Windows Azure Platform
and Interoperability

As part of Microsoft’s continued commitment to interoperability, the Windows Azure platform has been built from the ground up with interoperability in mind. As an open platform, Windows Azure offers choices to developers. It allows them to use multiples languages (.NET, PHP, Ruby, Python or Java) and development tools (Visual Studio or Eclipse) to build applications which run on Windows Azure and/or consume any of the Windows Azure platform offerings from any other cloud or on premise platform. With its standards-based and interoperable approach, the Windows Azure platform supports multiple Internet protocols including HTTP, XML, SOAP and REST —key pillars of data portability.

Interoperability made easier for developers

From the developer’s standpoint, interoperability creates opportunities to combine new Azure cloud-based applications with other platforms. Developers can easily combine applications living on other clouds or on-premise using services offered by the Windows Azure platform. They can also build and enhance applications using their existing skills with the Microsoft Visual Studio development environment and the .NET Framework, or with other development environments like Eclipse. Developers have the choice of several languages for building their applications, including:

• .NET (C# and Visual Basic), C++
• PHP, Ruby, Python
• Java,

In addition, interoperability with other platforms is made easier through community-based libraries:

• Plug-in for Eclipse,
• SDKs for Java, PHP, and Ruby.

Interop SDKs and tools

Windows Azure SDK for Java

Windows Azure SDK for PHP

Windows Azure Tools for Eclipse

AppFabric SDK for Java™ Developers

AppFabric SDK for Ruby Developers

AppFabric SDK for PHP Developers