access to the source code. With the SDK, PHP developers will be able to build offerings designed to work on top of the Microsoft Cloud Services Platform – Windows Azure. In addition to offering funding, Microsoft also delivers Architectural & Technical Guidance for Windows Azure, in order to see what it referred to as the first PHP-Azure interoperability bridge constructed.

“At MIX 2009, Microsoft announced the inclusion of FastCGI in Windows Azure’s hosting environment. The FastCGI protocol enables developers to run web applications on Windows Azure that were written using 3rd party programming languages including PHP. This opens up new options for PHP developers to deploy their applications,” Rajagopalan added.

PHP SDK for Windows Azure is available for download here.