Why is the Windows Azure Virtual Machine role being introduced?
The Windows Azure application programming model is a more efficient way to develop and manage applications because it offers customers compelling agility, simplicity and cost advantages over previous development models. That being said, for many customers, the move from traditional, on-premises applications to the cloud services model can be intimidating. To make the process of migrating existing Windows Server applications to Windows Azure easier and faster, we are introducing the VM role functionality at PDC 10. This new functionality will help dramatically expand the universe of applications that can be run on Windows Azure. We will continue to invest in this area. In Calendar Year 2011, we will enable support Windows Server 2008 SP2, Windows Server 2003 and constructing VM role images in the cloud.
