Grants for educators using Windows Azure in their curricula

On April 16, Microsoft announced the availability of Windows Azure Infrastructure Services.  This new service now makes it possible for customers to move applications into the cloud. Microsoft is now the only cloud provider with fully supported infrastructure and platform service offerings. Microsoft provides a comprehensive hybrid cloud solution that integrates customers' existing IT infrastructure with the latest cloud technology.

As a faculty member, you and your students can use Windows Azure for free, no credit card needed. To read about and apply for a Windows Azure Educator Grant please go to Windows Azure Educators. After receiving your application and verification of your faculty status, we will send you a grant letter to sign and send back to us to get passcodes for your Azure accounts. Neither you nor your students will pay or provide a credit card for access to Windows Azure. Accounts are valid for 12 months for faculty and 6 months for students and can be extended if needed.

To help you get started with Windows Azure in the classroom, we have developed resources and course and lab material you can access at Windows Azure Resource Kit or on Faculty Connection Web Site. Additionally there is a wealth of information on Windows Azure Documentation for you to use.

Finally, if you want to get more involved, work with us and collaborate with other Azure faculties around the world on Windows Azure content, teaching material and research projects, apply to become a Windows Azure University Faculty. Send an email to AzureU@microsoft.com with subject line “RSVP AzureU Faculties” with your name, email, university, phone number and address in the body. Please indicate if you have or will be teaching Azure in close future.

Enjoy!

Jonny