The future of computing is in the cloud, and no one knows that more than the universities and institutions teaching the next crop of computer science talent. With the already growing skills gap for cloud-related IT workers, technology companies like Microsoft are also motivated to get future generations prepared. In fact, to give educators and students a head start, Microsoft provides educator grants for institutions that want to add Windows Azure to their curriculum via Windows Azure academic passes.
As a faculty member, the program lets you and your students use Windows Azure for free. Neither educators nor students are required to pay or provide a credit card for access. Your accounts are valid for 12 months for faculty and six months for students, and can be extended if needed.
Read more about this terrific program on the Microsoft in Education blog and help establish your institution and students as leaders in the cloud.
Deborah Pisano
Microsoft News Center Staff