Microsoft Unveils Windows Azure Business Model for Cloud Computing

Microsoft outlined its business model and partner strategy for its Windows Azure platform, which includes a cloud services operating system, a Web-based relational database in Microsoft SQL Azure, and connectivity and interoperability with .NET Services. Microsoft plans to offer the Windows Azure platform with automated service management and pay-as-you-go pricing -- all backed by service-level agreements and support.

Specifically, Microsoft will offer Windows Azure, SQL Azure and .NET Services for purchase through a consumption-based pricing model, allowing partners and customers to pay only for the services that they consume.


Microsoft partners will be offered special promotional offers and discounts that will help enable partners to bring solutions to market faster, reduce IT complexity, and increase revenue opportunities. Microsoft will provide partners with enterprise-class guarantee backed by a service-level agreement that covers service uptime, connectivity, and data availability for Windows Azure, SQL Azure, and .NET Services.


As part of the Microsoft Partner Network, partners receive an additional 5 percent promotional discount on Windows Azure compute, SQL Azure and .NET Services. As an added benefit of MSDN Premium, Microsoft also announced that it will provide subscribers with resources to develop and test their cloud-based applications. Microsoft will also provide the development accelerator promotional offer for partners and customers who want to quickly develop and deploy applications with dynamic scaling, predictable pricing, and a deep discount.


"With the Windows Azure platform, we're focused on delivering the best services platform to create compelling Web applications and services -- which enables our customers and partners to quickly develop and deploy compelling solutions," said Bob Muglia, president of the Server and Tools Business at Microsoft. "What's unique about the Windows Azure platform is that Microsoft manages the complexity, which allows partners to focus on what matters most for their business -- building innovative services solutions and driving new revenue. This can drive down total cost of ownership by up to 60 percent for certain workloads during a three-year period."


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