Azure on the Horizon

Today, Microsoft announced details of its new offering, Azure, Web-based infrastructure that seems intended to compete with the likes of Google App Engine and Amazon's EC2. Rumors have been flying for some time that Microsoft planned to release a Web-based operating system, and based on recent talks by company luminaries such as Craig Mundie and Ray Ozzie, the giant has been looking to change its strategy to better compete with challenges from Internet companies such as Google. A lot is still up in the air about Azure, however: Microsoft hasn't yet revealed when it will be out or how much it will cost.