Windows Azure: 5th Generation of Computing
From 70's monolithic to client server in the 80's we moved to the web in the middle 90's. Today we're leveraging the SOA promise and tomorrow we'll be able to build a new generation of applications on Windows Azure services. Windows Azure builds in particular on the web and SOA generations of computing. Let look at the high level requirements for the new Windows Azure platform.
Microsoft is comparing the Microsoft Windows Azure to the big NT release years ago and expects Azure to make significant impact over a longer period of time.
Requirements of the Windows Azure services platform.
- Interoperability, business process
- Identity and security
- data management and compliance
- Service management
Windows Azure can enable a lower cost solution for global scale applications.
High level Windows Azure architecture consists of a service bus, access control and workflow services. The Service bus let's you connect on premise systems. Access control enables access control federation across different access providers. Workflow services allows you to expand workflow's from on premises systems into the cloud.
Access Control Services
- User control their own identities
- Single, federated identity platform
- Open and interoperable
Windows Active Directory, "Geneva", Life Services, .NET Services
Microsoft SQL Services
High level Windows Azure data platform architecture consists of Database, Data Sync, Reporting, Data Mining, ETL and Reference Data building blocks.
Find out more here:
Windows Azure
Windows Azure Technology Page
Windows Azure Issues and Constraints
Windows Azure Tools for Microsoft Visual Studio
Windows Azure SDK
Azure Services Developer Portal
Windows Azure Forum
Windows Azure Tools Bug Report
Demo on stage, I'll keep you posted.