In the next couple of months, we’ll be hard at work producing a few articles on one of our favorite subjects, Windows Azure. We’ll go through the cloud computing platforms new features product by product, bringing you a comprehensive look at what fresh features Windows Azure has to offer for your business. The series will go through the main new Windows Azure features:

Virtual Machines

Azure can now host virtual machines. You can run your own customized Windows Server or Linux images on Azure or get pre-configured instances from a gallery of pre-built options.

Virtual Networks

Virtual private networks are now available on Windows Azure. You can integrate your cloud network virtually to your on-premises IT infrastructure, using the cloud will be just like using services locally. This brings more control over secure access to your could infrastructure.

Web Sites

Free, you read it right. Free web sites on Windows Azure. You can deploy ASP.NET, PHP or Node.js sites to Azure easily, no complex configuration required. There is a gallery with pre-setup sites, for example, you can fire up an instance of WordPress quickly and easily. Paid instances feature custom domains and pretty competitive pricing (14,40eur per month + traffic).

Mobile Services

Connect your mobile applications to the cloud within minutes. During the preview stage, you get up to 10 mobile services for free with limited data. There is a great visual tool for setting up the database and service in the Windows Azure Portal.

Media Services

With Media Services you can create, manage and distribute media with Windows Azure. Media services provide the possibility to define workflows for distributing content, you can upload, store, encode, convert, protect and deliver your content. The gist is that you can deliver content across a wide variety of platforms with ease.

Windows Azure Active Directory

Identity services on Azure! A common platform for authentication across your could service is now available. You can also integrate Azure AD with you on-premises Active Directory and have the same identities available in the cloud as you use in your corporate environment, even single sign-on is possible.

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