Windows Azure provides Linux as a Service

June 11, 2012 | Author: Michael Stromann


Once Linux was the main threat to the bright future of Windows and now Microsoft provides Linux as a component of its cloud platform Windows Azure. And that's because the purely Microsoft-oriented cloud - was not very competitive in the fight against Amazon, RackSpace, VMWare, Oracle, Google and other providers. So, Windows Azure becomes not just PaaS, but also IaaS platform. Users can create Linux or Windows virtual servers and pay for them on per-hour basis, just like at Amazon Web Services. Available Linux distributives include Ubuntu, SUSE and CentOS. Perhaps Microsoft will soon also partner with Red Hat. But Linux as a Service - is not the only interesting update at Azure.

Microsoft doesn't mind supporting former rivals any more. The new service for creating websites Windows Azure Web Sites allows to design sites not only on .Net, but also on PHP/Javascript and use not only Sharepoint as CMS but also open-source systems: WordPress, Joomla!, DotNetNuke and Drupal. In addition Windows Azure adds support for (competing) language Python and the Windows Azure SDK now provides 100% command line support not only for Windows but also for Mac.

Read also: So Amazon is #1. And who's next in cloud computing?

See also: Top 10 Public Cloud Platforms

Author: Michael Stromann
Michael is an expert in IT Service Management, IT Security and software development. With his extensive experience as a software developer and active involvement in multiple ERP implementation projects, Michael brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his writings. Having previously worked at SAP, he has honed his expertise and gained a deep understanding of software development and implementation processes. Currently, as a freelance developer, Michael continues to contribute to the IT community by sharing his insights through guest articles published on several IT portals. You can contact Michael by email stromann@liventerprise.com