Microsoft launches the Azure App Service for cross-platform, cloud-based apps

Microsoft has made it easier for Windows Phone and other developers to create cross-platform, cloud-connected apps with the new Azure App Service, which also comes with a one-month free trial.

Traditionally, developers create different versions of their apps based on the various platforms. That can be a very time-consuming and complicated business!

But Azure App Service, which Microsoft launched last month, greatly simplifies and streamlines that process. If you’re not a developer, what this means is that in the near future, you will likely see more useful, helpful and engaging apps and games on your Lumia as well as other devices.

Azure App Service, said Bill Staples, corporate vice president, app platform, Microsoft Azure, “is a new one-of-a-kind cloud service that enables developers to build web and mobile apps for any platform and any device.”

Basically, Azure App Service focuses on four areas to help developers create exceptional apps all under one roof. We’ve briefly detailed the key areas below, but if you’ve got time, tune in and watch Scott Hanselman, principal program manager lead in the Microsoft Developer Division, talk about each area in more depth.

Mobile apps

If you’re a developer, this is the easy way to build engaging apps that run cross-platform to work on Windows, Mac, iOS and Android.

Here you can authenticate users, store app data in the cloud or on-premises, and send push notifications to people’s devices to encourage continued app usage.

If you’re interested in developing a Mobile app or if there’s a developer amongst your family or friends, check out a detailed tutorial on how to create a Mobile app, including Universal Windows apps.

Glenn Gailey, a programmer at Microsoft, explains all over at the Microsoft Azure document pages.

Web apps

Rapidly build, deploy and manage websites and web apps using .NET, Node.js, PHP, Python, and Java.

Take advantage of the library of pre-built APIs to make it easier to connect to cloud-based services such as Office 365 and Salesforce.

API apps

For developers who want to use their own existing APIs, they can easily integrate them with no code changes.

Logic apps

Logic apps are a new way of automating business processes, running them in a reliable way in the cloud.

These offer out-of-the box connectivity to a vast ecosystem of SaaS and cloud-based applications, including Office 365, Salesforce, Twitter, Dropbox, Google Services, and more.

Are you looking to build cross-platform, cloud-based apps?

If so, switch to the Azure App Service to take advantage of what’s on offer. Sign up for the free one-month trial today.

Readers, what apps would you like to see on your Lumia that could take advantage of this new service?