Microsoft's Azure cloud platform hits 31,000 customers on one-year anniversary

Microsoft's Windows Azure cloud computing platform is now one year old, and the Redmond company has announced that there are now more than 31,000 customers utilizing the platform. While that means growth slowed somewhat from Azure's first six months -- when some 20,000 signed on -- the 55% increase is still quite impressive.

After an initial inrush of early adopters and startups, Microsoft is now seeing larger, more established companies like Xerox, T-Mobile, and Travelocity tap into the Azure cloud. "One of the things we're seeing is cloud computing is moving away from a buzz word to chest beating to something with real business benefits," said Microsoft's Amy Barzdukas.

While you and I may never have direct contact with Azure itself, chances are good we'll soon be using apps built on the platform -- if we're not already and simply don't know it.

Tags: admin, cloud, cloud computing, CloudComputing, development, microsoft, visual studio, VisualStudio, windows azure, WindowsAzure

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