Microsoft Windows Azure cloud application development and security concepts

KEMI-TORNIO UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES Degree programme: Business Information Technology Writer: Cristian-Stefan Marin Thesis title: Microsoft Windows Azure cloud application development and security concepts Pages (of which appendices): 82 (5) Date: Thesis instructor: Roger Niska This thesis focuses on the area of cloud computing, an important and relevant research area in computer science. Considering the rapid evolution of cloud computing and the wide variety of cloud service providers, software developers need to stay updated on technology advancements. The focus of the thesis is on developing cloud applications. In particular, this thesis analyzes the Microsoft Windows Azure (MWA) platform and the current services it provides. The research aims to emphasize the capabilities of the services provided by the MWA platform, whilst considering the business implications of developing cloud applications. Moreover, the research analyzes various security aspects and features implemented in the MWA platform. Finally, an application is built using open source templates and deployed into the MWA environment, illustrating the development process in MWA. Exploratory research is the core research method employed in conducting this research. In an attempt to answer the proposed research questions and to achieve the research objectives, the data collected during the research process was primarily obtained from scientific sources such as printed or electronic literature published by established authors. Additionally, descriptive research is employed as secondary research methodology. The research is of theoretical nature, although it includes practical aspects regarding the use of the MWA platform and tools associated with it. The main output of this thesis is to provide updated information about the MWA platform, considering that most previous research is deemed outdated or incomplete due to major improvements implemented during the year of 2012. Furthermore, recommended practices for increasing the security of MWA applications are provided. The sample application built and deployed during the research process represents a secondary output of this thesis. Further research on developing cloud applications can be conducted, as the MWA platform continues to be subject to modifications.