Grab your free Windows Azure account and get some hands-on time with Windows Azure via two great opportunities, one you can attend in person and one you can attend in your pajamas (read: on-line).

Cloud OS Signature Event Series

Windows Azure Hands-on Labs Online

Cloud OS Signature Event Series

The Cloud OS Signature Event Series is a free one-day launch event being held at sixteen cities across the United States during September and October. The series includes three separate tracks

• IT Executives will find out how Windows Server 2012, Windows Azure and Systems Center 2012 can streamline and simplify their IT operations management.
• IT Professionals will learn about the enhancements to Windows Server 2012 (including virtualization and storage) and have the opportunity to work with Windows Azure Virtual Machines, the new Infrastructure-as-a-Service offering.
• Developers will get a tour of Windows Azure capabilities with hands-on exercises every step of the way – Cloud Services, SQL Database, Virtual Machines, Access Control Service, and Service Bus.

Locations appear below, and you can register for any one of the three tracks; I’ll be at the New York City and Boston events presenting in the Developer track and hope to see some of you there!

Windows Azure Hands-on Labs Online

Reach the cloud from the comfort of your home or office by tuning into the Windows Azure Hands-On Labs Online series. Microsoft Technical Evangelists will present and proctor on-line labs that you can work through via Virtual Machines that have already been all set up with the necessary software and materials. You will, however, need your own Windows Azure account. If you don’t already have one, you can get a 90-day free, no-risk trial account within minutes.

Be sure to register ahead of time for each of the labs since space is limited: