Windows 7: Free Windows Azure for MSDN Subscribers.

On January 4th, Microsoft’s Cloud platform graduated from Community Technology Preview phase to a subscription based offering. Although Microsoft continued not to charge customers for Windows Azure for the month of January 2010, as of today, February 1st, users leveraging the Cloud OS will have to pay for all Windows Azure platform services. There is, however, a very interesting exception to this rule, and one which will ultimately benefit developers. The Redmond company has a special offering lined up for MSDN subscribers. According to the software giant, MSDN Premium subscriptions come as of January 4th, with a promotional offer, namely a monthly amount of Windows Azure Platform services that are made available in addition to the benefits already delivered to subscribers.