From PDC: Microsoft Announces SQL Azure Enhancements

This morning’s PDC keynote was highlighted by presentations by Steve Ballmer, Bob Muglia, Scott Guthrie, Mark Russinovich and Don Box. Some of the key SQL Azure enhancements include: SQL Azure Reporting – SQL Azure will be able to host Reporting Services enabling businesses to publish their report to SQL Azure instances. A CTP will be available before the end of 2010. SQL Azure Data Sync – This enhancement allows SQL Azure to synchronized databases to other SQL Azure instances and on-premise SQL Server instances. A CTP will be available before the end of 2010. Database Manager for SQL Azure – Another SQL Azure enhancement is the lightweight web based management application for SQL Azure. The Database Manager for SQL Azure will be generally available before the end of 2010. Windows Azure Virtual Machine Role – This new Azure role enables customers to create VM’s in the cloud. Server Application Virtualization – This is the cloud-based server equivalent of App-V for Windows Azure. This allows server applications to be rolled out to Azure worker roles with no need for a formal installation process. A new CTP is planned before the end of 2010.