Windows Azure Site Revamped, New Features Available

Today, Microsoft announced the availability of an updated version of its Windows Azure website, which was complemented by a series of changes performed “under the hood.”

For starters, we should note that the new Windows Azure website sports a clearer and easier to use interface, with more intuitive navigation available for those interested in learning more on the platform.

Moreover, Microsoft revealed that at the moment the site featured improved billing, along with better management and SQL Azure capabilities.

For the time being, the website is available only in English, but localized versions are also expected to start kicking in as soon as next year.

The main changes that have been brought to the Windowsazure.com website include:

- Implementation of “Spending caps” where you can eliminate the risk of being charged by setting a €0 cap or reduce risk of large bills from unexpected usage by setting a higher cap and receiving alerts as they approach the cap.

- SQL Azure database size increased from 50GB to 150GB and lowered prices

- SQL Azure also has a new sharding feature along with SQL Azure Federation that enables you to build applications that are virtually unlimited in size

- Open Source Experience with an updated Java SDK, a new SDK for Node.js that makes Windows Azure a first-class environment and new limited preview of Hadoop on Windows Azure

- Simplified billing/reporting experience that integrates directly into the Management Portal

- ISO 27001 complaint (public certification coming next month)


Developers can start building apps by setting up an account and going for a free subscription for being able to access Windows Azure and SQL Azure.

Moreover, they will be able to download the various tools that Microsoft made available for them to have apps deployed using .NET, JAVA, Node.js or PHP.

At the same time, Microsoft announced that it planned on holding a special Windows Azure event for developers as soon as tomorrow, December 13th, so as to provide them with info on how to get started with the building of software for the cloud. Microsoft technical leaders Scott Guthrie, Dave Campbell, and Mark Russinovich will be there.

The Windows Azure SDK is available for download from Softpedia via this link.

The Windows Azure SDK for PHP can be found here.

The Windows Azure SDK for .NET can be found here.

The Windows Azure SDK for Node.js can be found here.