Microsoft's Cloud Direction and Messaging

As you read this, we are already knee-deep into TechEd 2013 North America in New Orleans and waist-deep into Microsoft's cloud messaging. The weather is hot and humid, the convention center is huge, and the crowds are anxious to learn about Microsoft's technology direction. If you are also in attendance, stop by and see us. We're the folks running around like crazy on the Expo floor, speaking with vendors for the Best of TechEd awards, and then hitting the sessions and meetings to accumulate some great information to share with you all once we return.

It's All About the Cloud

Lots of folks seem to think Microsoft is secretive about what they will announce at events like this, but in reality, they are as transparent as a cloudless day (pun intended). A huge fan of Sherlock Holmes, I pride myself on being able to see clues where no one else can, but in the case of upcoming event announcements, Microsoft leaves all the clues right out in the open. And, here's the message: It's all about the cloud. But, really, could it be about anything else?

If you're ever curious as to what might be announced at an upcoming event like TechEd, here's a tip: Watch the Microsoft Download Center web page and pay special attention to the videos released about two weeks prior.

Windows Azure Infrastructure

Sure, we've all heard about the changes coming in Windows 8.1 by now, and even though we'll hear a lot about that at TechEd 2013, that's not the bulk of Microsoft's messaging. Keeping with my tip, there's absolutely no downloads or videos released for Windows 8.1, instead all of the recently available content is centered on Windows Azure and Microsoft's cloud direction. In addition to Windows Azure infrastructure posters and whitepapers, Microsoft has also recently released new components, add-ons, and information for System Center 2012 products.

Microsoft is steadily building a top tier service for public, private and hybrid cloud, but their messaging has been convoluted and confusing. Expect to hear a simpler, kinder message come out of TechEd 2013, much like has been introduced in the following recent downloads (see, the tip really does work):