The future of Software plus Services

The Azure Services Platform was announced yesterday at the PDC.

The Azure™ Services Platform (Azure) is an internet-scale cloud services platform hosted in Microsoft data centers, which provides an operating system and a set of developer services that can be used individually or together. Azure’s flexible and interoperable platform can be used to build new applications to run from the cloud or enhance existing applications with cloud-based capabilities. Its open architecture gives developers the choice to build web applications, applications running on connected devices, PCs, servers, or hybrid solutions offering the best of online and on-premises. 

 

You can register for pre-release access here.

Here are some specific FAQs as to how Azure relates to Microsoft Dynamics CRM...

Is Microsoft Dynamics CRM built on Windows Azure?

Windows Azure provides storage and the ability to run ASPX files in a managed environment so you can focus on your application functionality and not on capacity planning. Microsoft Dynamics CRM currently runs on Windows Server and Microsoft SQL Server; you can choose to run the application on your premises or use Microsoft on demand CRM Online.

How is Microsoft Dynamics CRM an end user service as well as a developer service?

Microsoft Dynamics CRM provides a full suite of sales, service and marketing functionality built on a set of data and application services that can be used to build other types of business systems. CRM Services in Azure will provide building blocks that developers can use to build new applications.

When would I use Microsoft Dynamics CRM to build a business application rather than Windows Azure?

Microsoft Dynamics CRM can be used to quickly develop and deploy business applications requiring objects with multiple data types and relational schema, customizable business logic and business intelligence. Windows Azure and the Microsoft .Net Services provide a set of low level programming interfaces for building on demand, scalable and reliable applications on the internet.

What sorts of things can I do with Azure and Microsoft Dynamics CRM today?

We see a limitless set of opportunities in using Azure to extend the capability of business applications built with Microsoft Dynamics CRM. For example:

• Extend the CRM user interface with custom ASPX pages within Windows Azure.
• Connect CRM to ERP systems run on premises through the Azure Service Bus.
• Develop commerce portals running on Windows Azure and pushing data into CRM Online and self hosted ERP systems using the Service Bus.

Comments

• Anonymous
  October 28, 2008
  The Azure Services Platform was announced yesterday at the PDC . The Azure™ Services Platform

• Anonymous
  October 28, 2008
  The Azure Services Platform was announced yesterday at the PDC . The Azure™ Services Platform

• Anonymous
  October 28, 2008
  The Azure Services Platform was announced yesterday at the PDC . The Azure™ Services Platform