Fujitsu Launches Microsoft Windows Azure Cloud Middleware

Fujitsu is extending its commitment to the Microsoft Windows Azure platform-as-a-service (PaaS) cloud with the launch of new middleware designed to bring Java and COBOL to Redmond’s SaaS ISV partners. The offering is designed to easily enable enterprises to deploy legacy mission-critical on-premises applications in Microsoft’s cloud.

The new cloud products will be available in the Windows Azure Marketplace app store, and plays an important role in building Fujitsu’s overall middleware business, according to the press release. Right now, the Azure application scene mostly consists of Visual C# or Visual Basic .NET applications — but by extending application runtime environments to Windows Azure, Fujitsu is banking on making the platform much more attractive for enterprise developers.

Here’s the skinny on the four new products, taken directly from Fujitsu’s press release:

The guest operating system for the entire new line of middleware is Windows Azure Guest OS, which supports Windows Azure SKD 1.4. The middleware is compatible with both Microsoft Windows Azure and the Fujitsu Global Cloud Platform Powered by Windows Azure.

Fujitsu remains a major partner in Microsoft’s quest for cloud domination, receiving at least one onstage shout-out during the keynote sessions at July’s Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2011. I have a strong feeling this isn’t the last we’ve heard from Fujitsu about deepening its ties with Microsoft Windows Azure, so stay tuned.