12Sep 2013 by Grant Fritchey No Comments

Microsoft Expands Data Centers… Again

Azure
Didn't they just do this in the spring? Word is out that they're expanding even more data centers. The cynical take would be that it's really all about the expanded need for data because of XBox One. But I doubt that explains it all. What's happening is that Azure is finally taking off. Note, I didn't say that Azure SQL Databases are taking off. I'm not sure they are. I think it's a combination of the web sites and the virtual machines. I've a feeling that Microsoft's investment is actually going to pay off. Question for you. Have you invested in Azure too? If not, time to get started. I've posted about it multiple times, so I won't insult you with a bunch of links. Just one, connect your existing…
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22Aug 2013 by Grant Fritchey 2 Comments

Get Started with Windows Azure SQL Database

Azure
Learning new things can be daunting. First, you have to come up with the spare time. Then you have track down resources. For computers, computing and programming, this is both extremely easy and extremely difficult. That difficulty is especially true when it comes to gathering resources for learning things that, while you learn, are potentially going to cost you money. It's a difficult decision to make to risk cash on exploring a new technology. Here's the good news, for several reasons, you don't need to sweat this to get going with Windows Azure SQL Database (WASD). A couple of years ago Jamie Thompson (b|t) set up an account on Azure, all on his own, that allowed people to connect up to it and play with a copy of the AdventureWorks…
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