Microsoft has unveiled a cloud computing platform called Windows Azure to support online storage of data and applications. Cloud computing is the outsourcing of a wide range of tasks like basic computing, storage space, access to database programs, etc. So, other than using offline software and storing data on their own computers, consumers will soon also have the option of employing servers in the "cloud" of easily accessible giant data centers around the world. This launch will mark Microsoft’s entry into the cloud computing domain previously manned by online software veterans like Google and Amazon. According to BBC.com, this "Windows for the cloud" will be offered with the next Windows release, Windows 7.

 The "cloud" promises to create new opportunities for enterprise developers as well as for suppliers offering services and tools for this new paradigm. For testing organizations, there will be both new challenges and new tools.

  "Testing all the layers — from your application to the cloud service provider — is something testers will have to become efficient in," said Vik Chaudhary, vice president of product management and corporate development at Keynote Systems Inc. in San Mateo, Calif. (check the full articel)

 Know more about Azure, read these articles on BBC.com and BusinessWeek.com . You can also check out Azure on the Microsoft site.

 The Windows Azure: Essential Cloud Storage Services movie (right click download)

 And now the one million dollar question, are there any white papers on Cloud computing and testing?

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