Windows Azure Backup cloud backup service is available for commercial use.

The Windows Azure cloud backup service has gone out of the preview stage and is available for public use.

Windows Azure Backup is a cloud-based solution for Windows Server that allows you to back up and restore files and folders to the cloud, providing built-in protection against data loss. The service offers IT administrators and developers the ability to back up and protect critical data and an easy way to recover it from anywhere and without the cost of hardware.
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Windows Azure Backup contains the following key features:

Simplified configuration and management . Windows Azure Backup service integrates with the familiar Windows Server Backup utility in Windows Server and with Data Protection Manager in System Center and Windows Server Essentials in order to offer a single backup path to disk or cloud.

Incremental block level backups . The Windows Azure Backup Agent performs incremental backups based on changes in the file and changes at the block level and copies only those blocks that have been changed, which reduces traffic and the need for storage. Different versions of backups efficiently use storage space, storing only changes between blocks.

Data compression, encryption and throttling . The Windows Azure Backup Agent provides data encryption and compression for transfer to the Windows Azure storage. As a result, only encrypted backup data can be stored in the Windows Azure cloud. The encryption key is not available to the Windows Azure Backup service in the cloud and as a result, the data cannot be decrypted and not decrypted in the cloud service. Service users can also configure the function and parameters of throttling and indicate to the service how it should dispose of the network bandwidth during backup or restore.

The integrity of the data is verified in the cloud . In addition to secure backups, backup data is automatically checked for integrity. As a result, any data corruption that might have occurred during data transmission over the network is automatically detected and corrected.

Configuring policies to save data in the cloud . The Windows Azure Backup service allows you to use policies to configure a period of time after which backups should be deleted. It helps to comply with corporate standards and save money on backup storage.

To familiarize yourself with the work of the Windows Azure Backup backup service, you can read the following articles:

• Manual: Setting up backup using Windows Azure Backup Agent
• Manual: Restoring Files and Folders with Windows Azure Backup Agent

The good news is that the first 5 gigabytes of the archiving service are free for users. Excess will cost 16.50 p per gigabyte per month . The pricing details of the Windows Azure Backup service are listed at the following link .

useful links

Below you will find links to resources that will help you in using the Microsoft cloud platform:

• Free 30-day trial of Windows Azure;
• Free access to Windows Azure resources for startups , partners , teachers, MSDN subscribers ;
• Windows Azure Development Center (azurehub.ru) - scripts, tutorials, examples, recommendations on the choice of services and development on Windows Azure;
• Latest Windows Azure News - Twitter.com/windowsazure_ru .

And if you are already developing on Windows Azure or want to find the developers of your service, visit appprofessionals.ru .

We will be happy to answer your questions at azurerus@microsoft.com . And we are waiting for you in the Windows Azure Community on Facebook . Here you will find experts (don't forget to ask them questions), photos, and lots and lots of news.

Cloud OS Summit

Dear developers, system administrators, heads of IT departments and groups of software developers! We are pleased to invite you to the Cloud OS ^* Summit conference, which will be held in Moscow on November 27, 2013 .

Cloud OS Summit is the largest cloud conference of Microsoft in Russia. By participating in the event, you will learn all about the newest versions of Microsoft products - Windows Server 2012 R2, System Center 2012 R2, SQL Server 2014, Visual Studio 2013, and Windows Azure services. Together with experts from Microsoft and its partners, you will discuss scenarios for applying the latest products to solve the problems of your business.

Participation in the conference is free! It is necessary to register . The number of places is limited, in a hurry to take your own.