Windows Azure SDK for Node.js Gets Updated

Following the release of the first flavor of Windows Azure SDK for Node.js earlier this month, Microsoft has just announced the availability of an updated version to enhance the developer experience.

The new release packs a variety of enhancements based on the feedback that was received from the community after the initial release, and should make many people rejoice.

Apparently, developers have already started to ask for specific features to be included in the SDK, while also reporting on bugs they met when using it.

When it comes to the changes packed in the preview, we can count an updated Windows Azure PowerShell for Node.js 0.5.1, along with Node.js 0.6.6 update, IISNode 0.1.13 update, and the aforementioned bug fixes.

Details on the improvements include:

- Windows Azure PowerShell for Node.js 0.5.1 update, including new cmdlets for easily enabling Remote Desktop, as well as SSL support
- IISNode 0.1.13 update (including 2X performance improvements!)
- Node.js 0.6.6 update from Joyent, including a more stable npm
- Installer in-place upgrade support for all these components (so you can just click the WebPI link and it will upgrade your existing installation of these components if you already have the previous version, or install them all if you don’t)
- Numerous bug fixes in all three components

In Windows Azure SDK for Node.js, users can also set Remote Desktop to easily connect to their virtual machines. This feature will enable easier debugging and diagnostics.

“In our previous preview, to enable RDP support for your VMs you needed to follow a bunch of manual steps, which included modifying config files, creating a certificate, and uploading the cert to the portal,” Microsoft’s Glenn Block notes.

“Now, all of the steps are taken care of for you via a single cmdlet, “Enable-AzureRemoteDesktop”,” he continues. The screenshots attached to this article should offer some more info on the matter.

At the same time, we should note that the Windows Azure Node.js Developer center content has been updated to include new “How-To content” and “Common tasks.”

Download the Windows Azure SDK for Node.js

The Windows Azure SDK can be downloaded via this link.