Agreement Between eBay and Microsoft for Cloud Computing

eBay and Microsoft Cloud ComputingMicrosoft Corporation and eBay announced today that eBay will be one of the first to purchase the new Windows Azure Platform Appliance for cloud computing by Microsoft.

The innovation and power of the Windows Azure Platform Appliance will deliver an automated and scalable cost-effective datacenter solution when combined with the technical excellence of the eBay platform.

“Microsoft’s focus on and investment in the Windows Azure platform appliance shows they are committed to world-class cloud computing solutions. eBay has the right blueprint for next-generation software-as-a-service-based applications with our platform’s architecture, scale and reliability”

The Windows Azure Platform Appliance will be integrated into two of eBay’s data centers to further the optimization of its platform in order to achieve better strategic agility and efficiency.

“Microsoft’s focus on and investment in the Windows Azure platform appliance shows they are committed to world-class cloud computing solutions. eBay has the right blueprint for next-generation software-as-a-service-based applications with our platform’s architecture, scale and reliability,” said James Barrese, eBay vice president of technology. “Joint engineering on the Windows Azure platform appliance with eBay’s massive, high-volume systems allows Microsoft to demonstrate its leadership in this space and helps eBay improve our user experience through a flexible, scalable and cost-effective solution.”

The Windows Azure Platform Appliance is based on Windows Azure, Microsoft SQL Azure and a Microsoft Specified Configuration of Network and Server Hardware plus Storage.

“eBay has one of the world’s largest ecommerce platforms, meeting the wide-ranging needs of customers around the world. We are thrilled to work with such a technology and business leader as we help foster the new era of cloud computing with the Windows Azure platform appliance,” said Bob Muglia, president of Server and Tools Business, Microsoft Corp.

The Windows Azure Platform Appliance will be deployed by eBay and Microsoft this year.