The Microsoft cloud strategy gets a boost with a number of enterprise additions-- including a partnership with Equinix, the launch of the Windows Azure IaaS component and discounts on Azure prices. 

“As enterprises move to the cloud they are going to bet on vendors that have best-in-class SaaS applications, operate a global public cloud that supports a broad ecosystem of 3rd party services, and deliver multi-cloud mobility through true hybrid solutions," cloud and enterprise executive VP Satya Nadella says. "If you look across the vendor landscape, you can see that only Microsoft is truly delivering in all of those areas.”

The announcements follow the release of Windows Server 2012 R2 and System Centre 2012 R2, promising Hyper-V virtualisation, lower-cost storage, built-in software-defined networking (SDN) and hybrid business continuity. 

Meanwhile the Equinix partnership is identical to Amazon DirectConnect, being a means for customers to directly connect networks to Azure at Equinix exchange locations. 

Further Microsoft releases include enhancements on Windows Intune, Dynamics CRM and Dynamics NAV, together with a Remote Desktop app for Windows, Windows RT, iOS, OS X and Android machines. 

Go Microsoft Unleashes Fall Wave of Enterprise Cloud Solutions