Windows Azure recently underwent a complete facelift, making it easier to manage your cloud environment as well as offering a host of new features and functionality, including support for Linux and various open source applications freely available through an easy to use (and install) directory. For smaller government agencies, it makes all the sense in the world to leverage the power of large cloud data centers, like Amazon and Microsoft’s, and reduce the costs required to maintain the same level up service to your constituents. You no longer need to worry about the costs of servers, space, 24×7 support… those are provided by the hosting provider at a level only possible before for the largest government agencies.
But even the big boys see the benefits, and at a cost savings to boot!
The County of San Diego provides health and justice services to over 3 million residents and municipal services to the county’s unincorporated areas. And it’s the second largest county in California, encompassing more than 4200 square miles.
In 2007, San Diego County was struck by a disasterous wildfire – and half a million people had to be evacuated. The crisis became a national news item, and CNN publicized the county’s emergency website as part of their coverage.
Flooded with a sudden spike in traffic, the website’s servers went down. But this problem affected a group far more important than the viewers of CNN – for days, the people of San Diego County were left without access to much needed information.
Resolving never to face this problem again, San Diego County looked for a solution. After exploring various options, they chose Windows Azure as the platform to host and manage their emergency management system. This cloud-based system has shown immediate payoffs.
Read how San Diego County leveraged the advantages of Windows Azure by reading the full case study here.
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