How do partners fit into this cloud based model – specifically, VARs ISVs, SIs and developers?
Business partners will continue to build multi-tenant packaged or custom LOB applications and use SQL Azure Database with the similar knowledge and tools as they do with on-premises SQL Server. Partners can also extend their existing LOB applications to use SQL Azure with minimal friction. ISVs and partners can also develop and offer new consumer Saas applications powered by SQL Azure and Windows Azure multi-tenant capabilities.