Web Hosting Reviews & Ratings

August 05, 2011

Windows Azure Hosting with Amazon Web Services

Microsoft Azure is the company’s enterprise cloud hosting service which is theoretically a direct competitor of Amazon Web Services. Azure was launched in February 2010 well after Amazon and Google positioned themselves in the cloud computing marketplace with Amazon Web Services and Google’s App Engine. Representatives from Microsoft have noted that they see other cloud computing brands as peers, not competitors.

On Stage Discussion at the Structure 2011 Conference

During an on stage conversation at the Structure 2011 conference in San Francisco, the executive in charge of Azure applauded Amazon Web Services for doing an excellent job of building the business. She sees Amazon as a partner to Microsoft. Microsoft feels as if there is more than enough cloud computing business for Azure to share. Ironically, studies have shown that customers prefer to have diversity as opposed to a monopoly.

Applauding Successful Launches

Therefore, this is exactly what Microsoft is applauding, the successful launch of other cloud services. The marketplace is not just about developing an application that is specific to a single cloud. It is more about sharing the space with multiple vendors. For instance, a customer could store their files in Amazon S3 while utilizing the computing power of Azure or vice versa. Many customers are interested in utilizing several clouds to spread their files and ensure consistency.

Microsoft Utilizing Amazon Web Services

Surprisingly these statements from Microsoft are not simply a publicity stunt to show the company is all about diversity in the marketplace. Instead, the executive pointed out that Microsoft runs a large portion of its Windows business utilizing Amazon cloud service resources. In the meantime, Microsoft has stated that it will continue to be “friendly” with the other enterprise cloud computing brands.

Improving the Cloud

Furthermore, Microsoft has stated that cloud computing is not a “one size fits all” approach. Instead, the company plans to partner with as many different companies in the business as possible to have a wide range of business acquaintances. Together, they can help improve the cloud computing industry.

This sounds slightly too good to be true. Microsoft must have some type of angle they are pursuing to bypass the cloud computing leaders. However, until additional information is revealed, Microsoft deserves the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps they are attempting to improve cloud computing through collaboration with their new “partners.” Only time will tell.

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