Snapshot of Microsoft's Data Updates in the Cloud
The sun has finally returned after three days of rain and it is hard to think about clouds. Nevertheless, Microsoft has made several noteworthy updates to its Azure technologies this month.
In case you missed it:
The 4th update to its SQL Azure database service went live this week. The service updates for the relational database built on the Windows Azure platform, allow users to copy a database and back it up in real-time to another server in the same data center.
Wayne Walter Berry explained the new database copy capability in the SQL Azure team blog this way:
"This new copy feature is the first step in backup support for SQL Azure, allowing you to get a complete backup of any SQL Azure database before making schema or database changes to the source database. The ability to snapshot a database easily is our top requested feature for SQL Azure, and goes above and beyond our database center replication to keep your data always available."
Project 'Houston', the code name for a lightweight, Web-based management tool for SQL Azure databases currently in CTP1 from SQL Azure Labs was also refreshed (August 2010) this week. It is now supported in multiple datacenters, according to Berry. Currently, users can use Server Explorer in Visual Studio 2010 to access their SQL Azure database services.
Earlier this month, CTP3 of 'Dallas' was released. Dallas is the codename for Microsoft's upcoming subscription-based data marketplace built on Windows Azure for use by developers and businesses. The marketplace was announced alongside the Open Data Web protocol (OData) in March at the company's MIX10 conference, and is expected to become commercially available later this year. Dallas CTP3 is the first preview to feature live OData Services, according Microsoft. The roster of Dallas content providers continues to expand; it includes the Associated Press, DATA.Gov, InfoUSA Business Analytics, Weather Central, NAVTEQ, RiskMetrics Group and United Nations data, among several other providers.
Microsoft also released a major update to its Windows Azure AppFabric Access Control Services v1 earlier this month. The latest features support claims-based, federated identity (single sign-on) and authentication by integrating Windows Identity Foundation and adding support for Active Directory Federation Server v2.0 and Web identity providers such as Google, Facebook, Windows Live and Yahoo. Find out more about the host of new features in this latest Labs release on CodePlex.
At the beginning of August, Microsoft started to offer a one-month free pass to Windows Azure and SQL Azure to the first 500 U.S. developers who sign up each month. Find out more about the free accounts here. The user ids and passwords expire at the end of each calendar month. The promotional program is slated to run from August 1 to October 31, 2010.
The updates for these cloud services are coming at an impressive pace. Even so, many developers have indicated that a roadmap from Microsoft for SQL Azure would help their project planning. Information on Reporting Services in the cloud is another frequent request.
Is relational database storage in the Microsoft cloud a viable option for your applications? What limitations and features need to be addressed before you'd consider Windows Azure and SQL Azure? Express your thoughts on the latest developments below or drop me a line at krichards@1105media.com.
Posted by Kathleen Richards on 08/26/2010 at 2:57 PM