Redmond (ip-192.com): Microsoft will work with eBay to create the next generation infrastructure and develop a private cloud technology. The private cloud will not compete with its current public cloud Azure, Microsoft said. It will be used to accommodate online transactions as well as private data not suitable for a public cloud environment.
"The Windows Azure Platform Appliance consists of Windows Azure, SQL Azure and a Microsoft-specified configuration of network, storage and server hardware. Service providers, governments and large enterprises who would, for example, invest in (1,000) servers at a time, will be able to deploy the Windows Azure platform on their own 
hardware in their datacenter. Microsoft Windows Azure Platform Appliance is optimized for scale out applications - such as eBay - and datacenter efficiency across hundreds to thousands to tens-of-thousands servers," says Microsoft on the Windows Azure blog.
"The appliance will run only on network, storage and server hardware that meets the Windows Azure platform reference specifications. We've invested significant engineering resources to ensure that the hardware required by the appliance is optimized to enable service availability, automated management and power, cooling and operational efficiency across tens of thousands of servers. Based on industry-standard x64 hardware, customers will be able to purchase the appliance from a choice of partners."
Microsoft says that Windows Azure and SQL Azure is currently being delivered to service provider partners including Dell, Fujitsu and HP to run on Microsoft-specified hardware in their datacenters.
The Wall Street Journal further elaborates on the deal and says Microsoft would gain access to Fujitsu’s customer base and data centers, while the Japanese multinational computer hardware and IT Services Company would start offering Windows Azure cloud-based services.
Roughly 30 percent of current Azure subscriptions originate from Partners, Microsoft says. The company sees "tremendous opportunity for partners in the cloud," especially for ISVs that can "efficiently build and cost-effectively deliver new and existing applications on the Windows Azure platform."
What exactly is Windows Azure cloud computing? A YouTube video tries to offer an easy awnser.
Photo: www.imagine-your-world.com
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