The Man Behind Microsoft Windows Azure

The VAR Guy has a rule: He never underestimates Microsoft. And that rule holds true for Windows Azure, the software giant’s emerging cloud platform for Windows ISVs (independent software vendors). Our resident blogger’s Azure curiosity grew considerably when The VAR Guy learned David Cutler was involved in the project. Here’s why.

As BitCurrent stated: “Dave [Cutler] is a lead developer for Windows Azure. That means it won’t suck.”

Not familiar with Cutler? You should be. Cutler first gained fame for his involvement in Digital Equipment’s rock-solid VMS operating system. By the late 1980s and early 1990s, Cutler was working on Windows NT and was the central figure in one of The VAR Guy’s favorite IT-focused books: Show Stopper.The initial Windows NT 3.1 release in 1993 had a lot of limitations — including a need for more ISVs. But generally speaking, Cutler continued his reputation for delivering reliable software platforms.

By the late 1990s, The VAR Guy was busy speculating that Cutler would retire from Microsoft. Clearly, our resident blogger was wrong. Cutler has played a leading role in Microsoft’s transition to 64-bit computing. And now, he’s a central figure in the Windows Azure project.

Not familiar with Azure? This quick video explains the project:

Full disclosure: The VAR Guy thinks Microsoft is making some smart moves with Azure. For instance, the Windows cloud platform will support third-party open source applications such as MySQL.

Smart move. Azure will need broad ISV support in order for the Microsoft cloud operating system to gain critical mass. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt to have a guy like Cutler involved in the project.

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