Free Windows Azure Platform Trial Available Now Through June 30

There’s been a lot of interest about how you can get started with Windows Azure. And we have announced a new program .. free .. where you can now keep your Azure site up continuously .. can even run your site free between now and June 30. Now you'll need to be smart about how you manage this resource, but this offer can definitely help you get started.

Sign-up now to get free access to Windows Azure platform resources through June 30:

You get:

• Compute:
  • 750 hours of an Extra Small Compute Instance
  • 25 hours of a Small Compute Instance
• Storage:
  • 500MB
  • 10k Storage transactions
• Data Transfers:
  • 500MB in / 500MB out
• Relational Database:
  • 1G Web Edition SQL Azure database (for 90 days only)
• AppFabric Access Control transactions:
  • 100k
• AppFabric Service Bus connections:
  • 2

Credit Card required for sign-up. Any monthly usage in excess of the stated amounts will be charged at the standard rates. This introductory special will end on June 30, 2011 and all usage will then be charged at the standard rates.

Be smart about how you use your hours. Take down your staging instances while you aren’t actively testing them. And remember that staging instances count.

We will also notify you when you are getting close to using up your hours. And you can set a limit so you don't go over your hours too.

No Credit Card Offer Still Available

If you don’t want to provide a credit card, you can still try out Windows Azure today. Windows Azure platform 30 day pass (US Developers) No Credit Card Required - Use Promo Code: DPWE01.

With this other option, your site automatically comes down at the end of the month.

Free Support for Your Windows Azure Development Efforts

Under any of the plans, you can join Microsoft Platform Ready today for free support (technical and marketing) for your Windows Azure development.

Also see Microsoft Platform Ready to certify your Azure application for more Microsoft Platform Network benefits.

Get Started on Windows Azure

See Start Developing Windows Azure Platform Applications.

Bruce D. KyleISV Architect Evangelist | Microsoft Corporation