Microsoft releases new add-ons for Azure cloud service

The new services are currently available as test builds, with final versions expected shortly

Microsoft has begun rolling out test versions of several new add-ons and services to its Azure cloud platform.

The new enhancements are designed to deliver: improved remote desktop functionality; Window Server 2008 R2 Roles, which allows users to take advantage of IIS 7.5 Applocker among other features; multiple service administrators - Windows Azure now supports multiple Windows Live IDs to have administrator privileges on the same Windows Azure account; and a better developer and IT professional experience.

At the Professional Developer's Conference earlier this year, the company said it would deliver these services by the end of 2010.

However, some services that Microsoft promised would be available have yet to be released.

These include server application virtualisation, SQL Azure Reporting and SQL Azure Data Sync. Microsoft said these services will be made available this month.

Microsoft said that the new enhancements are designed to make it easier for customers to run existing Windows applications on Azure, and enable more affordable platform access.

The new functionality is now available through the Windows Azure SDK and Windows Azure Tools for Visual Studio and the new Windows Azure Management Portal.