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Microsoft Debuts Azure for Student Developers

Microsoft has launched Microsoft Azure for student developers, a free version of the company's development tool for Web sites and Web apps.

Microsoft Azure is the company's cloud computing platform of integrated services. As part of its Microsoft Imagine mission, which aims to connect student developers with the tools and knowledge they need, the company has added Microsoft Azure to its DreamSpark program. Dreamspark provides students and schools with access to Microsoft software for the purpose of teaching, learning and research.

Key features of Microsoft Azure for student developers include:

  • Azure App Service, which is part of a platform-as-a-service (PaaS) to help developers build, deploy and scale Web apps using ASP.NET, Java, PHP, Node.js or Python;
  • Support for WordPress, Drupal, Joola, Umbraco and DotNetNuke;
  • Continuous integration and deployment workflows using VSO, GitHub, TeamCity, Hudson or BitBucket;
  • Application Insights, which lets student monitor availability, performance and usage of ASP.NET services and mobile applications for Windows Phone, iOS and Android; and
  • Visual Studio Online, a tool for planning, building and delivering software across multiple platforms, without the need to install or configure a server.

According to a blog post on Microsoft's site, the company plans to add more features to Microsoft Azure for student developers in the future.

Microsoft Azure for student developers is available now in 140 countries. Students can register for free on the Microsoft Dreamspark site.

About the Author

Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].

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