Azure is the first Microsoft solution to be available as a preview from Microsoft datacenters in Toronto and Quebec City. General availability is scheduled for Q2, with Office 365 and Dynamics CRM Online to follow shortly after that.
Microsoft offers up new options for partners to control billing for customers using Microsoft cloud products, and introduces new cloud programs and support.
Microsoft claims great momentum for its Azure cloud offerings. But making it available to partners through open licensing should cause further acceleration.
Microsoft doused doubters with a strong earnings report as revenue and profits grew at double-digit rates, driven by strong cloud and server sales.
Software giant rebrands hosted business apps; adds Office to the mix.
