Microsoft has launched the Preview Release of Windows Azure Mobile Services which it says will allow app developers to connect Windows 8 apps to a cloud backend hosted in Windows Azure and easily store structured data, authenticate users, and send push notifications.
“Mobile Services is the perfect partner for modern mobile apps because it reduces the friction associated with repeated common tasks as well as accelerates development and deployment,” Microsoft Azure’s Krill Gavryluk said in the Windows Azure blog.
“We’ll provide the backend you need so that you can deliver the experience your customers want.
“The ease and speed of developing with Mobile Services makes it ideal for when you want to get the next great idea to market as soon as possible.”
Gavryluk said that subsequent preview releases will extend support to iOS, Android, and Windows Phone.