Azure Cloud Computing

Azure release is up and running since January 1st. Will it be the new mainstream, or will it fade out just like FoxPro? It all depends on whether there is demand for it, and whether there is a better way to fulfill that demand.

First, let's take a look at Azure Cloud Computing main advantages:

• Scalability – more copies of the software can run on more hardware when needed. It scales bandwidth too, way beyond of what regular datacenters do providing perfect load balancing.
• Reliability – it is not just high-end hardware in Microsoft datacenters. All the data is replicated at least in 3 different places. Software is monitored and re-started automatically when crashed. Azure Cloud architecture built with reliability in mind.
• Almost Zero Administration – all the system administration tasks that are not required your input are fully automated.
• Pay Per Use – you only pay for the computational power and bandwidth you use on per-hour basis.

These features are long awaited and very important for enterprise web applications. Reliability and scalability can be achieved with regular dedicated server hosting, but at much higher cost.

Administration and hardware load balancing of enterprise web solutions is a big challenge. And there were no such thing as true pay per use before. There is some competition from some other cloud-hosting providers, but we expect Azure to outshine them all, at least for Windows applications.

Azure Balancing Platform is definitely not for everybody. Small static web site can be hosted cheaper with regular web hosting. However, there are many scenarios where Windows Azure is the only way to go.

Read More:

• Azure at RobinLab
• Azure FAQ

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