Microsoft has recently announced it's new software, Azure, which is based on "cloud computing". It's basically their shot at Google Apps which also lets users build online services and websites. Cloud computing is a growing trend wherein programs are hosted online as services. Google has a variety of online services such as Blogger, Google Docs, and Google Sites.

Microsoft's chief software architect says, "managing Microsoft's own Web sites and Web-based programs has made the company adept at anticipating Web traffic spikes and knowing when to ramp up some computers and dial down others".

Anticipating web traffic? Oh-kaay, it's not like you've been getting much traffic lately.