Microsoft removes fees for Azure uploads

Microsoft plans to remove all inbound data charges for its Windows Azure cloud computing service in a bid to lure new customers.

The company said that from 1 July, users would no longer need to pay to upload data from their systems to the platform. The offer will be valid for both peak and non-peak activity periods.

Microsoft said that the update is meant, in large part, to help eliminate cost hurdles for new customers wishing to migrate their data from on-premise systems to the Azure cloud platform.

Additionally, the change will benefit high-volume customers who are constantly adding new data into the Azure service. Customers will still be charged for data download transfers.

"Today we're pleased to announce a change in pricing for the Windows Azure platform that will provide significant cost savings for customers whose cloud applications experience substantial inbound traffic, and customers interested in migrating large quantities of existing data to the cloud," the company said in a blog posting announcing the news.

"Customers and partners with whom we've shared this announcement are excited by this change."

The offer is not the first freebie Microsoft has made to potential Azure customers. In February, the company rolled out a plan to lure developers to the platform by offering free storage and transfers under the Azure Small Compute plan.

Launched in 2009, Azure has been Microsoft's entry into the infrastructure-as-a-service space. The platform was given an overhaul in 2010 and was later part of a managerial shift earlier this year.