Windows Azure : marketplace,

Guest Post: Getting Started with New Relic on Windows Azure

Himanshu_Singh — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 16:18:00 GMT

Editor’s Note: Today’s guest post comes from Nick Floyd, Senior Engineer at New Relic, which provides all-in-one web application performance tool that lets companies see performance from the end user experience, through servers, and down to the line of application code.

At New Relic, we’ve always been interested in helping organizations and developers make great apps that perform ridiculously well. And developers who use Windows Azure with New Relic can make great, easy to deploy apps and have ‘x-ray’ vision into what those apps are doing.

So, what are some of the questions these technologies are trying to solve? Given that our applications behave more like ecosystems, we as developers need tools to help us create, maintain and manage those ecosystems. Windows Azure and the New Relic agent are two perfect tools to do just that. Below I talk about how you can begin using New Relic on Windows Azure, as well as go over why you would want to use this technology to better understand what your software is doing in that environment.

Simple To Set Up & Use
It’s incredibly simple to set up New Relic to begin monitoring your applications:

Login to your Windows Azure account and go to the Windows Azure Marketplace.
Click Sign Up and fill out the form to create your New Relic account.
Go to http://nuget.org/packages/NewRelicWindowsAzure.
Install the nuget-package “Install-Package NewRelicWindowsAzure”.
When prompted, key in the license key you received after the install.
Deploy your application with the New Relic agent to your Windows Azure instance.
Go to rpm.newrelic.com and login to see the new metrics for your Windows Azure application.

You can also watch me walk through the process in this video:

How Does the New Relic Agent Work?
The .NET Common Language Runtime (CLR) is responsible for loading .NET assemblies into memory. The assemblies are composed of the Microsoft Intermediate Language (MSIL), a processor-independent format. When the CLR loads an assembly, it calls a Just-In-Time (JIT) compiler to build the MSIL bytes into native-code instructions (e.g., 80×86 instructions which are then executed by the CPU).

Code run by the CLR is considered ‘managed’ code, i.e., the CLR provides a managed environment in which memory object garbage collection and other services are ‘managed’ by the CLR. The Profiler API provides a mechanism for a profiler, such as the New Relic .NET agent, to inject code into whatever managed-code functions it desires. These injected bytes are in the form of MSIL, the .NET assembly language.

The point in time at which a method is ‘instrumented’ with our MSIL byte code is just prior to when the JIT compiler compiles the byte code into native instructions. The bytecode injection only occurs once for each assembly and is cached by the CLR.

Once the application is instrumented this way, the agent communicates periodically with something we call the collector. The collector sends metric and error data to it based on rules and configurations that are setup when installing the New Relic agent.

For Real User Monitoring (RUM), the application communicates with a New Relic application called the beacon through the use of Javascript.

New Relic Measures Your User’s Real Experience
One of the biggest challenges we have as developers is to answer the question: How do I know what my user’s experience is like? We know how the app performs locally and we have our own experience in production.

Having a tool to tell you how your users are experiencing your app and where they are experiencing it from is ideal for avoiding user frustration and optimizing your infrastructure. New Relic’s RUM feature helps you see what your users are experiencing from your server’s metal to your user’s web browser. You can even see geographically where the requests are coming from so that you can make better decisions about how to geographically disperse your Windows Azure instances.

New Relic Helps You Find Performance Problems Easily
There is always that one transaction, database query, a missing index or n+1 that can bring a server down or hurt performance across the board in our applications. The good thing is that a cloud service, like Windows Azure, let’s us spin up new instances based on demand and usage.

However when bad code gets out into production, we want to find it and fix it fast. New Relic allows you to dig into queries via explain plans or find a bad iteration right away once your application is instrumented. You can even do transaction traces on specific pages in your application to find out if database queries are needlessly being called.

New Relic Notifies You Before Things Go Down
One of the most compelling aspects of the cloud models Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is that for the most part it is available from almost anywhere. Even when your software is down, generally these external services will be up.

Windows Azure provides a nice service dashboard that you can subscribe to via RSS that lets you know the health status of Windows Azure. But what if you wanted to know how healthy your application is or if it is ‘reachable’ from the outside? New Relic offers configurable notifications that can be used to let developers and sysadmins know if the site is ‘available’ to outside users, Apdex scores which help them understand user satisfaction, and error alert thresholds to tell them how ‘healthy’ the app is when used.

New Relic Reports on SLA and Scalability
Sometimes as developers we need to provide details on uptime, app performance, how many requests are being made to and through our software, and so on. These things are often used to inform the business on “how the site is doing,” or if “we are getting a good return on the investment we’ve made in the software we provide”.

Developers and infrastructure specialists are also concerned with scalability and sustainability. Often times we need to plan for expenses related to spinning up new nodes. Windows Azure gives us the tools to answer many of our scalability needs and even helps us monitor our logs and data stores.

As far as delivering SLA reporting and analysis tools, New Relic provides a wealth of information easily so that you can provide it to the business or schedule when to spin up new nodes in your Windows Azure cloud to meet customer demand.

I could go on and on about how these services have helped me and how they can help you, but I recommend you just try them for yourself.

All Windows Azure customers can get New Relic Standard for free, so now is the perfect time for you to try it out.

Windows Azure Marketplace Update: New Features, Availability in 12 New Countries

Peter Horsman — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 17:00:00 GMT

We are excited to announce the latest update to Windows Azure Marketplace, which brings some exciting new features, and commercial availability to 12 new countries. Now ISVs in 38 countries can benefit from the Windows Azure Marketplace.

New Features

Integration of a self-publish app catalog in the Seller Dashboard,
Availability of the Bing API exclusively through the Marketplace,
Expanded offers through the introduction of Sample Data, and
Integration of PowerPivot.

New Countries

Currently, the Windows Azure Marketplace serves approximately 50,000 users and more than 70,000 subscriptions.

The new release expands commercial availability to the following countries: Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Greece, Israel, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Peru, Romania, South Korea, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Seller Dashboard Integration

Now ISVs can self-publish catalog apps through the Seller Dashboard. This more direct approach improves ease of use and supports faster time-to market for your apps.

Exclusive Availability of Bing API

We recently made the Bing API available through the Marketplace, and already there are thousands of users generating millions of transactions. Beginning 1 August 2012, Windows Azure Marketplace will be the only way to access the Bing API. Currently all Bing API offers include a free trial amount of 5,000 transactions to help you get started.

Introducing Sample Data

New functionality has been enabled that allows all Anonymous and Authenticated users to see Sample Data for selected data offers.

Sample data is a small subset of data that is being offered as published through the Marketplace. The purpose is to give you better insight into the shape and meaning of data offers, and to reduce the number of steps needed to get meaningful data views. It also gives publishers a great new way to promote and advertise their data.

Sample Data is available from the catalog and details pages of these offers:

PowerPivot Makes BI Stronger

Microsoft Office has launched the Public Preview of Excel 2013! For the Windows Azure Marketplace this means new PowerPivot integration that a broad range of customers are sure to find very appealing to serve their Business Intelligence needs. Find a data set, build a query, pull it in and add the power of World Data to PowerPivot!

Make the most of this update! Explore the Windows Azure Marketplace and take advantage of these great new features.

- by Peter Horsman, Sr. Partner & Channel Marketing Manager, Windows Azure Marketplace

Available Now: Windows Azure Marketplace Content & Tools Update

Windows Azure Team — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 20:11:00 GMT

We are very excited today to announce our latest content release, which makes some great new data available on the Windows Azure Marketplace, as well as the release of our new Offer Submission page!

Are you looking to publish your application or data on the Marketplace? Check out https://marketplace.windowsazure.com/publishing for all the information you need including samples, documentation and to access the new Offer Submission page!

Also available today is BranchInfo™ 2011 from our friends at RPM Consulting. BranchInfo 2011 is a historical database of every bank branch location in the U.S, containing branch level information carefully address-matched and geocoded by institution and site across a 5 year timeframe. This allows analysts to focus on current office locations, and the capability to trace and project the development and ownership of branches over time. Users can also drill down into one mile trade areas for each branch, to determine deposits and share, market potential, and competition.

RPM Consulting has also just released MarketBank™ 2011, providing estimated usage and balances of financial products and services among America’s households. Data are provided at the block group level, and aggregated to branch trade areas and other standard and custom business and community geographies. Estimates are based upon a proprietary model utilizing data from the Federal Reserve Bank’s Survey of Consumer Finances, and other industry data to market populations as defined by ESRI 2010/2015 Updated Demographics.

The Windows Azure Marketplace Team

Real World Windows Azure: Interview with Mandeep Khera, Chief Marketing Officer at Cenzic

Windows Azure Team — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 21:00:00 GMT

MSDN: Tell us about Cenzic and the solutions you offer.

Khera: Business and governments increasingly rely on Web-based applications to interact with their customers and partners. These Web applications may contain many security vulnerabilities, which makes them ideal targets for attacks. As the only stand-alone provider of dynamic, black box testing of Web applications, Cenzic addresses these security risks head on by detecting vulnerabilities for remediation in order to stay ahead of the hacker curve with software, managed services, and cloud products to protect Websites against hacker attacks.

MSDN: Could you give us more details on the ClickToSecure Cloud solution?

Khera: 80 % of hacks happen through websites and there are more than 250 million websites out there. With ClickToSecure cloud, any business - even a small mom and pop shop - can get an application security vulnerability assessment service and easily run a scan (similar to anti-virus scan on the desktop) to find out where their security vulnerabilities are, along with detailed remediation information. This report can then be sent to developers so they can fix these security holes. Some of our packages even help companies get compliant with regulatory and other standards, such as PCI 6.6, OWASP etc.

Cenzic ClickToSecure Cloud also allows Windows Azure users to test all of their Web applications built on Windows Azure for application vulnerabilities. This testing can be done in a few minutes or hours, depending on the size and complexity of the application and type of assessment running. Built on Microsoft technologies, Cenzic ClickToSecure will be available through the Microsoft Azure Marketplace soon.

MSDN: What are the key benefits for Windows Azure customers?

Khera: One of the issues developers face is that as they develop Web applications, they are not able to find their security defects in the code before deployment. And once that application is deployed, any security vulnerabilities make the application – and its users - susceptible to attacks..Cenzic ClickToSecure Cloud solution enables customers to test Web applications built on Windows Azure for security vulnerabilities before putting them into production.

Please click below to watch a demo: (Please visit the site to view this video).

MSDN: Is this solution available to the public right now?

Khera: Yes, click here to learn more. As a special incentive, we are offering special pricing to all Windows Azure customers with a 20% discount off our list price. The first 500 people to sign up will also get a free HealthCheck scan.

Please visit the Cenzic website for more information.

Announced at WPC11: Windows Azure Marketplace Powers SQL Server Codename “Denali” to Deliver Data Quality Services

Windows Azure Team — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:05:00 GMT

Yesterday at WPC11 in Los Angeles, we announced CTP 3 of SQL Server Codename “Denali”, which includes a key new feature called Data Quality Services. Data Quality Services enables customers to cleanse their existing data stored in SQL databases, such as customer data stored in CRM systems that may contain inaccuracies created due to human error.

Data Quality Services leverages Windows Azure Marketplace to access real-time data cleansing services from leading providers, such as Melissa Data, Digital Trowel, Loqate and CDYNE Corp. Here’s what they have to say about Windows Azure Marketplace and today’s announcement:

Loqate

“Technology that works seamlessly is what customers expect today", said Martin Turvey, CEO and president of Loqate. “Loqate provides global address verification that provides that seamless integration across 240 countries. Our new agreement with Microsoft to provide Loqate products and services through the Windows Azure Marketplace enables our joint customers to easily access our industry-leading technology. The integration with Windows SQL Server makes achieving the business benefits of accurate address verification and global geocoding quicker, faster, and easier.”

CDYNE Corp.

“Instead of requiring our customers to connect to CDYNE data services from scratch which can take days, Microsoft has made it easy for everyone by including the ability to use Data Quality services right from within SQL Server leveraging Windows Azure Marketplace", said William Chenoweth vice president of Marketing and Sales, CDYNE Corporation.

Digital Trowel

“These are valuable services that update and enhance customer and prospect data using Digital Trowel’s award-winning information extraction, identity resolution and semantic technology. The breadth, depth and accuracy of Digital Trowel’s data goes well beyond what is currently available in the market”, said Digital Trowel CEO Doron Cohen. “Easy access to these powerful services is made directly from SQL Server Data Quality Services, and also through the Windows Azure Marketplace."

Melissa Data

"We’re proud to be a part of Microsoft’s Windows Azure Marketplace,” said Bud Walker, director of data quality solutions for Melissa Data. “Now data stewards can initiate powerful address verification, standardization and correction routines with a few clicks of the mouse.”

Just Announced: Windows Azure Marketplace Expands Application Selling Capabilities In US Markets

Windows Azure Team — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 16:15:00 GMT

Launched last November, the Windows Azure Marketplace is an online marketplace for developers to share, find, buy and sell building block components, training, service templates, premium data sets plus finished services and applications needed to build Windows Azure applications. Today at WPC 2011 in Los Angeles, we are pleased to announce that we have expanded the capability of the marketplace to sell finished applications built on Windows Azure in US markets. As of today, we now have 578 offerings in the Marketplace and we will expand to additional geographies in the coming months.

Benefits of the Windows Azure Marketplace include:

Global Reach: Windows Azure Marketplace provides a destination in cloud for Windows Azure based partner’s applications. This will make it easy for customers and partners to find various types of applications. Windows Azure Marketplace has pre-built integration with Office, SQL Server, Bing which enables information Workers to find Data and services from applications they use everyday.
Premium Experiences: Windows Azure Marketplace is a curated marketplace for applications and data by trusted Microsoft partners. It provides easy interface to discover, subscribe and purchase applications and datasets.
Secure Platform: Windows Azure Marketplace is built on secure commerce platform with integrated billing and reporting. It also provides consistent, flexible and context optimized APIs to access data and web services.

Click here to read the full press release to learn more about this announcement.

Click here to explore Windows Azure Marketplace and click here to learn more on how to get involved with the Windows Azure Marketplace.

Windows Azure Sessions Not To Miss at WPC11 Next Week

Windows Azure Team — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 22:04:00 GMT

If you’re still putting the final touches on your schedule for WPC11 next week in Los Angeles, here are four sessions you won’t want to miss. Each of these sessions will focus on the latest Windows Azure news and opportunities for partners. All times PDT. Note: session locations are subject to change; please check onsite for any room changes.

What’s New on Windows Azure (SC06)
Tuesday, July 12 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Room 502A, Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC)
Speakers: Devesh Satyavolu, Doug Hauger, Prashant Ketkar
Find out the latest news about cloud computing and Windows Azure. Learn about our profitability models, hear from partners who have grown their business in the cloud and get the latest information on new offers, product roadmap, partner programs and incentives to begin utilizing the cloud to your benefit.

Cloud Ascent: Learn How to Evolve Your SI Business with Windows Azure (CLD07)
Tuesday, July 12 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Room 502B, LACC
Speakers: Amanda Mesler, Bertrand Masson, Carolina Uzcategui, Niraj Nagrani, Tilak Yalamanchili
Learn how you can make your cloud based practice more profitable while enhancing your value and offerings to your customers. During this session several systems integrator partners will share their first hand experiences with Windows Azure and how their customers have benefited from getting on the cloud.

Grow Your Business with Windows Azure Marketplace (AP13)
Tuesday, July 12 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Room 153AB, LACC
Speaker(s): Niraj Nagrani, Sudhir Hasbe
This session will describe how ISVs and Data Providers can leverage Windows Azure Marketplace to grow their business and how other ISVS are participating in Windows Azure Marketplace to drive new business.

Websites and Profitability in the Cloud with Windows Azure (CLD10)
Tuesday, July 12 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Room 502B, LACC Speaker(s): Devesh Satyavolu, Mark Stephens, Shaun Walker, Vince Mayfield
In this session, the Windows Azure team will talk about how to build a profitable cloud based business that provides highly scalable, fast, rich web experiences. Hear directly from our partners who have launched sites on Windows Azure and how they’ve used the cloud to transform their business and pass on the benefits to their customers.

Click here to learn more about WPC11. Can’t make it to the conference? Then be sure to check out “MPN Live from WPC11” – a Roundtable Live Stream Talk Show Web Series, on Location from the MPN Booth in the Solution Innovation Center.

Love Baseball? Check Out The MLB Head-to-Head Stats Dashboard On Windows Azure DataMarket

Windows Azure Team — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 16:15:00 GMT

Are you a baseball fan? Would you like to know the best Major League Baseball (MLB) players right now or compare real-time stats for two MLB teams head-to-head? What if you could see it all in a real-time dashboard for free? Sound Good? Then we have great news for you: welcome to the MLB Head-to-Head Stats Dashboard!

The MLB Head-to-Head Stats Dashboard is built on Windows Azure and the STATS.com datasets available on the Windows Azure Marketplace DataMarket, The dashboard allows you to compare MLB player performance and see stats and insights about the current season -- all in real-time. Information is continually updated with the latest game data so the dashboard always shows the latest statistics. A free trial mode is available that enables you to compare two MLB teams; a full STATS account will allow you to compare head-to-head stats of all MLB players.

Click here to learn more and sign up for your free trial.

MSDN Webcast June 14, 2011: Using Windows Azure DataMarket to Explore the Power of Local Weather

Windows Azure Team — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 15:32:00 GMT

Streamlined access to local weather information promises to empower product development ranging from consumer experience such as www.myweather.com, which provides real-time radar and a seamless worldwide satellite sector, to complex machine learning algorithms. If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, don’t miss the upcoming webcast, “Using Windows Azure DataMarket to Explore the Power of Local Weather”, which will take place Tuesday, June 14, 2011 8:00-9:00 am, PDT.

During this webcast, presenters Weather Central Dr. of Business Development Ben Zimmerman and Microsoft Program Manager Elisa Flasko will explore how you can use local weather data to create compelling applications and revolutionize business intelligence. This session will also focus on Weather Central’s differentiating science, the ease of data integration offered through Windows Azure Marketplace DataMarket, and share several use case applications.

Click here to learn more and to register.

DataMarket Bing Map App

Windows Azure Team — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 18:50:00 GMT

Today we are very excited to announce, in partnership with OnTerra Systems, the launch of the new Windows Azure Marketplace DataMarket map application in the Bing Map App Gallery.

The application allows you to use your existing DataMarket subscription to access and visualize layers of geospatial DataMarket data on Bing Maps. If latitude and longitude don’t exist in the data offer, then the Bing Maps geocoder will geocode on the fly.

Don’t have a Windows Azure Marketplace DataMarket account yet? Click here to learn more and sign up.

-The DataMarket Team