Microsoft Windows Azure Development Cookbook

14 September 2011

Packt very kindly sent me a review copy of Neil Mackenzie's Microsoft Windows Azure Development Cookbook.

The problem with Windows Azure is that it doesn't stand still for long enough to document it; even MSDN has been sadly lacking at times. Anybody who takes on a book project like this has to be either brave or mad, but writing a book with such broad and accurate technical information demands respect.

The Windows Azure Platform has a large set of features, but this book seems to cover them all. Everything from Compute and Storage through to AppFabric. There is even practical advice on AppFabric Caching and Windows Azure Connect (both relative newcomers to Windows Azure).

It was refreshing to see the book get quickly into detail and code. This book isn't for newbies; you won't find the usual "why cloud computing" space fillers here, just useful well-considered recipes that are clearly borne of real world experience.

Some of the material will start to date quickly; only today Microsoft launched the Windows Azure SDK 1.5, but Neil has tried to pick important, relevant and useful problems to solve, so I think that the book will fare well over time. I hope he will continue to update and refine it in further editions.

Yes there are one or two structural rough edges - the Index feels a bit computer generated, the AppFabric Caching information is awkwardly split across the first and the last chapters but that's nit picking; the content itself is first class and it's easy to dip into whenever you have a problem or need advice. This is a book that I'm hanging onto.

If you are a Windows Azure Developer or hands on Architect, then it's well worth the money - it consolidates a great deal of Windows Azure experience and wisdom in one place, it will save you googling time and you're bound to learn something new!