Last week Microsoft announced updates to Windows Azure Mobile Services which allows developers to take advantage of the cloud to build and deploy modern apps for Windows 8 and iOS. Whether you are a developer building for the Windows Store, Windows Phone 8, iPhone, or iPad, Mobile Services provides an easy, streamlined process for backend elements like storing structured data, configuring user authentication via Windows Live, Facebook, Twitter, and Google, and incorporating push notifications.

Developers will benefit from Windows Azure Mobile Services in the following ways:

· Rapid Development: configure a straightforward and secure backend for Windows 8 and mobile applications in less than five minutes.

· Create modern mobile app with built in support and new added capabilities:

o Scheduled Scripts: run a server script on a pre-set schedule or on-demand which enables several key scenarios including:

§ aggregating data from Twitter, RSS feeds, or any external web services

§ executing background code efficiently, such as process/resize images, performing complex calculations, or sending emails

§ schedule sending push notifications to customers to ensure they arrive at the right time of day

o Command-line support: use the Windows Azure cross platform command line tools to easily create and manage mobile services

o Availability in Europe: create Mobile Services in the North Europe region in addition to the US East and US West regions

Call to action: Visit WindowsAzure.com to access Mobile Services either by logging into a current Windows Azure account or sign up for the free Mobile Services trial.

Get started with 10 Mobile Services for FREE