Microsoft Bizspark and NDRC launch Azure Academy for Cloud Computing

Microsoft Bizspark and NDRC (National Digital Research Centre) today launched the ‘Azure Academy for Cloud Computing’ series.  Microsoft’s Bizspark programme and NDRC, two entities that have a strong track record in providing support to start up organisations, both recognise the potential impact that Cloud Computing can have on the business and growth plans of small and developing companies.  In order to ensure that organisations are aware of the full benefits of Cloud Computing, Microsoft Bizspark and NDRC are coming together to run a series of technical seminars covering a wide range of topics and issues related to the Windows Azure platform.

Cloud platforms such as Windows Azure allow start ups companies quickly develop innovative application solutions in the Cloud for testing new business and operating models without huge upfront investments. The pay-as-you-go licensing model allows them to only use the technology that they need when they need it rather than tying up valuable capital before it is required. The flexibility of the model also facilitates rapid growth as the technology can be scaled as the business requires it.

The establishment of the Azure Academy follows the participation of both organisations in the recent Cloud Computing Summit.  The first academy will be held on October 22nd in the Digital Exchange at 2 pm and will include an address from David Lemphers, Senior Programme Manager in the Windows Azure Engineering group based in Redmond, WA plus end-user case studies from local Start-ups.

Paul Rellis, MD of Microsoft Ireland and member of NDRC’s Board said: “The Cloud is opening up a wide range of opportunities for organisations of all sizes. The fact that it helps companies save money on their technology deployments by reducing the amount of upfront investment required is something that is of significance to private and public sector organisations of all sizes but is obviously of particular benefit to start ups.

“Successful indigenous companies will be at the heart of Ireland’s economic recovery and will be critical to helping ensure that we realise the vision of becoming a Smart Economy. It is really important that we provide the support that we can to the start up community to assist them in their efforts to create Ireland’s companies of the future. BizSpark offers these companies a wide range of supports and we are delighted to partner with NDRC to broaden the range of supports even further through the launch of the Azure Academy.”

Ben Hurley, CEO of NDRC said: “NDRC is delighted to be collaborating with Microsoft Bizspark on this programme. As we embark on a new phase of investment into projects with both research and businesses partners, the Cloud is becoming an increasingly important platform for innovative new applications. The Azure Academy will support existing NDRC collaborators and new start-ups to understand the benefits to them of ICT virtual services and Cloud Computing.”

The Azure Academy comprises a series of technical seminars taking place over 4 months. International and local experts will present on topics such as ‘Windows Azure Platform Overview’, ‘Building Cloud Services using Windows Azure’, ‘Scaling out with SQL Azure’ and ‘Building Applications using the .NET Service Bus’. They will be joined by local companies who are already using Azure to give real-world feedback on their experience of Cloud technology.

All attendees of the Azure Academy will provided with priority access to the Azure Community Technology Preview.

There will be no cost for attending the Azure Academy.

Register at: http://short.ie/p74mom

When: First academy will be held on October 22nd, 2009 at 2 pm.

Where: Digital Exchange, Crane Street, The Digital Hub, Dublin 8, Ireland.

For further information please contact:

 

Alison Mills

Q4 Public Relations

Tel: 01 475 1444

Mob: 086 851 2890

 

About Microsoft BizSpark

Microsoft’s BizSpark Programme provides Startups with the software, support and visibility they need to accelerate their business.

 

About NDRC

NDRC (National Digital Research Centre) is an independent enterprise dedicated to accelerating research from idea to income. Our collaborative approach with technology and business innovators drives greater collective success while cultivating bolder attitudes towards invention and investment. Visit www.ndrc.ie

 

About Windows Azure

Windows® Azure is a cloud services operating system that serves as the development, service hosting and service management environment for the Windows Azure Platform. Windows Azure provides developers with on-demand compute and storage to host, scale, and manage Web applications on the Internet through Microsoft® data centers. Windows Azure is currently in Community Technology Preview.