Web to change how we use applications

 

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Posted on 28 Oct 2008 at 15:15

A new approach to hosting applications will allow users to access programs online, rather than storing them on their own hard drives.

Microsoft has launched a new service, called the Azure Services Platform, which allows application developers to host their programs on the net, so that users don't need to devote storage space to applications.

The new approach will allow users to create and edit Word documents, Excel files and PowerPoint presentations without installing Microsoft Office onto their hard drives, in much the same way to what Google already offers free with its Google Docs service. However, Microsoft is also allowing third party developers to use its servers at its global datacentres, so that it can host an assortment of applications that users can access in much the same way.

"Today marks a turning point for Microsoft and the development community," said Ray Ozzie, Microsoft's chief software architect. "We have introduced a game-changing set of technologies that will bring new opportunities to web developers and business developers alike."

"The Azure Services Platform, built from the ground up to be consistent with Microsoft's commitment to openness and interoperability, promises to transform the way businesses operate and how consumers access their information and experience the web."

Ozzie added that the most important ingredient of its new service is that it gives users a choice between storing applications on their own storage space or exploiting the speed of broadband to access applications remotely.

In anticipation of interest from consumers and developers alike, Microsoft has revealed that it is purchasing 10,000 new servers every month; equating to the space currently being used to store the whole of Facebook. In making these provisions, Microsoft is purchasing enough capacity to add, on average, a tool the scale of Facebook each month. Microsoft claims that some of its data centres are the size of 3 football pitches.

Azure's online applications will be available in between six months and a year.

Author: Dawinderpal Sahota