Windows Azure: PDC Roundup

The VAR Guy didn’t have a chance to attend Microsoft’s Professional Developers conference (PDC) this week. But much of the PDC chatter landing in his inbox involved Microsoft’s Windows Azure. Here’s the latest on Microsoft’s cloud operating system.

The shortlist of Azure news included:

• Microsoft invited attendees to tour the inside of an actual Azure server container, on display on the show floor. It looks like they’re not designed to pack as many servers as possible, but rather to operate in any climate. CNET’s got pictures and a full writeup.
• Microsoft launched Pinpoint, which is essentially an app store for the Azure platform. It also sports a feature bearing the codename “Dallas,” intended to put businesses in touch with service providers and other experts. Expect more on this later.
• Microsoft’s Ray Ozzie gave a talk on how Azure really works. CNET’s liveblog is a must-read if you’re still unsure of how all this works.
• Microsoft is connecting the dots between its Dynamics ERP solution and Windows Azure. Check the announcement for the full listing of specifications and updates.
• And as The VAR Guy previously reported, Microsoft is successfully recruiting small ISVs such as Acumatica and open source developers such as SugarCRM and MySQL onto Azure.

Windows Azure launches in early 2010. Who’s moving onto Microsoft’s cloud? Who’s going a different route entirely? The VAR Guy welcomes your thoughts.

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