Comments on: Windows Azure: Blue skies ahead?

Analysts praise Microsoft's ambition with its Azure cloud-computing effort, but say that getting there will take some time.

[t26l]

I sincerely hope they fail. We need a post-MS world more than ever. Technology (more specifically, the web) is stagnant mostly to remain compatible with MS products.

[sonymaster101]

in case you've forgotten, windows is the only Os that can feasibly be used by 90 % of the world. OS X is far too expensive, and Linux is still the realm of geeks. Also, in case you've forgotten, Microsoft is the company behind the advance of technology in the 20th and 21st centuries due to its introduction of an OS that can be used by anyone at a fairly low price. Apples designer computers have never held any more than 10 % of the computer market in the modern computer era simply because their machines are far too exorbitant a cost for most consumers to justify buying. windows, despite its shortcomings, is the most versatile OS in existence, due to its extremely large hardware compatibility base.

[anthonyyaco]

Linux is much more than just for geeks. Have you ever used Ubuntu? It is extremely user friendly and as usable or even more usable than Windows.

[jeanlacan]

Truly sad to see people wishing ill onto others. A comment like "I sincerely hope they fail" is a truly negative comment and must reflect the state of mind of the writer. The more one feels such emotions, the shorter one's life gets. So cheer up, friend! It's only computing and money - your own life is worth more than that, at least to you and your loves ones.

[andyslaptop]

GO MICROSOFT! Forget the haters. With out Microsoft we would still be using the failed MAC and the few advanced users would be using Linux.

[ppgreat]

Again, as opposed to coming out with a usable solution from the beginning, Microsoft is asking people to wait for it and hoping that it will scare off potential rivals.

That scheme may have worked even 5 years ago, but there are many nimbler companies out there who will take this as a challenge to beat them at their own game. It used to be be that you respected AND feared Microsoft. But companies like Google, Amazon, and Apple, to name a few, have shown that you can take on the lumbering 800 lb. gorilla without fear.

[Galaxy5]

I look forward to every techtard in the world now mispronouncing the word Azure.

It means blue, folks. Windows Blue. Like a sky without clouds...strange message, Microsoft!

[s1rf]

Alot of hatred from these posts.

t261:
How is the technology stagnant? MS is one of the only ones (outside of Adobe) who is trying to redefine the web UX experience (Silverlight, Flash) as opposed to Google, Apple, and Firefox making Javascript run faster. That helps alot for the current web, but does nothing for the true vision of the web.

ppgreat:
As for asking people to wait for the technology, the wait is worth it. MS is the only company with the vision to have it's products work across the board (Cars, Mobile devices, Enterprises, Workstations, & Gaming Systems). What other company has implemented anything remotely this viable?

Galaxy5:
Lastly, a sky without clouds is the perfect backdrop to bring your vision to life.

[myles taylor]

I never thought that I'd see the word "Microsoft" and "vision" in the same sentence. I won't go into that though. ;)

If Azure turns out anything like Office 2007 the computing world is in trouble. I have found Office 2007 the most cumbersome program to use since DOS. I hope Microsoft goes back to creating productivity software. It is time to do away with the Glitz and Glamor.

[YankeePoodle]

Joel Spolsky has an article about Architechture Astronauts. http://www.joelonsoftware.com/items/2008/05/01.html

It is truly relevant. As a microsoft .net developer I wish Azure will really succeed, but I still have my doubts.

[myles taylor]

I think Microsoft will slap too much red tape on it and eventually it will cost too much for the consumer. Looks like it might be good for business though. I think Microsoft needs to stick to business rather than trying to compete for the consumer market. I think that's where the other companies excel. Microsoft can stay Top Dog of the business world as long as it gets it's focus.