With 80% of IT spend used for operational support, IT departments often find it hard to support the business in developing innovative ways of using technology to create new revenue opportunities.

To solve this challenge the industry is reinventing itself by providing IT as a service rather than a cost centre, and Microsoft is leading the way. Welcome to Windows Azure – the Cloud solutions platform.


10,000 customers have already chosen Azure since its launch in Nov 2009. It has had a strong appeal for enterprise organisations looking for a familiar, cost effective and secure platform to rapidly develop and deliver Cloud solutions and services.

With many businesses concerned about data protection, the lack of a local data centre has restricted UK Cloud adoption. Launched last month, the Windows Azure Platform Appliance now allows large enterprises or hosting companies to securely run and manage their own Azure 'Clouds'.

Microsoft is the only IT company offering the power of choice between on-premises, co-location and the Cloud. Windows Azure offers the flexibility to work alongside your existing on-premises infrastructure with pay-as-you-go pricing, just like with utilities.