摘要
几乎早在10年前,微软内部出现了一个研发代号为＂Hailstorm＂的以用户为中心的网络服务项目,从技术理念上看,该项目和眼下正当红的云计算已有诸多相似之处。
Cloud computing is known as the third technological reform after mainframe computer,client-end/server.The US-based software giant Microsoft Corporation(MS) is the biggest winner in the last tech wave.As early as five years ago,MS' Chief Software Architect Ray Ozzie has foreseen the cloud in his famous The Internet Services Disruption.However,MS did not move fast or steadily enough on the path to the cloud in the following five years.Meanwhile,its rivals such as Amazon and Google have all swiftly shifted to the cloud and make profits.Now,MS found itself no way to quit,but step forward.Fortunately,there's wide space on the cloud.With consistent investments,MS has achieved in the three major fields of cloud computing,IaaS(Infrastructure as a Service),Paas(Platform as a Service),Saas(Software as a service).CEO Steve Ballmer said,'We're all in.' MS has invested almost USD10 billion on R&D,and 70% of its R&D staff are working on the cloud businesses.After over one year's deployment,MS's public cloud service platform product Windows Azure began commercial use.Users can acquire almost all MS products and services including its star products Windows and Office on the cloud.Though falling behind in search,mobile and game areas,MS still enjoys a fat chance with its capital and resources.A cloud net is being weaved.But MS has to solve the following problems:how to structure mature products that clients expect,how to help clients move onto the cloud properly,and how to learn more features of cloud computing.MS has advantages in clients,cooperators and developers resources,seamless experiences,and capital.But the war just launched is testing MS' courage to quit its traditional profitable businesses and the determination to adjust its direction.Is MS ready? Can it win the cloud war? Let's wait and see.
