Windows Azure SDK is an open cloud program for Windows that enables users to quickly build, deploy and manage various applications across a global network of data centers. What is more, it is possible to design apps using any programming language, tool or framework.

General notes

With the improvement of Internet connections there are more web services available to the users. In this case, Microsoft has released a cloud platform specially aimed at individual developers and companies, the main goal of which is to create web applications via a third-party utility called Windows Azure.

Please note, using the SDK is optional due to the fact that you can use any operating systems and programming languages that support HTTP requests and responses. However, the provided interface and libraries makes this process quite straightforward.

Functionality

The software package gives your access to a wide range of tools that give you the ability to develop any web-based service or application which can be later used on the cloud platform. You are able to adapt your existing projects or create new ones from scratch. If you want to build your own website, you may use another Microsoft product such as Microsoft Expression Studio.

Features

free to download and use;
compatible with modern Windows versions;
gives you the ability to build web-applications;
includes a wide range of development tools;
relies on a Microsoft cloud platform.