Posted by The Blogging Desk on Thu, Jul 21, 2011
Information Week:
Microsoft unveiled new software tools and services designed to let researchers use its Azure cloud platform to analyze extremely large data sets from a diverse range of disciplines--and it's borrowing technology from archrival Google to help gird the platform.
The software maker unveiled the initiative, known as Project Daytona, at its Research Faculty Summit in Redmond, Wash., this week. The service was developed under the Microsoft extreme computing group's Cloud Research Engagement program, which aims to find new applications for cloud platforms.
"Daytona gives scientists more ways to use the cloud without being tied to one computer or needing detailed knowledge of cloud programming--ultimately letting scientists be scientists," said Dan Reed, corporate VP for Microsoft's technology policy group.
See folks? The cloud does a whole lot more than just sync your apps on your phones and stream your Lady Gaga songs. Much more!
These types of stories for Microsoft don't get as much press as they should. You generally only hear stories about how poorly they're handling updates to their Windows Phone, or why they don't have a viable iPad competitor out.
These stories show that Microsoft is, in fact, working on important business that can help shape many scientific insights as well as breakthroughs. Sure, Apple can get all the press about their sexy sleek laptops, but in terms of saving lifes in the long term, some of these studies are just flat out more important. Though, I really do want a new laptop.